Commission forms subcommittee after Lapeer mural design vote fails; $12,000 MSHDA grant central to dispute

The Lapeer City Commission debated a Downtown Development Authority mural proposal on Aug. 4 and declined to approve the design as presented, then voted to form a subcommittee to finalize the artwork concept and location. The discussion centered on aesthetics, representativeness and the grant timetable for a $12,000 Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) public-amenity grant.

The commission considered a mural proposed for the pocket park and rear of the Picks Theater. Several commissioners said they supported public art but questioned the current design, saying the human figure felt mismatched with local identity. Commissioner Petrie said the work did not clearly represent the Picks Theater or the city and that she feared residents would ask, “Who is that?” Commissioner Jill Glisman, who holds a degree in fine arts, said the mural technique was strong but did not reflect the “heart and soul” of Lapeer.

Other commissioners urged deference to the appointed DDA and its placemaking committee. Commissioner Howell said the city’s role is to set policy and approve funding and that final design decisions typically rest with appointed boards and staff. The DDA’s representative and staff said the DDA reviewed several renditions and that the proposal was intended to capture film and musical history at the site.

Shelley, the city grant administrator, explained the MSHDA award was a public-amenity grant that runs through the end of the fiscal year; altering the use would require a change request to the grantor. “If we don't use this money towards that, then we have to go back to the funding source and say, we want to do this for something else,” she said.

A motion to approve the mural as presented failed on a roll call (several commissioners voted no). Commissioners then passed a motion, made by Commissioner Brady and supported by Commissioner Klissima, to form a subcommittee to work with the DDA and staff to finalize artwork concept and location; that motion carried.

Next steps: The appointed subcommittee will meet with DDA staff, the artist and stakeholders to produce a revised design and confirm location and schedule. Staff cautioned that weather and seasonal constraints make September–October the most likely ideal painting window, though the grant's spending deadline extends through the fiscal year (June 30). The DDA may pursue alternative fundraising if the commission requests changes that raise costs.