Council liaison flags lack of public-art funding detail; golf-course RFQ may include artist-designed mini-golf holes

A City Council liaison told the Public Art Commission on July 21 that the council’s draft budget does not reference the city’s public-art program and that the commission should verify whether a separate public-art fund exists. The liaison said she reviewed the draft budget and that “there isn't reference to public art,” and noted she believed only one project had placed $3,000 into the public-art fund so far. The liaison asked staff to confirm whether the city maintains a separate account for public-art contributions; staff told the commission the fund details appeared in the meeting packet and that the community development director would verify with finance. The liaison also reported on a separate matter related to the proposed golf-course management and financing plan: the draft concept discussed adding nine mini-golf holes designed by local artists as part of a reworked course package. The liaison said the golf-course RFQ would be issued and that an artist-registry could help identify local artists if that portion of the project moves forward. Erica Ramirez, the city’s community development director, said she would check finance records and work with the commission and ad hoc committees on fund-creation or verification. No formal budget action was taken during the meeting; commissioners requested staff follow up to confirm the public-art fund’s status and to coordinate on outreach if the golf-course concept advances.