Tom Ellis on Tuesday asked Allen County commissioners to consider making the intersection of highways 54 and 169 at the east edge of Iola a hallmark feature.
In a prepared statement, Ellis said: “I’m here to propose that Iola put up an art installation … specifically inside the clover leaf formed by the on/off ramps.”
His idea is to transform the intersection into “A light sculpture … to integrate art with land use, with travel and transportation, with economic development, and with quality of life in Iola and Allen County.”
Fiberglass or plastic sculptures with interior lighting would create a glowing effect at the intersection, Ellis said, making it easily seen by motorists from all directions.
“My roots run deep in this community (he recently returned for good from California) and I have a true love and abiding interest in helping Allen County move forward into the 21st century with grace and apologies to none,” Ellis said. “Having spent a large part of my life as a professional artist/designer in Los Angeles, I’m now hoping to bring back to Iola some of my creative juices for the enrichment of Allen County’s future generations.
“The intersection … would be a perfect spot for an art installation. Specifically, one that lights up at night and softly beckons travelers to take notice, that they are somewhere special.”
He predicted the project would cost from $150,000 to $500,000, and asked commissioners to consider dipping into a $2.5-million reserve fund created in large part (about $35 million) from the increase in valuation from construction of a pipeline and huge pumping station by Enbridge pipeline company.
“Let us look at what you have (several pages of prepared information) and get back with you in a week or two,” said Commission Chairman Jim Talkington.
OTHERWISE, commissioners:
— Were told by County Counselor Alan Weber department heads were of the opinion employees would prefer longevity bonuses, of $50 for each year worked, rather than time off. Commissioners said they would consider the request, as well as look into cost-of-living and merit raises for the new year in early December.
— Voted unanimously to close an alley in Petrolia, which dead ends. One couple opposed the vacation because they use the alley to walk their dog, and fear fast-moving traffic on Petrolia’s main street would be a risk for the small pet. Another favored closing the alley, to accommodate having a driveway laid with rock to connect to a garage. Petrolia, an unincorporated city, is part of Logan Township, which has a population of about 200.
PHOTOS: Iolan Tom Ellis presented Allen County commissioners with sketches of imaginative light fixtures he’d like to see erected on the east edge of Iola at the U.S. 54-U.S. 169 intersection. DRAWINGS BY TOM ELLIS
