HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2026-02-10_10a Public Art_Centennial PlazaItem 10.a.
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Brian Pedrotti, Director of Community Development
BY: Patrick Holub, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Architectural Review 25-003; Proposal for Public Art Installation on
Public Property; Location – Centennial Park
DATE: February 10, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Adopt a Resolution approving Architectural Review 25 -003 for the installation of a
public art piece at Centennial Park; and
2) Find that this is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301(a) regarding minor
alterations to existing structures.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
Public art, such as statues on public lands, require ongoing minimal monitoring and
maintenance from City staffing resources.
BACKGROUND:
On May 14th, 20241, the City Council adopted Resolution 5358, amending the Public Art
Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program (“the Guidelines”). Under these new
guidelines, all public art projects require review by the Architectural Review Committee
(ARC), which shall make a recommendation to the City Council. The Guidelines outline
information regarding selection criteria, the purpose of the guidelines, and the approval
process.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Project Description
In late 2017, a small gray fox was spotted numerous times in the Village near Centennial
Park. Due to conflicts between human and wildlife activity, the animal was trapped and
euthanized by US Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. In response to the
community’s outpouring of support for the fox and all the City’s wildlife, a group of
1 https://pub-arroyogrande.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10890
Page 123 of 137
Item 10.a.
City Council
Architectural Review 25-003; Proposal for Public Art Installation on Public
Property; Location – Centennial Park
February 10, 2026
Page 2
residents began a fundraising effort in order to create an art piece that could leave a
lasting legacy for the fox known as “Foxy.” In total, ninety-three (93) people contributed
over $9,000 to support the purchase of a bronze statue to be installed in Centennial Park
and mounted on a bronze base for ease of attachment. The location of the statue is
proposed to be placed in the landscape tree planter at the north end of the swinging
bridge and is shown in Attachment 2. Figure 1 below depicts the bronze statue intended
to memorialize the fox.
Figure 1: Intended Bronze Statue
Page 124 of 137
Item 10.a.
City Council
Architectural Review 25-003; Proposal for Public Art Installation on Public
Property; Location – Centennial Park
February 10, 2026
Page 3
Review Process Under Public Art Guidelines
The purpose of the City’s Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program2 is to
establish a framework to facilitate and encourage property owners to provide outdoor
public art. These Guidelines establish the City's goals regarding art that is publicly
displayed and accessible to the public. The City recognizes that art and artistic expression
are protected activities, and these Guidelines are not intended to unduly r estrict creative
expression or limit the types of public art possible. Rather, they are intended to facilitate
and encourage the best possible combination of sites and artwork and help to guide what
is essentially a form of communication between the artist and the community. The
Guidelines include selection criteria, including, but not limited to, evaluation of artistic
excellence, appropriateness of scale, form, materials, ease of maintenance, installation,
and location. In addition to these citywide selection criteria, public art proposed in the D-
2.4 Historic Character Overlay District is also subject to criteria such as an identified
relationship to the social, cultural, and historical identity, the relationship to existing
architectural features, and the nature of the site’s surrounding neighborhood and impact
on residents, businesses, and existing works of art. The proposed statue is within this D-
2.4 Historic Character Overlay District and is therefore subject to this additional criterion.
Staff found that the proposed statue meets all of the criteria in the Guidelines, as reflected
in the Resolution (Attachment 1).
Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
The ARC reviewed the proposal at the meeting on October 20, 20253. The original
proposal reviewed by the ARC would have located the statue atop a pedestal near the
Centennial Park gazebo with a time capsule. The ARC recommended4 approval of the
proposal as submitted. Since the ARC meeting, the applicant has revised the location of
the statue to be within a landscaped planter in Centennial Park, east of the swinging
bridge entrance. Staff is supportive of the new location within the planter, as it is more
representative of where the public interacted with the fox, situates the statue to symbolize
a more natural environment, and allows the statue to stand on its own rather than share
a pedestal and plaque with the time capsule.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the Resolution approving Architectural Review 25-003;
2. Modify and adopt the Resolution approving Architectural Review 25 -003;
3. Do not adopt the Resolution; or
4. Provide other direction to staff.
2 https://www.arroyogrande.org/DocumentCenter/View/1690/Public -Art-Guidelines-and-Donation-Program
3https://pub-arroyogrande.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=70df9677-00c3-43f4-9268-
7795be4a0148&lang=English&Agenda=Agenda&Item=16&Tab=attachments
4 https://pub-arroyogrande.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=16322
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Item 10.a.
