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Council approves contract for giant ice sculpture festival on Barker's Island
Summary
The council approved a professional services agreement with Roger Hansen to build a large ice sculpture on Barker's Island, discussed insurance, water use, cleanup and fundraising, and approved a $15,000 upfront payment under a $30,000 fee.
The City of Superior Common Council approved a professional services agreement with sculptor Roger Hansen to design and build a large ice sculpture on Barker's Island as a signature winter festival attraction.
Park, Recreation and Forestry Director Morgan introduced the proposal and explained the attraction originated from a local leadership class idea to establish a winter signature event. Staff described outreach through the Better City initiative and reported interest from media and possible sponsors.
Roger Hansen, the project contractor from Big Lake, Minnesota, described the technical approach and addressed council questions about water use, cleanup and liability. Hansen said the spray system recirculates water into the bay and that he would remain on site for the project duration and that he would handle demolition: “I do the destroying.” He described options to dismantle the tower, including a winch system and the spray system to deteriorate the structure.
Councilors questioned experience in a municipal setting; Hansen said this would be his first municipal installation but that he had built progressively larger structures previously. He said he plans to train additional people to assist and had potential volunteers in Big Lake, including a retiree named Warren Meyer.
On financial and risk matters staff told the council Hansen had provided a sample insurance certificate and had agreed to indemnify the city and name the city as an additional insured, with coverage terms similar to the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival and the Water Scribe Festival; staff said the policy would provide a $1 million aggregate limit and would be in place before the event. Staff also said the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources indicated the volume of water needed did not meet permitting thresholds.
The contract specified $30,000 in sculptor fees with $15,000 due up front; staff said the city is not obligated to contract for year two or three if the first year is not deemed a success. Staff and councilors discussed how “success” would be measured; staff said they would collect statistics such as donations, social media engagement, referrals and interviews, and that a more specific success metric would be developed if the event continues in future years. The council approved the agreement by voice vote.
