Public art policy proposed for Airway Heights

Airway Heights may have public art included in future construction projects, if a proposed policy heading to the next City Council meeting is approved.

At its April 25 study session, the council agreed to move forward a policy that would allow city staff to plan for including public art in projects receiving grant funding. The art could be visual or performing, and could include a number of elements that “enhances the beauty and is of aesthetic value.”

Capital projects of $500,000 or more and identified in the city’s capital facilities plan could include construction of public art. The amount would be based upon the total dollar amount of the awarded project, multiplied by 1 percent.

Capital projects under $500,000, also identified in the capital facilities plan, may include a contribution ranging up to 1 percent to a special “Municipal Arts Fund.” The policy would also allow the council to appropriate funding to that fund.

City Manager Albert Tripp said one of the reasons for the policy is that most of the city’s capital projects are done through grants. Public art would also go towards determining what makes the community of Airway Heights.

Council also agreed to move forward to its next regular meeting proposed amendments to the city’s municipal code “Livestock, Poultry and Exotic Animals” chapter. Development Services Director Derrick Braaten said the amendment would allow residents to keep and raise chickens and other defined poultry for a variety of purposes such as laying eggs, education and as pets.

The ordinance also adds reptiles to the list of exotic animals and ostriches to the list of animals defined as livestock. A public hearing and first reading only of the revised chapter will take place at council’s next meeting, May 2.

Finally, the council moved forward a resolution from staff to approve the surplusing of a number and variety of pieces of city equipment no longer used. That list includes computer equipment and accessories, tools, desks, vehicles and vehicle equipment.

“If approved, it will allow us to go to auction, with the proceeds going to the city,” Tripp said.

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].