City Council
Architectural Review 25-003; Proposal for Public Art Installation on Public
Property; Location – Centennial Park
February 10, 2026
Page 4
ADVANTAGES:
Granting approval of the public art donation will benefit the community by providing a
place for members of the community to interact with public art and honor wildlife in the
Village.
DISADVANTAGES:
Public art, such as statues on public lands, will require ongoing monitoring and
maintenance from the City. While the ongoing maintenance of the art piece is likely
limited, it is still an impact to City resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The project was reviewed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301(a) of the
CEQA Guidelines regarding minor exterior alterations to existing structures.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Project History and Artist Qualifications
Page 126 of 137
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE APPROVING ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 25-003 FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF A PUBLIC ART PIECE AT CENTENNIAL PARK
WHEREAS, the City’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC) reviewed and
recommended the City Council approve the proposed installation of a public art piece at
Centennial Park (“project”) on October 20, 2025 in accordance with the City’s Public Art
Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program (the “Guidelines”); and
WHEREAS, on February 10, 2026, the City Council reviewed the project at a duly
noticed public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds, after due study, deliberation, and public hearing, the
following circumstances exist:
1. Public Art Selection Criteria:
1. Evaluation of artistic excellence, examining:
a. The artist’s qualifications, including: education, training, experience,
body of work, recognition of the artist, and the consistency of the
artist’s qualifications with the stated goals of the project;
b. The artist’s record of previous collaboration with other agencies,
organizations, artists, fabricators, or installers to achieve a successful
result in implementing the proposed project;
c. The artist’s experience working in the public realm;
d. To the extent applicable, the artist’s previous proven successful
experience in creating, producing or otherwise implementing projects
similar to the one proposed;
e. The original nature of the proposed concept;
f. The inherent artistic quality and aesthetic merit of the work;
The artist specializes in bronze sculpture and has completed numerous
statues at several art galleries, including in New Mexico and Maine, and has
been creating bronze sculptures for over 25 years.
2. Appropriateness of scale, form, material, content and design relati ve to
the immediate neighborhood and environment; no mural shall be approved if
the mural, as proposed, would create an objective risk to public health,
safety, or welfare (e.g. a mural near a roadway would be rejected for the use
of reflective materials, like mirrors, which could cause a distraction to drivers).
Scale is defined as the relative size of a building element in relation to other
forms and the human body. Form is the shape or configuration of the
artwork;
Page 127 of 137
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
The proposal, as recommended by the Architectural Review Committee
(ARC), is appropriate in terms of form, material, and scale. The statue is
13”x9”x12” and made of bronze, and integrates naturally into the landscape
planter.
3. Appropriateness of proposed materials in regards to structural a nd
surface integrity. Materials should be considered in the context of ability to
deter against vandalism, withstand weathering, and maintain the intended
design;
The proposed statue is made out of nearly solid bronze, which is
weatherproof and intended to maintain its durability over time. The statue will
be welded to a bronze base, which will be affixed to a concrete base within
the planter, providing increased durability.
4. Ease of maintenance and longevity of the proposed materials;
The proposed material of bronze was selected, along with the smooth finish
with ease of maintenance and longevity in mind and a bronze plate affixed to
a concrete base is the intended method of installation.
5. Appropriateness of the proposed method of installation of the artw ork with
consideration given to the safety and structural factors involved in installation;
The proposed installation of the bronze statue on a bronze plate, affixed to a
concrete base is appropriate for the type of artwork and will not contribute to
an unsafe situation for the artist nor the public. The statue will be located
within an existing landscaped planter with a brick border, which will provide
added security and safety from vandalism.
6. Location, considering the intended audience for the proposal, whether the
public will be a captive audience or whether a person would need to take
affirmative steps to view the project. Consideration shall be given to whether
the mural would be in an area typically accessed or viewable by minors;
The proposed location of the artwork will be in a location that will be visible to
the general public in a high pedestrian traffic area of Centennial Park directly
adjacent to the Swinging Bridge, a major city landmark . The proposed
artwork has been designed to be appropriate for all members of the public.
