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Committee approves draft Freeman Alley murals RFP, asks staff to tighten material and mounting requirements
Summary
The Waukesha City committee approved a draft request for proposals for three Freeman Alley murals and directed staff to add minimum material specifications, mounting guidance and examples before soliciting applications; the projects will be funded in part by a grant and CDBG funds.
The Waukesha City Arts Committee approved a draft request for proposals for three Freeman Alley murals and directed staff to clarify materials and installation requirements before the solicitation is issued.
Staff outlined the draft RFP and said it would solicit proposals for three of the seven planned murals, with applicants able to apply for one or multiple pieces. The RFP lists locations and dimensions for the murals, asks for timelines and installation-cost estimates and tentatively set Aug. 1 as a submission date, with proposal review planned for the September meeting. Staff noted funding comes from a grant and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars and said federal timing may shift some activity into 2026.
The committee pressed staff on durability and mounting details. "That was what was recommended by the TKWA," a staff member said in reference to a 3-millimeter composite panel specified in the draft; committee members asked that the RFP require applicants to describe how panels would be mounted and provide links to acceptable materials. One member said materials must be exterior-grade and suggested specifying a resin-base board; staff agreed to add a minimum thickness and an exterior/resin-base requirement.
Members also raised concerns about mounting on historic masonry and asked that the RFP require applicants to explain installation methods and property-owner consent. "We could put in the application to tell us how you're going to mount it so that we can decide," the staff member said. Committee members recommended including examples of previously completed and installed projects so reviewers can assess proposed methods.
After discussion, a committee member moved to accept the RFP with the recommended changes; the Chair seconded and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Staff said it will revise the draft to include minimum material specifications, installation examples and mounting guidance and will circulate the revised RFP by email for committee review.
Next steps: staff will circulate the revised draft, solicit proposals under the updated specifications, and compile submissions for committee review at an upcoming meeting (staff indicated September as the next target for compiled proposals).
