Commission approves moving forward with Columbus Avenue public-art RFQ process

The Sandusky commission reviewed and endorsed a draft request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire consultants to lead public engagement and design for public art along Columbus Avenue.

A staff member outlined the RFQ scope: consultants would run two public workshops, present twice to the commission, prepare a design brief that catalogs the public engagement findings, and propose an action strategy to market the design brief to attract established public-art creators. “We would ask them to do two public workshops, two presentations to this commission,” the staff member said.

Staff described a qualifications-driven selection process: consultants will submit qualifications and a draft scope, staff and potentially commission representatives will score submissions, and the top-scoring team will be negotiated with; if an acceptable contract cannot be reached, staff will proceed to the next-ranked firm. Staff proposed including commission members on the selection panel (suggested: Brian Stanley and Robin Lloyd).

Staff proposed an immediate RFQ posting with an deadlines timeline: questions due April 1, proposals due April 20, interviews if needed in May, and a selection presentation to the commission in June. Staff said the goal is to complete the commissioned public-art project by the end of 2026 and that the public engagement phase might be scheduled for late summer or fall to avoid launching during back-to-school season.

Commission members encouraged broad outreach to ensure the RFQ reaches firms with relevant experience; staff said she will distribute the RFQ through the city’s consultant list, her outreach list of artists and firms, and invited commissioners to share the posting within their networks.

No formal contract award was made at the meeting; staff will post the RFQ and return with selection materials per the proposed timeline.