Council backs Art Village garden plan for a faucet, hears residents push murals and names new preservation commissioner

Council members on May 5 discussed a neighborhood proposal to install a water faucet at the Art Village community garden and directed staff to work with the nonprofit on a license agreement and return with details for formal approval.

Councilmember Linda Moore described the property as city‑owned, approved for passive recreation, and said members of the Art Village have raised beds and equipment but lack a water source. "We're talking about $5,000 or less to put in a faucet in the park," she said, adding that the nonprofit signaled willingness to enter a license agreement to maintain the site. Council asked staff to ensure the faucet is secured, that control of flow and payment for water be addressed in the license, and to return the agreement to council for approval.

During public comment, Barbara Redding said she and other private donors had committed funds to place additional murals on 14th Avenue and urged the council to consider using a portion of code enforcement funds to accelerate beautification and sidewalk work. She said she personally pledged $1,000 toward mural funding. A resident also urged the council to consider using funds when preparing the budget for a third code officer.

On appointments, the council appointed Jacqueline "Jackie" Williams to the Historic Preservation Commission by voice vote after the clerk identified her application as the sole candidate on file.

Council asked staff and the Art Village nonprofit to finalize maintenance terms and return the license agreement for council action; no appropriation was made at this meeting.