02-10-2011 PACMCity of Hutchinson — Public Commission
February 10, 2011
3:00 PM City Center
Members Present: Tom Wirt, Terry Kempfert, Jo Willmert, Audrey Hollatz, Dolf Moon, Dan Jochum,
Steve Cook, Lena Mowlem
Guests: Nancy Fasching
Call to Order
1. Additions to agenda.
a. None.
2. Approval of Minutes —November 18, December 16, January 10.
a. Approved Hollatz /Kempfert
Old Business
1. Fire Department Project Update — Lean Mowlem
a. Project is tabled. Fire Department may choose another option.
2. Police Department Project Update — Terry Kempfert /Joey Wilmert
a. We will work with their committee to help choose a site, then decide on what they'd
like to create.
3. Make decisions on SWIF project and next steps
a. SWIF is concerned that they are the right site. Does it fit? Is it too cluttered?
b. SWIF also is concerned that the citizens of Hutchinson realize that this is not a project
of SWIF and they aren't putting money towards this — it will be on their property and is
that okay with the public?
i. The flower could tie in — growth to the region, flowers /plants that represent
Southwest Minnesota, etc.
ii. Additional sites could be created in the region — with different prairie flowers,
etc.
iii. The horse would represent the settling of the region. There are rivers in most
towns. We would like his head slightly turned to look up the river.
c. Actually, the city would own the piece and there would be an easement for the city to
own the locations — but they are concerned about public perception.
d. Pros - It's a very prominent location in the city — it would tie in with our mission of
adding public art. It would be a good addition to the trail area — very visible.
e. Lena felt strongly that we should make a statement — and not be afraid what people
think — and have a piece that makes people go "wow ". Her preference was the
Riverhorse. Several other members indicated they like the "Prairie Flower" design.
f. We will need to raise an amount of money to do the project. There is seed money from
the city, then some funds that were set aside for maintenance and bonding. There is
also the possibility of applying for "Legacy" money.
g. Approximately $35,000 available from various city funding options. ($25,000 seed
money, $15,000 from a bounding fund. $5000 needs to be reserved for maintenance.)
We would see an approx. $20,000 grant from SMAHC. We would need approximately
$55,000 - $100,000 for the project. That is a rough estimate until we get a firm price
from the artists. So — fundraising could be $20,000 or it could be more.
h. SWIF will allow us to host some public art on their site, but not donate money towards
the project. The design needs to tie in to their mission and be representative to the
region.
We all agreed that whatever piece we decide on, we stick with it. We suggest the site
we want it on. If the site doesn't work, find another site — not change our decision.
The commission agreed to recommend going with the "Riverhorse" concept by a vote
of 5 yes, 1 no.
New Business — none at this tim.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:00 PM.
Terry Keinpferl, secretary
Next Meeting: Thursday, March 10 — 3:30 PM at City Center.