7. A mural shall not be approved if it includes:
a. Copyrighted work without permission of the holder of the copyright.
b. Obscene materials.
c. Defamatory content.
d. Fighting words or advocates imminent lawless action.
e. Content, including but not limited to, words, symbols, signs,
trademarks, or references to products or services provided on the
premises. Such content meets the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code
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RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 3
(AGMC) definition for signage, as regulated by AGMC Chapter 16.60;
The artwork, as proposed, does not contain copyrighted materials,
obscenity, defamatory content, fighting words or invitations to imminent
lawlessness, or advertise products or services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Arroyo Grande
hereby:
1. Recitals. Finds that all recitals above are true, correct, and incorporated herein.
2. CEQA. Finds that installation of a public art statue is categorically exempt from
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption,
which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing,
licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical
equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no
expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301.) None
of the exceptions to the Class 1 exemption apply to the painting of a mural
because: the location of the project will not result in any significant environmental
impacts; there will not be any cumulative environmental impacts as a result of
the project; the project does not impact or damage any scenic resources; the
project is not located on a hazardous waste site; and the project does not
adversely affect any historic resources.
Approval. Approves the project as described and shown in Exhibit “B” attached
hereto and incorporated herein by this reference with the above findings and
subject to the conditions of approval as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto
and incorporated herein by this reference.
3. Severability. If any section, division, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
resolution or the document in the record in support of this resolution is determined
by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable, unconstitutional or
otherwise void, that determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining
sections, divisions, sentences, clauses, or phrases of this resolution.
On a motion by Council member _________, seconded by Council member __________,
and by the following roll call vote to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 10th day of February, 2026.
Page 129 of 137
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 4
_______________________________________
CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________________________
JESSICA MATSON, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________________
MATTHEW DOWNING, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________________
ISAAC ROSEN, CITY ATTORNEY
Page 130 of 137
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 5
EXHIBIT “A”
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 25-003
CENTENNIAL PARK
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Planning Division
1. The applicant shall ascertain and comply with all Federal, State, County and City
requirements as are applicable to this project.
2. The public art shall be installed in conformance with the depiction on Exhibits “B”
and “C” of this Resolution, and located in a landscaped planter in Centennial Park,
east of the swinging bridge entrance, depicted in Exhibit “C” of this Resolution. The
method of secure installation for the public art shall be reviewed by the Director of
Public Works prior to installation.
3. To the extent permitted by law, Applicant shall defend, indemnify and hold
harmless the City of Arroyo Grande, its City Council, its officers, employees and
agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any claim, action, or
proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the
applicant to attack, set aside, or void any permit or approval for this project
authorized by the City, including (without limitation) reimbursing the City its actual
attorney’s fees and costs in defense of the litigation. The City may, in its sole
discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its choice. The
Applicant shall reimburse the City for any court and attorney's fees which the City
may be required to pay as a result of any claim or action brought against the City
related to this permit or approval. Although the Applicant is the real party in
interest in an action, the City may, at its sole discretion, p articipate at its own
expense in the defense of the action, but such participat ion shall not relieve the
Applicant of any obligation under this condition.
Page 131 of 137
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 6
Exhibit B
Fox Statue Depiction
Page 132 of 137
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 7
Page 133 of 137
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 8
Exhibit C
Project Location
Page 134 of 137
Bronze Fox Sculpture Donation
Submitted by: Bob Lund, Vivian Krug Cotton and 93 local donors.
lundbob920@gmail.com, vivkrug@gmail.com
To begin, we feel that this donation will be largely accepted, actually
loved by our community. The idea/purpose of this donation goes back a
few years and is the first part of what we hope to be a larger donation in
the near future.
As you may recall in November 2017 there was a public outcry when a
small fox that frequented the Olohan Alley Park and Gazebo area was
trapped and euthanized by a local resident. The fox which was referred to
by many as ‘Foxy’ was loved and had become a mascot and symbol of the
area much like the roosters. After the loss of the fox, a candlelight vigil
was held and a GoFundMe Account set up to raise money for a ‘Foxy’
memorial to be erected as well as for educational signs (part two of the
future plan) to be placed along and around the creek area to educate
citizens as well as visitors about our flora and fauna and to ask as well as
educate people not to feed wildlife, and not to dump animals (like our
roosters), etc. and so Foxy would be remembered as a symbol of our community
spirit, our pride, our love of wildlife and that our citizens can work together to educate
each other, our children, everyone, on the importance of our wildlife and how we can
live with our wildlife in harmony.
