Wings of Joy installation moves toward contract, staff targets September installation

Staff told the Oviedo Public Arts Board that procurement for the Wings of Joy installation is progressing and the city is preparing purchasing actions with final vendor estimates.

Wanda said she met with Diane Boswell, procurement manager Scott and purchasing staffer Jaquetta to collect updated estimates from two firms: a fabricator in Canada (identified in the meeting materials as a vendor that will produce the photographic metal panels) and a local firm, Creative Signs, that will handle installation and final assembly. Wanda reported Creative Signs’ estimate decreased because earlier engineering work reduced on‑site labor; the Canadian vendor’s estimate rose slightly but the overall project remained within the board’s working budget. Wanda said staff had asked procurement to prepare purchase orders and that she had asked the vendors to finalize numbers for a contract.

Staff told the board fabrication would take approximately four months; the board is targeting a September installation window and said it wants to avoid summer installation when possible. Wanda said staff is also evaluating site landscaping, irrigation, lighting, permitting and maintenance and is discussing the base design with Paul Belden (maintenance) to limit upkeep needs. She said staff is exploring sponsorship from local partners (Lucas Nursery) to underwrite landscaping and said the board would consider using the tree bank or sidewalk funds to cover related site work.

No formal vote was taken; staff expected to return with a finalized purchasing order or contract once vendor numbers and tariff questions (for the international vendor) were resolved.