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Authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $500,000 from the General Fund for the support of lighting the Glass City River Wall; authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for said project; and declaring an emergency.
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SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
In 2020, an idea to improve the east bank of the Maumee River was put into motion and the mural project on the ADM silos was initiated. The project, managed by Urban Sight, Inc. and designed by Los Angeles artist Gabe Gault makes an impression on the almost 85,000 vehicles that pass by it daily. After two years the first phase of the project was completed in 2022, making it the largest outdoor mural in the nation.
The next phase of this project is to complete a lighting project that is sustainable, educational and will have a positive impact across many sectors. A solar array that is housed on both City of Toledo and NSG property will power the lighting of the mural and generate enough excess energy to power the Oakdale Pump Station which is located on the property. By powering the Oakdale Pump Station, the City of Toledo will save an estimated $460,000 over the life of the project. The solar panels are being provided at no cost by First Solar.
The completion of phase two will make the Glass City River Wall mural the world’s largest lit mural. The City of Toledo will continue to benefit from the success of the completion of the mural by welcoming further national and international news. It is estimated by Destination Toledo that the mural has already accounted for $3.3 million in economic development. Tourism by international travelers is up by 82% and the mural remains a major draw to accompany the work all along the riverfront.
The first phase of the project had overwhelming community support with ninety percent of funds being raised through individual and corporate sponsorships. The second phase of the project is being predominately funded through government sponsorship from Lucas County and the City of Toledo. Construction will be completed by local qualified contractors through the execution of a Project Labor Agreement.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the appropriation of $500,000 is authorized from the unappropriated balance of the General Fund to Account Code 1001-31000-4000524STDSTD for the purpose of funding the installation of the solar array and lighting of the Glass City River Wall project.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500,000 is hereby authorized from the General Fund Account Code 1001-31000-4000524STDSTD for the installation of the solar array and lighting of the Glass City River Wall project.
SECTION 3. That the Mayor is authorized to enter into a sponsorship agreement for the purpose authorized in Section 1, upon terms and conditions acceptable to the Director of Law.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Finance is authorized to draw warrant or warrants against the above Account Codes in an amount not to exceed $500,000 in payment of the above authorized obligation upon the proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 5. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that this ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property, and for the further reason that this ordinance must be immediately effective in order to provide timely sponsorship support for installation of the solar array and lighting of the Glass City River Wall.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas 12, nays 0.
Passed: September 12, 2023, as an emergency measure: yeas 11, nays 1.
Attest:
Gerald E. Dendinger Matt Cherry
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: September 12, 2023
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor