Item 9: Proposal to Name New Ridgeline Property the "Suzanne Arlie Park"

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In the May 2008, sale agreement, Arlie proposed a trail connection easement running north to Lane Community College, which would comprise about six acres. If this easement area were treated as a 100- percent donation and included in the calculation above, the revised total of 215 donated acres out of 521 total acres would constitute just over 41 percent of the total proposed park area. Therefore, even applying the most favorable approach to calculating the area of donation, it is significantly less than 51 percent. Since the donated acreage within the area proposed to be named does not comprise more than 51 percent of the total area, this proposal would not meet the threshold for naming the park after a donor, as stated in the council’s naming policy. However, the policy does have other provisions that could be applied in this case, including a provision that allows that: “Park land and features may be named to honor a living person whose gift or service to the community is of a most extraordinary nature.” The naming policy further outlines the process to be used in circumstances in which a naming proposal for a new facility is initiated by an individual or group. That process includes a transparent public engagement period and consideration of financial implications. To meet Arlie and Company’s additional requirement that the acquisition close on or before December 31, 2010, the council initiated a public comment period soliciting comments through December 3, with council action scheduled for December 13. Financial Implications Approval of this naming proposal does not carry identified financial impacts. No funds are budgeted by the City for signage at this site. Because this is a new park without existing signs, the costs of future signs would not be affected by the specific name chosen. Public Engagement A public comment period was initiated by the council on November 8. The opportunity to comment was publicized via press release, web page announcement, and newspaper articles. All comments received at the City Manager’s Office by the December 3 deadline are included as Attachment A. Testimony about the naming proposal may also be heard during the Public Forum prior to council action. (Note: Because of a computer system problem, emails sent to the shared Mayor and Council email address between November 18 and November 24 were not received. An alert on the City’s public website home page invited correspondents to resend comments.) RELATED CITY POLICIES Adherence to the values and procedures set forth in a City naming policy relates to the City Council goal of “Effective, Accountable Municipal Government, a government that works openly, collaboratively, and fairly with the community to achieve measurable and positive outcomes and provide effective, efficient services.” OPTIONS The City Council has several options: 1. Approve the resolution (Attachment B) to name the new Ridgeline property the “Suzanne Arlie Park.” 2. Decline to approve the resolution. 3. Provide other direction to staff. Z:\CMO\2010 Council Agendas\M101213\S1012139a.doc