The meeting began with a discussion about five design options for a sea turtle sculpture proposed by Havoc Studios. The council aimed to select one or two designs to move forward with, focusing on the best fabrication methods and materials, which could range from bronze casting to fiberglass. The designs varied, featuring elements such as a wave structure with a turtle affixed to it, grasses and flowers surrounding the turtle, an active swimming turtle, and a unique hatching scene.

Concerns were raised regarding the preliminary 2D renderings, described by some as “incredibly cartoonish,” leading to questions about the realism of the final product. The council was reassured that these renderings were not fully representative of the final sculpture and that more realistic 3D renderings would be developed after a design was selected. One council member emphasized the need for more involvement in the final size and aesthetic of the sculptures, comparing the process to construction projects where an architect and a project manager oversee the entire process. There was a consensus on the necessity of a project manager to maintain communication and oversight throughout the project’s development.

The council also discussed the importance of mock-ups for the designs, recognizing the value of having tangible representations before finalizing the sculptures. The need for adjustments during the fabrication process was highlighted, with suggestions to establish a protocol for ongoing evaluations during installation. It was agreed that active involvement of council members during these phases would enhance the final outcome and prevent issues from arising too late in the process.

The discussion turned to the location of the sculpture, which has been a topic of contention. Some proposed placing it near the lifeguard station at the beach entrance, while others rejected the idea of positioning it in a median due to safety concerns. “We don’t want to put this beautiful thing that people are going to want to step out and take photos with in the middle of the median,” one member noted, emphasizing the risks of pedestrian traffic crossing the road to access the artwork. The preferred location would allow for easy visibility and public access.

The size of the turtle sculpture was also under consideration, with references made to aiming for a life-sized representation of a fully grown loggerhead turtle. The dialogue emphasized the need for clarity on dimensions and materials early in the process to prevent potential cost escalations. “Size and material can take this project into six figures like that,” was mentioned. Participants voiced a desire for the sculptures to be fully three-dimensional to enhance their visual impact.

There was some disappointment regarding previous communication with the artists, particularly concerning the clarity of expectations for the design. Various opinions were expressed on which design concepts were most appealing, with a consensus around the design labeled as number three, featuring two turtles. However, concerns about the potential clutter and visibility from a distance were noted. Cost implications of having two turtles instead of one were also discussed, with a proposal to use a combination of materials to balance aesthetics and practicality.

Further exploration of the turtle sculptures was encouraged, with suggestions for ongoing engagement with the artists during the fabrication process. Monthly visits to the studio were proposed to enhance transparency and communication.

Concerns about parking issues, particularly regarding Blue Water and the density of the surrounding area, were raised. The discussions hinted at longstanding problems of maintenance and ownership among local residents.

The meeting also covered plans for a turtle-themed project running concurrently with a separate pier artwork initiative. A draft proposal for the pier artwork has been prepared, intentionally broad to allow artistic freedom. Previous experiences showed that artists thrived under less restrictive parameters. Meetings with the fire marshal and police department ensured that safety regulations were met, particularly for emergency vehicle access. The artistic vision aimed to be “eye-catching and vibrant,” resonating with people of all ages and reflecting the coastal environment.

A local mural event was proposed to enhance community engagement by allowing the public to vote on artist designs for three bathrooms in the area. Local artists would submit concepts, narrowed down to five to ten finalists, with a public survey to vote on favorite designs. This initiative aimed for transparency and inclusivity in decision-making.