Arts commission approves $40,000 for Red‑tailed Hawk sculpture, selects non‑taloned design and directs staff on siting

The Oroville Arts Commission voted to recommend purchasing a Red‑tailed Hawk sculpture for $40,000, approved the non‑taloned design as the preferred rendering and asked staff to approach the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) about siting the piece; if BCOE declines, commissioners directed staff to pursue Centennial Park or other downtown/levee locations.

Commissioners discussed safety and photo‑op considerations, noting the version without talons would be less menacing and safer for people taking pictures near the sculpture. Commissioner David Tomori said he supported the non‑taloned option, saying, "I just thought it would be safer without talons." Commissioners also discussed lighting, pedestal/step design to allow people to pose with the sculpture and potential historic‑commission review for downtown locations.

Members reviewed the project budget and the artist’s offer. Commissioners said the $40,000 figure reflected a new commission or relocation fee and that the proposed piece was already fabricated in some form; commissioners noted that an artist was offering to find a permanent home to avoid moving the work from its current location. The commission authorized staff to approach BCOE as the preferred location and to pursue alternatives including Centennial Park, a levee overlook or the hatchery area (which would require DWR or other landowner approval).

A motion to approve the $40,000 expenditure, select the non‑taloned design and approach BCOE passed; the meeting record shows the motion passed with all in favor. Commissioners instructed staff to return with confirmed siting and any required drawings, and to prepare items for city council approval of expenditures if needed.