The city of Lincolnton has a wide variety of art–from the clay vessels lining main street to the murals on the rail trail. Currently, for more art to be added to the downtown area it has to go through the rail trail committee and/or the steering committee before it makes it to the city council to be voted on. This can be a lengthy process. City manager Ritchie Haynes brought the request to allow the steering committee to be able to approve artwork in the central business program area (excluding the Rail Trail and First Federal Park). With fewer barriers of approval, local artisans' work would be more quickly displayed throughout the city. Counsel member Tipton was the first to share reservations about leaving public art decisions up to the steering committee, as counsel members Jetton and Demeny also shared their hesitation. The members view the art in Lincolnton as important to the community and within their duties as the City Council to review. Tipton made a motion to deny the request, and then the council made a unanimous decision to deny the request. As of now, the system of public art approval will remain the same.
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