Soledad approves $8,700 city contribution for fire apparatus bay mural funded with county and arts council support

The Soledad City Council voted to authorize a professional-services agreement with the Arts Council for Monterey County to produce a mural on the city27s fire apparatus bay. The total project budget presented by staff was $448,700; the council was asked to approve a city contribution of $8,700 after the city secured a $40,000 grant from Supervisor Chris Lopez27s office and other funding sources.

Staff said the mural will face Bill Ramos Park and will be designed through a public process that includes council input; community input collected during the prior mural phase emphasized multi-generational families, cultural diversity, the city27s agricultural heritage, gateway views to Pinnacles National Park and recognition of public safety personnel. Staff recommended using council input during the design phase rather than separate individual interviews this time.

Priscilla Barba, representing Supervisor Chris Lopez27s office, thanked the council and said the supervisor27s office supports the project. Staff said the Arts Council will coordinate artist selection and public engagement and that the mural will be timed to the planned completion and opening of the new apparatus bay to permit a joint unveiling.

Council members suggested design elements: honoring local first responders, an abstract gateway-to-Pinnacles element, and representation of the city27s multi-cultural and agricultural character. Staff said the $8,700 request will come from the Community and Economic Development professional-services budget and that sufficient funds remain. The resolution to approve the agreement passed unanimously.