Council approves James A. Garfield bronze statue contract and advances funds to cover costs

The Mentor City Council on Jan. 20 approved Ordinance 26-004 to contract for a 7-foot bronze statue of President James A. Garfield and separately approved Ordinance 26-005 to advance funds and revise appropriations to cover the statue and other near-term projects.

City staff said the contract would be awarded to Cooper Mill Bronze Works Limited and that sculptor Colin Cottrell will produce the piece. "He's a world-renowned artist. He has done over 400 large statues. He's done 19 presidents," the presenter said, noting Cottrell's previous work and the goal of having the statue placed before July 4 as part of the community's 250th-anniversary activities.

Council discussion and staff presentation emphasized cost coverage and associated site elements. Mr. Agoncic told council the appropriation adjustment covers costs for the Garfield statue work as well as potential expenses for lighting or benches; the ordinance also advances funds to a traffic signal upgrade fund and the Blossom Storm Sewer Fund because those projects are ready to move forward.

Council suspended the rules where necessary and approved both ordinances by unanimous roll call. Ben Sackton identified himself during the budget item and moved approval for the appropriations ordinance; the roll call recorded unanimous support.

No dollar amount for the statue contract was stated on the record at the meeting; council directed staff to proceed with contract execution and appropriation adjustments. The appropriation ordinance ties funding for the statue to additional capital work the city plans to advance.

Next steps include executing the statue contract with Cooper Mill Bronze Works and implementing the appropriation changes to fund the statue and the signal/sewer projects.