Tiburon commission advances 'Word on the Street' public-sign art project to site-selection phase

The Heritage and Arts Commission on June 17 voted 4–1 to move artist Scott Freshour’s “Word on the Street” proposal to a more detailed stage of planning, including identifying preferred installation sites and forming an ad hoc committee to work with the artist and Parks, Open Space, and Trails staff.

The proposal calls for 10 to 20 temporary artistic signs, fabricated to Department of Transportation specifications and intended to display short inspirational messages instead of traffic directions. The artist’s written estimate presented to the commission showed price points of about $1,000 per sign for one‑year temporary installations, with startup costs of $5,000 and package pricing of $15,000 (10 signs), $20,000 (15 signs) and $25,000 (20 signs).

Why it matters: The project would place artwork in Tiburon Town parks, open spaces and along the bike path, potentially drawing visitors and encouraging public interaction. Commissioners said the next phase will refine locations, confirm utility clearances and test community receptivity before any final installation or purchase decisions.

Freshour, who joined the meeting by video, described the materials and installation methods he uses and emphasized safety and durability. “The signs are durable. They are fabricated for to Department of Transportation specifications … They withstand the weather and have a graffiti resistant coating on them,” Freshour said. He told the commission his standard anchoring uses 30‑inch posts and that sites must be checked for sprinkler, gas, telecom and water lines; he also said he can mount signs to concrete where needed and that he uses tamper‑proof hardware.

Commissioners asked how the pieces would be sited and whether signs that resemble traffic signage could confuse drivers. Commissioner Noguez expressed concern about potential impacts on the peninsula’s “natural beauty,” saying the region attracts visitors for its unspoiled views and asking for caution about placing signs, especially near waterfront outlooks. Noguez said the idea of many signs spread widely across the peninsula was troubling and urged starting with a smaller test placement.

Several commissioners recommended a staged approach. Commissioner Fong and others said the signs could be grouped in arrays at a single site for greater visual impact or spaced along the bike path and into downtown to encourage discovery; mapping and QR codes were described as part of the artist’s plan to increase discoverability. Commissioner Farrin suggested reversing the order of work so the commission and town obtain site approvals before paying the startup fee; other commissioners said the $5,000 startup expense typically covers the artist’s site reconnaissance and location checks.

The commission’s motion to advance the project—“to identify placement and locations, gauge public interest, and collaborate with Parks, Open Space and Trails, forming an ad hoc to achieve those goals”—was moved by Chair Gupta and seconded; the motion passed 4–1. The ad hoc committee named for the next phase includes Commissioner Fong, Vice Chair Ed Ahmad, and Chair Gupta; Commissioner Noguez recorded the lone vote against advancing the proposal.

Next steps: The ad hoc committee will work with Freshour, coordinate the site reconnaissance that the artist said is part of the startup fee, consult with Parks, Open Space and Trails on utility clearances, and develop a more fine‑tuned proposal — including specific sites and final messages — for the full commission and, later, town council review. Commissioners indicated that public feedback or a small test installation would likely be part of the next phase.

Funding and limitations: Commissioners emphasized that final installation would require town and, where applicable, county approvals for sites not wholly under municipal control. The proposal as presented does not obligate the town to purchase any pieces beyond the startup and temporary installation costs until site approvals, final budgets and any sale or permanent‑installation decisions are made.