Agenda Packet 7-15-19 Public Hearing

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July 15, 2019, Public Hearing – Item 3 EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Public Hearing: Proposal to Rename Washington-Jefferson Park as Edwin R. Smith Park in Honor of Ed Smith Meeting Date: July 15, 2019 Agenda Item Number: 3 Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Kelly Shadwick www.eugene-or.gov Phone: 541-682-4901 ISSUE STATEMENT This is an opportunity for the public to provide input on a proposal to rename Washington-Jefferson Park in honor of Edwin R. Smith. BACKGROUND On January 14, 2019, the City Council passed a motion to “request that the Mayor create an ad hoc committee in accordance with council policy on naming of public facilities, to consider the request to rename Washington-Jefferson Park in honor of Edwin Smith.” An ad hoc committee was formed and met on June 10 and 24, 2019 to identify and analyze potential consequences and any financial implications associated with the proposed name and to make a recommendation to council (Attachment A). The area known as the WJ Skatepark is exempt from this name change consideration. Ed Smith served the City of Eugene in many capacities from 1962 until his retirement in 1991. He was Director of Parks and Recreation from 1964 through 1980, and the Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services from 1988 to 1991. He managed the Eugene Conference Center and Hult Center construction and became Director of the new Facilities Management Department, then Director of Hult Center Operations. Ed Smith was instrumental in securing the land under the I-105 on and off ramps for use as a park. He passed away on November 13, 2014. The original proposal to rename Washington-Jefferson Park in honor of Ed Smith is included as Attachment B. On September 27, 2010, the Eugene City Council adopted the City of Eugene Naming Policy (Attachment C), to guide the naming of City-owned facilities in a fair, objective and consistent manner and aid in the selection of names that are suitable to the property or facility, respectful of the history of the site or area, useful to the public in locating the facility and reflect prevailing or emerging community culture. On April 11, the City Council voted unanimously to amend the City of Eugene Naming Policy to improve clarity and remove inconsistencies within the policy. The amendments included: