City of Monona to partner with MCED, building owner on mural
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
The city of Monona has agreed to partner with Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. (MCED)and business owner Ali Werger to put a mural on Werger’s EXIT Realty Driftless Group building at the corner of Main and Iowa streets.
At its May 5 meeting, the Monona council approved covering one-third of the total cost of the mural, up to $3,000. Werger will pay for one-third, then MCED plans to cover the final third through potential grant funding.
MCED Board President Ryan Johnson said a mural was identified as a joint goal by MCED and the city. The design will advertise Monona, and could include the city name or zip code, added Tasha Henkes, who was also part of the group that presented preliminary ideas to the council.
Werger indicated the artist could complete the mural this year, if desired.
Monona City Administrator Barb Collins said the city had not budgeted for the expenditure, but that the budget could be amended to include the mural.
Still, other city representatives feared “the optics of using taxpayer dollars to put it on a private business instead of a public property,” in the words of council member Bridget Schlein. While supportive of the project, she felt more grant funding should be pursued.
“What if this kicks off?” wondered council member John Elledge. “We then have three other businesses who want murals on their buildings. How would we justify $10,000 in taxpayer money?”
Mayor Grant Langhus questioned how other communities funded mural projects.
“It’s a cool idea,” he said. “It’s just tricky using taxpayer dollars for something like this. No matter what decision we make tonight, there’s going to be backlash either way.”
Johnson responded similar partnerships are occurring in other towns.
“A lot of those are partnerships with public and private. It’s going to be hard to find a grant that fits exactly what we’re doing,” he said.
He asked what city properties could be suitable for a mural and criticized the city for hedging on its commitment.
“You wanted us to identify joint goals. We did. We brought this to fruition. And now, ‘Oh, we don’t know if we want to do it,’” Johnson remarked.
Council member Preston Landt supported the idea and location.
“It’s a good, high-visible location with good construction under it,” he said.
Landt wasn’t concerned about an influx of building owners seeking to put up murals.
“I would love to have the problem where people are coming to us saying they want to spend money to make the town look nicer,” he said.
Johnson agreed it would be a good problem to have.
“I would hope you’d have every business owner coming to you saying, ‘I want one, I want one.’ So they’re all over town. At that point, you have some sort of application process and do one or two a year. Then you’ve got them in multiple places,” he said.
After discussion, the council unanimously agreed to fund one-third of the project, under the condition it could approve the design.
Elledge made the motion, thanking MCED for the leg work.
“I appreciate it. And thanks for offering up your building,” he told Werger.
In other agenda items, the council approved the first rate increase for the community center in over 20 years. Rates will increase from $25 to $50 for 50 or fewer people, $100 to $200 for 51 to 100 people, then $200 to $400 for more than 100. City officials said the rate increase will facilitate much needed improvements to the space.
The council also discussed the city’s five-year goals, now that many items have been crossed off previous lists. Street improvements will continue to be a priority, as well as sidewalk upkeep. There was also discussion on community and council suggestions to electrify the shed at the Butterfly Garden, provide lighting along the Butterfly Trail, better utilize space near the Scout House, create a story walk around town and add toddler equipment at the Gateway Park playground, as well as enrichment activities and outdoor musical instruments at the Butterfly Garden, along the trail or at the library.
Also discussed was improving lighting outside city hall, planting more trees, community center remodeling, agility activities at the new dog park and developing a plan for the city property between the dentist’s office and car wash.
