Kingsburg BID hears plan for Swedish phone‑booth public‑art project; funding, city permits still needed

Members of the Kingsburg Downtown BID discussed a proposed Swedish phone‑booth public‑art project during the Dec. 2 meeting and asked the presenter to pursue city approvals and funding options.

Cindy Rekier presented site photos and initial cost estimates, saying the project was "a little more costly than we had hoped" but that parts of the installation might be solar powered to avoid hard wiring. She told the board SNS quoted metal framing at $3,500 per unit and that SNS would donate $1,500 toward each unit.

Rekier said she had identified several sites and photographed them for the board’s review. Board members emphasized that many of the proposed locations are in city‑owned flower beds and that the BID needs to consult the City of Kingsburg on ownership, maintenance, and permission before making site selections.

Members discussed funding: one attendee noted a $15,000 microgrant that could cover the project if available and asked whether it required matching funds. A board member cited a recent mural project that cost $18,000 and received $9,000 from the city as an example of how matching might work; Rekier said she would investigate whether the new grant program operates similarly.

The board did not take a formal vote; members asked Rekier to perform follow‑up work, check calendars for city council meetings, and be prepared to present or offer public comment to the council. Rekier said she would continue research and return with more detailed cost breakdowns and coordination with city staff.

The project remains at the planning and funding stage pending city approvals and final cost estimates.