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City to negotiate transfer of roundabout sculpture maintenance after $115,000 repair estimate
Summary
City staff told council that the kinetic sculpture at 135th Avenue/171st Street needs roughly $115,000 in off‑site repairs; Wooden Creek Village Associates, the original donor, offered to reassume ownership and maintenance, and council signaled support for that option to avoid unbudgeted expense.
The city reported on March 17 that the kinetic sculpture "In Cloud Light 3" at the 135th Avenue NE roundabout is showing bearing failure and movement‑mechanism wear that requires specialized off‑site repair. An estimate from the conservator Artec put the repair cost at about $115,000, which would require a budget amendment to fund.
Staff noted the donation agreement gave the original donor, Wooden Creek Village Associates (WCVA), the option to reassume ownership if the city no longer wished to maintain the piece. WCVA told staff it would prefer to retake ownership and assume maintenance responsibility while allowing the sculpture to remain in its current location if the council agrees to a new maintenance arrangement.
Council members responded that returning ownership and responsibility to the donor would avoid an unbudgeted capital expense and preserve the sculpture as a landmark in the city; staff said it would draft an agreement for council consideration. There was no formal vote that evening; staff will work with WCVA and legal counsel to produce an agreement for future council action.
Why it matters: The sculpture is a highly visible downtown landmark. Repair and ongoing maintenance of kinetic public art can be costly and specialized; accepting donations of art should include long‑term maintenance considerations to avoid unplanned expenditures.
Next steps: Staff will draft a transfer/maintenance agreement with Wooden Creek Village Associates and return to council for formal approval.
