Staff Report

ITEM 7.a.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 11/4/2026
Meeting Type: History and Culture Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Stormy Mazeikis, Administrative Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Phone: 480-816-5148
Email: smazeikis@fountainhillsaz.gov
Request to Town Council Regular Meeting (Agenda Language)
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Public Art Applications—International
Dark Skys Discovery Center
Staff Summary (background)
The History and Culture Advisory Commission is being asked to review the developer’s
proposed public artwork and determine whether it meets the Town’s public art standards
using the criteria below. The Town’s public art collection should:
• Favor unique, one-of-a-kind works, with exceptions for prints, photographs, and
desirable, high-quality limited-edition works by renowned artists.
• Reflect the highest aesthetic standards, with known authorship and value as works of
art.
• Represent a diverse range of artists and artistic styles.
• Be appropriate in scale, materials, and context for the intended location and relevant to
Fountain Hills’ cultural, historical, social/political, and environmental setting.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Town of Fountain Hills Public Art Master Plan
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
The Commission should consider the following:
• Artist qualifications: Is the artwork produced by a professional visual artist recognized
by critics and peers as possessing serious artistic intent and ability? Consider the
artist’s arts education, accomplishments within the past five years, gallery or museum
exhibitions, and recognition by established arts organizations.
• Artistic quality: Is the artwork an original work or eligible limited edition of high
aesthetic value?
• Required investment: Are the budget items and total amount acceptable to meet the
development’s minimum art investment?
• Public visibility and access: Will the artwork be visible to the public 24 hours per day
and accessible at least 40 hours per week, including access for persons with
disabilities?

• Placement: Is the artwork integrated with the development and located on the exterior
of the structure or building site, allowing unrestricted public visibility?
• Durability and safety: Is the artwork suitable for exterior display, and does the
proposal address durability and potential risks to the public?
The developer selects the artwork’s content. The Commission’s review includes its durability,
safety, placement, and visibility, along with other criteria the Commission deems relevant.
Suggested Motion
The Commission may recommend one of the following:
Option 1: Approval
“I move that the Commission recommend approval of the proposed artwork and forward the
proposal to the Town Council for confirmation.”
Option 2: Approval with Modifications
“I move that the Commission recommend approval with modifications, as follows: [identify
required changes]. The developer may resubmit the revised proposal at a later date.”
Option 3: Denial
“I move that the Commission recommend denial of the proposed artwork and direct the
developer to revise the proposal or submit a different artwork, for the following reasons:
[state reasons].”
Note to Commission: The Commission should clearly state the reasons for its
recommendation and any requested changes so they are reflected in the record and the
minutes.
ATTACHMENTS
1. IDSDC - Gem Saturn Application-signed
2. IDSDC - FH Sister Cities Wayfinder Application-signed
3. IDSDC - Galileo Application-signed
4. IDSDC HCAC Public Art Presentation