The Bismarck Parks and Recreation District will tackle an issue that's bound to generate controversy as it looks to develop a public arts policy.

The issue of public art came up at the October meeting of the park board at the request of Doug Kane who wanted the district to place a moratorium on art projects until the district developed a policy.

The board pointed out that its authority involved just park properties and public art appeared in many different venues over which it had no control.

While the park board opposed any moratorium, it was decided that president Mark Zimmerman would send a letter to Bismarck Mayor John Warford asking if the city was interested in participating in conversations relating to public art policy.

At Monday's meeting of the park board, district director Steve Neu relayed the mayor's response. It indicated the city feels present policy is adequate, explaining Bismarck provides $50,000 to an umbrella group which administers a public art grant program.

"The indication is that the city is not interested in being a party to this discussion," Neu said. "It's our (district staff) feeling that the park district should be and have a public conversation."

Neu recommended the district host a community forum on the topic before the end of January, also suggesting that a panel and moderator be involved. The panel should have someone from the art world and an art instructor involved along with someone with community interest.

The event will be televised on the local community cable channel and Neu expects a recommendation will come out of the forum on developing guidelines for public art on district properties.

Board member Paul Quist asked that an attorney be added to the panel.

"My main push is the legality, so I want to make sure a lawyer is on board," Quist said. "What if we get a sculpture and the Aryan Nation comes in and wants to put some art up to? Could they sue us? I'm uncultured when it comes to art, I'm more involved in the legality."

Zimmerman called the forum "a good project" for the district. He did some research on what other cities do and found the answers as varied as the communities.

"I hope the community gets involved. It's good for the park district to take the lead," Zimmerman said.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 701-250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)