Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident proposes 'Freedom Rock' at courthouse corner; commissioners ask for design review
Summary
A Chanute-area resident asked the Neosho County commissioners for permission to site and paint a patriotic 'Freedom Rock' on county property adjacent to the courthouse; commissioners said they would review a proposed design and consider a land-use agreement.
Steve Ritchie, identifying himself as a local resident, asked the Neosho County Board of Commissioners on May 20 to allow a painted “Freedom Rock” on county property north of the county memorial at the courthouse.
Ritchie described the project as modeled on a decorated boulder near Des Moines, Iowa, that is repainted annually. “We'd like to do the same thing here in Erie,” he said, adding that Kansas currently has no Freedom Rock and that the group has pledges totaling roughly $15,000 to $20,000 for the project.
The request was presented during the meeting's public-comment period. Commissioners responded that they were open to the idea but wanted to see the proposed imagery and a written agreement before granting permission. Commissioner comments repeated a concern about being able to review what would be painted: “So are you asking for any donation from us or just a commitment?” one commissioner asked; Ritchie replied he only wanted the board to consider the request and that he would return June 3 with follow-up materials.
Commissioners suggested that Ritchie and the organizers provide a written proposal naming the desired rock, a drawing or mock-up of the mural, and a proposed site plan. One commissioner told Ritchie the county could review and approve the design before the artist begins work and asked that any agreement address maintenance and lodging arrangements for the painter.
No formal vote was taken at the meeting. Commissioners directed staff to add the item to a future agenda for a decision after the organizers submit the proposed design and a written agreement.
Ritchie said the group would need roughly $2,000 to reserve a spot in the painter’s schedule and that the painter typically stays on-site for about 10 days to two weeks to complete the work.
