During a recent city commission meeting in Pompano Beach, officials discussed two significant agenda items, including a proposed ordinance for a public art project and the implications of a special exception related to a local development project.

The first item involved a first reading of an ordinance to approve an agreement with Velvet Anvil LLC for the design and fabrication of a seahorse sculpture, part of the city's underwater garden sculpture program. Cultural Affairs Director Ty Tabing presented the project, highlighting that the artist was selected from over 107 submissions. The sculpture, budgeted at $35,000, will initially be displayed at the beach for one year before being submerged in Shipwreck Park. Tabing noted that the design includes a saddle, which raised concerns about public interaction. However, after discussions with city officials, there is now a proposal to allow safe access to the saddle, with considerations for safety measures to prevent injuries from the hot metal.

Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the project, with Vice Mayor McGee and Commissioner Fournier acknowledging the sculpture's potential to attract public engagement, particularly among children. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the design accommodates safe interaction while maintaining the integrity of the artwork.

The second discussion centered on a special exception related to a development project that has not yet been approved. Concerns were raised about the implications of passing a related measure without sufficient information on the project. City officials agreed to postpone further discussions until they could gather more details, with a commitment to hold one-on-one meetings to clarify the situation before the next reading in September.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to revisit both items, ensuring that all necessary information is available for informed decision-making in future sessions.