Memorandum 14-058 Placement of Bronze Bust of Brother Asaiah

Memorandum 14-058

TO:                       MAYOR WYTHE AND CITY COUNCIL

FROM:                 LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD

THRU:                  RENEE KRAUSE, CMC, DEPUTY CITY CLERK I

DATE:                  MARCH 17, 2014

SUBJECT:           RECOMMENDATION ON PLACEMENT OF THE PROPOSED ART DONATION OF A BRONZE BUST OF BROTHER ASAIAH BATES

Background

The Library Advisory Board was asked to consider making a recommendation on this subject from the Library Director, Ann Dixon since she was approached regarding possible placement in the Library or on the grounds. Following is the excerpt from the minutes of the March 4, 2014 regular meeting of the Library Advisory Board.

B. Recommendation on Placement of Art Donation

Ms. Krause provided highlights from the special meeting of the Public Arts Committee in which a public hearing was conducted. She noted that the numerous members of the public present were against the placement of the bust on or in any public space. After numerous motions the Public Arts Committee turned down the acceptance and/ or placement of the statue. Ms. Krause explained that City Council could still approve and accept the statue into the collection. Ms. Dixon commented that she heard half was that affiliation to the Barefooters and the other half was that Brother Asaiah would not have wanted the statue.

Mr. Gordon did not wish to make a recommendation to Council. Ms. Utley would withhold a recommendation until she had more information on the topic herself however she did not favor making a recommendation against the majority who could represent even larger numbers. Mr. Slone stated that he was disappointed in the Public Arts Committee recommendation as he was in favor and he will go before Council stating that they should accept the donation and place it somewhere. However, he would as a member of the Board support the recommendation made by the Public Arts Committee.

SLONE/UTLEY - MOVED TO NOT MAKE A RECOMMENDATION ON PLACEMENT OF THE STATUE AT THIS TIME.

There was no further discussion.

VOTE. YES. SLONE, UTLEY, PORTER, GORDON.

Motion carried.

Recommendation: No Action Required. Informational in Nature.