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Commission authorizes contract talks for centennial murals at Fire Station 102 and Leo Rob Gymnasium
Summary
Deerfield Beach commissioners approved the public art committee's rankings and authorized staff to negotiate contracts with two artists to produce centennial murals at Fire Station 102 and the Leo Rob Gymnasium, directing further refinement with the public art committee.
The Deerfield Beach City Commission on June 3 authorized staff to negotiate contracts with two muralists recommended by the public art committee for centennial murals at Fire Station 102 and the Leo Rob Gymnasium.
The approval follows a city-funded centennial project and a call for artists that drew nearly 400 submissions. Eric Power, director of plan development services, said roughly 200 submissions were incomplete or did not meet requirements and that the public art committee vetted and ranked finalists before recommending two artists: Michael Ferrell for the Fire Station 102 metal building and Oliver Cristomo for the Leo Rob Gymnasium wall.
Power told commissioners the selections are not final artworks but preliminary renderings submitted as part of the application process. "This is not the final murals," Power said, adding that the selected artists will return with refined designs after further review by the public art committee. Commissioners emphasized centennial and community themes; Vice Mayor Todd Preston asked staff to include sawgrass or seagrass imagery on the Fire Station 102 piece.
Commissioner John Plaut asked about weather and vandal protection; Power said the application required artists to specify coatings and other protective measures to limit weather damage and graffiti. Commissioner Mary Hudak urged inclusion of local history and athletic heritage in the gymnasium mural; Felicia Portier, a member of the public, asked that imagery from Westside Park and local athletes be considered because the gym serves that neighborhood.
Public commenter Joe Cummings urged the commission to prioritize durable, low-maintenance installations and suggested exploring long-lasting sculpture or gateway features for other locations.
The motion to 'approve the committee rankings and authorize staff to negotiate contracts with the two recommended artists' was made by Commissioner Hudak, seconded by Commissioner Shanetzky, and passed unanimously. Power said the mural expenditures were included in the centennial budget previously approved by the commission; no new budget appropriation was requested at the meeting.
Staff will finalize contract language, including protective coatings and maintenance provisions, and return as required for contract execution and subsequent permit approvals.
