Dexter Village Council member Paul Cousins proposed a public art ordinance for the village at Monday night's council meeting. Also pictured is council member Jim Carson.

Lisa Allmendinger | AnnArbor.com

Matt LaFontaine, general manager of LaFontaine Chevrolet, pledged up to $5,000 for public art at the corner of Ryan Drive and Dexter Ann Arbor Road as part of his recently approved site plan for his expanded dealership.

Now it’s up to village officials to decide what kind of public art should go in the space, which serves as a key gateway to the village.

Monday night, Dexter Village Council members discussed that and whether to create of public art program throughout the village.

Dexter Village President Shawn Keough speaks during the Dexter Village Council's discussion of public art in the village. Also pictured is Village Manager Donna Dettling.

Paul Cousins, a member of council who serves as the village’s representative on the eight-member Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee, is recommending the village adopt a public art ordinance similar to the one approved by the Ann Arbor City Council.

Cousins suggested that developers be required to contribute 1 percent of the value of a capital project for a dedicated fund to be used for public art anywhere in the village. He recommended setting a $25,000 cap on any contribution from a developer.

“Public art is a very important part of the community,” Cousins said, pointing to Chelsea’s annual Public Art Walk as well as the numerous pieces of public art found throughout the city as one local example.

Council President Shawn Keough said officials should take their time in choosing art for the village.

“I’m not in any hurry to do anything until I better understand where the art should be in the village and how much is needed,” he said.

"I'm not against art, but art is a subjective thing," Keough said, adding that he didn't want the village to end up with a piece of public art that draws a lot of criticism. A sculpture designed by Herbert Dreiseitl and proposed for the new municipal center in Ann Arbor has drawn criticism.

Cousins was asked to have the committee clarify its public art goals and report back to the council.

Lisa Allmendinger is a reporter with AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Dexter stories, visit our Dexter page.