CRA reviews band shell mosaic progress and asks artist/Legion to refine proposed American Legion mural

The CRA received multiple informational reports on public-art projects and directed staff to refine designs with stakeholder input.

Staff said mosaic tile installation for the band shell is proceeding: full-size drawings are on site, and the artists plan a trip to select colored tiles; installation will begin once tiles arrive. The board asked staff to seek a timely proposal from the artist for extending the mosaic to the front elevation and to return with cost comparisons for tile versus paint (longevity was a key consideration).

On the American Legion Post 92 west elevation, Lisa Liotta presented new painted mural concepts by Stephanie Yap. The board reviewed three iterations: one focused on poppies and a soldier motif, another included more flag imagery, and an earlier iteration incorporated a waving flag concept. Commander Mary Umholtz of the American Legion requested revisions emphasizing a battle cross and soldier memorial elements; some commissioners worried that certain renderings were too dark or busy for downtown and recommended a cleaner, more legible design that still honors veterans. Several board members suggested staff engage Jill Weisberg (Downtown Mural Project manager) to help interface with the artist and the Legion to produce a design that fits downtown mural standards.

Ending: Staff will work with the artist, the American Legion and Jill Weisberg to refine the mural designs and return with revised proposals and cost/longevity comparisons for tile vs. paint options for the band shell frontage.