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EDC approves $500 trial to paint two TxDOT electrical boxes; artist to donate labor
Summary
The EDC approved up to $500 from its advertising budget to fund materials for a two-box trial painting project on TxDOT-owned electrical boxes; an artist from the community volunteered labor, and board members agreed the city must secure TxDOT approval and accept maintenance responsibilities under the TxDOT agreement.
The Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation on March 25 approved a trial allocation of up to $500 to purchase supplies for painting two TxDOT-owned electrical boxes in a pilot public-art program.
EDC board members described a local artist, identified as Kyle Bro (a Santa Fe High School alumnus and worker at Wolford Cabinet Making), who offered to donate labor if the EDC would reimburse materials. Staff told the board that earlier cost estimates for painting 12 boxes ran as high as $18,000 when performed under a third-party contract, but the volunteer artist estimated materials for one box would likely be far lower; the board approved a $500 allocation to cover two boxes as a trial. The motion directed staff to package the item for city-council consideration because TxDOT requires a formal agreement for painted boxes and the city is responsible for ongoing maintenance and any future removal costs.
Staff noted TxDOT must approve each painted box and that the city would be responsible for maintenance; typical longevity for such paint treatments was described as five to seven years with options to renew. Board members asked that the artist provide a rendition of the proposed artwork before council consideration; staff said they would also seek TxDOT approval and prepare the contract language for council.
Ending: Board members agreed to start with the two-box trial and, depending on community response and confirmed costs, consider expanding to additional boxes later.