Below there are links to the stories that were in the Tribune, the
GoFundMePage, KSBY story and Legacy Page that was paid for by an
anonymous person for life!
Fundraising was interrupted for a few years due to Covid, however over 93 people have
raised $9,083 to date. This year a silent auction fundraiser is planned to sell dozens of
‘fox’ related items that have also been collected over the past several years, however
the $9,000 now allows us to purchase a bronze memorial fox and leaves a bit to help
kick start the future fundraising for educational signs. By erecting a memorial bronze for
the beloved fox, not only will it bring pride to the community, but it will bring awareness
of our precious wildlife and help contribute towards educational signs, much like the
signage you see on the boardwalk in Grover Beach and other local areas showcasing
and highlighting their flora and fauna.
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 135 of 137
For now, with the funds raised, we have now identified an artist and a fox bronze that
when approved by the City, we plan to purchase. The hopes were that this bronze fox
(photo below), can be mounted on the flat brick area on top of the time capsule
pedestal. This was the area Foxy most often played with people and dogs and would be
easy to mount and to maintain.
The fox bronze (image below) has been designed by artist Michael Tatom. Upon
purchase Michael will mount this fox bronze on a bronze base plate so it is easy to
attach to the brick pedestal.
About the artist Micahael Tatom
“The main focus of my work is to translate into bronze the essence of the animal, to
capture some movement or instinct and present it in a simple stylized form.” –Michael
Tatom
Michael Tatom’s reputation as a master goldsmith was well established before he
gained recognition as a sculptor creating unique animal forms in bronze. His sculptures
incorporate graceful curves and elegant lines that capture an animal’s shape and the
magic of its movement.
Tatom enjoys every aspect in the creation of his sculptures, from observing animals in
their habitat and sculpting them in clay, to the final step of finishing the bronze’s surface.
His favorite part of the process, however, is selecting and applying the patina, which
adds color and texture and creates a dramatic effect on the finished sculpture. Raised in
a family of artists and designers, Tatom attended the Gemological Institute of America
in California. After working in the San Francisco Bay area for a decade, Michael
returned to his roots in New Mexico, having spent his childhood in Los Alamos.
Tatom has been making contemporary jewelry and bronze sculpture for more than
twenty-five years. He lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The fox bronze itself is 13 x 9 x 12 not including the bronze base which will be
approximately another two to three inches around. The bronze is weather proof for
outdoors with very little maintenance if any needed. The bronze can be attached to the
bricks in the same manner as the bronze plaques on the south facing side of the
pedestal. This bronze was chosen for its size and resemblance to Foxy, its simplicity,
as well as smoothness, making little maintenance if any necessary.
Page 136 of 137
The cost/value of the bronze is approximately $6,000.
Below are the Links mentioned above.
GoFundMe
https://www.gofundme.com/f/agvillagefoxmemorialfund?fbclid=IwAR1_nIMMP_tDHoOP
0sgjQgwjs1OVSPfRulf7ml9V02OJQz5OfsL4KswX7Ro
Links to Tribune news story on Arroyo Grande’s Fox:
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/article185342858.html?fbclid=IwAR1huMibBpgMw_grhu
mcOlxe-rZXuW6JNGa0W2HgDTB_TWMu--kkhn3zvTE
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/article185963153.html?fbclid=IwAR0ki-
JYwkpGX1pglgeDv24jZ67DGFIBnY4cPAICzvwIvVqoZZe8nLl_tpA
Legacy Page:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sanluisobispo/name/little-fox-
obituary?pid=187337242&utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_term=seewhatother-text-
block2&utm_content=220527&utm_id=b291bf6e-5d6f-4441-ab58-
11c0fbb12a25&sfmc_id=10973228&sfmc_activityid=5592ee28-e1c8-40e6-8b3f-
d05ef39176f2&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GBAnniversaryEmail_061622&utm
_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GBAnniversaryEmail_0
61622&utm_content=seewhatother-text-
block2&sfmc_id=10973228&env=ab250edd61605a267e715ca739b4fc9a86220492
KSBY Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHdV5Gdw6M4
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