The Bismarck Parks and Recreation District is looking into developing a public arts program, but won't be declaring a moratorium on sculptures or any type of art display in the meantime.

At its Thursday meeting, the park board reviewed the results of its Jan. 24 public arts forum with the help of moderator Mike McCormack, historian and instructor at Bismarck State College.

McCormack told the board the one thing there was general agreement on is the district's need to develop a well thought out public arts policy.

"The question isn't having a policy, but what type and the timeline in which it can developed,"McCormack said. "Any policy that is set up needs to recognize the diversity of Bismarck."

The park district is likely taking on a subject that the city of Bismarck should be handling, according to McCormack. He suggested that a committee be set up and have artists involved from beginning to end.

"One issue, whether to declare a moratorium, with a couple of exceptions, I didn't see a lot of support," McCormack said. "I've talked to a lot of artists since, one-on-one, and they didn't see much use."

The issue of a moratorium on art displays on park district property was first brought up by Bismarck resident Doug Kane, who said the district doesn't have an arts policy and should declare a moratorium until one is developed.

Kane was particularly critical of the United Tribes Technical College "eagle" sculptures, which are displayed along the river in park district parks and paid for with a portion of taxpayer money.

Commissioner Paul Quist called the program, which has developed four UTTC sculptures with two more to come, a misuse of money.

"The easy way is to stop funding the sculptures, especially when we're having a hard time building ballparks and swimming pools," Quist said. "Let the city take care of it, it's their jurisdiction. For us to be putting up a sculpture is not what tax money was intended for."

Board member John Sagsveen disagreed. He said that over the past four years the district has spent $32,000 of local tax money, about $8,000 a year.

"If Bismarck has 50,000 people that's about 16 cents per person," Sagsveen said. "I do believe we need an arts policy just for the park district. The city has not indicated any interest and until it does, we should proceed and determine what an art program is. I see nothing wrong with having art. I think it really adds to our community."

Board member Jennifer DeForest said she didn't want to see the district quit funding of arts in the parks. She said the district has historically funded art partially because it has the open spaces for display.

"People say they love the eagle in Custer Park and those sculptures up on the Capitol grounds, but not the others. Well, that's just their opinion," DeForest said. "We shouldn't discourage art and should continue funding it somewhat."

Quist said that he didn't have a problem setting art policy, he just doesn't want the district funding projects. Quist said the projects didn't meet the district's core curriculum.

"I truly believe art is part of our program," said board president Mark Zimmerman. "Our mission addresses diversity of recreation and I believe that includes art, in all its forms."

The question in front of the board, Zimmerman said was to determine if a moratorium was necessary.

Quist made the motion to put a moratorium on all sculptures until a public art policy was developed, seconded by board member Mike Gilbertson.

DeForest questioned whether the moratorium would affect the sculpture being developed by UTTC.

"I would say 'yes,'" district director Steve Neu said. "The original agreement called for a five-year program and a sixth sculpture for the Missouri Valley Legacy trail, which was to be located in Mandan. If this motion is approved, we would not be doing the project this year with UTTC."

The motion failed on a 3-to-2 vote.

Sagsveen asked park district attorney Pat Ward whether the district will be held more liable if it had a policy versus not having one.

Ward said he didn't see the district being open to more liability if it had a moratorium or not.

Sagsveen, believing the district doesn't need a moratorium, made a motion to have district staff move ahead with development of an arts program which he said he believes will lead to art policy. He suggested that public art consultant Jack Becker, who had been a member of the forum, be contacted and involved in the process.

"We first need to determine what an art program is and policy will come from that. I think we're floundering,"Sagsveen said.

The motion passed on a 4-to-1 vote.

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