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Expressing the Sense of the Council of Allegheny County calling for necessary appointments to be made to the Public Arts Board of Allegheny County directed by Chapter 207 of the Code of Ordinances and calling for the organization and staffing of the board so that the Public Arts requirement may be fulfilled according to County law.
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WHEREAS, on September 6, 2005, County Council passed bill no. 1728-04, establishing a policy providing for an allocation for public art when the County provides capital funding through direct appropriation, subsidy, or deferment of taxes, a bond project or grant project; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 207 of the Code of Ordinances provides that the Public Arts Policy shall be to provide a specific allocation for public art to promote the cultural heritage and artistic development of the County by enhancing its character and identity, contribute to economic development and tourism, and increase the opportunities for its citizens to participate in the arts; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 207 additionally provides that it shall also be the policy of Allegheny County to encourage allocation for public art by private developers within the County; and
WHEREAS, appointments to the Arts Board shall consist of nine members, five members to be appointed by the County Council and four members appointed by the Chief Executive, with the consent of at least a majority of the seated members of County Council; and
WHEREAS, the Administration is tasked with furnishing the Arts Board with necessary clerical assistance, supplies, and other appropriate and reasonable administrative support, and is required to designate at least one person to staff the Arts Board on, at least, a part-time basis; and
WHEREAS, the Code is specific as to the formation and requirements of the board, there have been only two appointments to the County Arts Board in its history and the Board has remained inactive since 2006, no mention of public art requirement for legislation involving County-approved projects, including the TIFs approved by Council in recent years;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY,
Resolves to commence appointments to the Public Arts Board and to urge the Chief Executive to do the same with the goal of a fully formed and functioning Public Arts Board to be in place by December 31, 2015 to comport with Chapter 207 of the County Code of Ordinances and to effectuate the intent to promote public art as a part of county-funded or approved projects.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: COUNCIL MEMBER HEIDELBAUGH
CO-SPONSORS: