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Homestead council backs utility‑box art pilot; $65,000 estimate, 50 wraps proposed
Summary
Council discussed a proposal to wrap large underground electrical utility boxes with vinyl artwork funded largely by Art in Public Places funds; staff estimated about $65,000 total cost and a goal to wrap roughly 50 boxes by the end of the fiscal year.
The City of Homestead on June 10 discussed a proposed Art in Public Places project to wrap large electric utility boxes with vinyl artwork as a beautification measure. The council provided direction to proceed with vendor outreach and return with final designs and a procurement recommendation.
The city presentation, led by Barbara Kinonis, director of Homestead Public Utilities, described the wraps as anti‑graffiti and UV‑resistant vinyl coverings that have been used in other Florida municipalities. Kinonis said HPS Energy will use Art in Public Places funds to pay for much of the project and that HPS Energy would contribute additional funds. Staff estimated fabrication, printing and installation at about $40,000 and design and artist coordination at about $25,000 (total roughly $65,000). The presentation targeted boxes located on main thoroughfares where electrical facilities are underground and noted a higher concentration of boxes on the city’s East Side.
Council members suggested refinements: Councilwoman Bailey recommended prioritizing local artists and student participation where feasible; Vice Mayor Fletcher and others asked about expanding to traffic-control cabinets and third‑party utility cabinets in the future; Councilman Roth urged flexibility so wraps can be interchanged for anniversaries and major events. Staff flagged legal issues to resolve (copyright/licensing) and said the city attorney will provide guidance; staff also noted that FDOT-owned cabinets would require separate agreements.
Staff stated a project schedule to engage vendors, develop designs with artists, coordinate logistics through HPS Energy and seek council approval of actual designs and an award of agreement. The goal is to have roughly 50 boxes wrapped by the end of the fiscal year.
Why it matters: the project uses existing art funds for visible neighborhood beautification, touches public‑facing infrastructure, and will require coordination with utilities and copyright/licensing oversight. Council requested more detailed downtown design options and a larger map for placement and asked staff to return with final designs and a procurement action for approval.
