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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B - Naming PoliciesEUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Session: Discussion of Policy and Procedures to Name City-Owned Facilities Meeting Date: July 12, 2004 Agenda Item Number: B Department: City Manager's Office Staff Contact: Mary Walston www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-5406 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY This is a work session to discuss the current procedures and policies used to name city-owned facilities, and to determine if the City Council wishes to adopt a more clearly defined process. BACKGROUND Council Action History In June 2003, the City Council voted to change the name of Centennial Boulevard to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. This action raised the larger question and issue of the City's practices and policies for naming public facilities and streets. The renaming of Centennial Boulevard followed the prescribed steps, but brought into question the process for naming other city facilities. In October 2003, a memorandum was provided to the council offering several suggestions and policy issues related to naming city-owned facilities. This matter has been raised again recently with the request from a group of bicycling enthusiasts requesting that a bike bridge be renamed in honor of a recently retired, long- term City employee. This new request has once again brought the naming procedures to the forefront. At the present time, there no single policy, but rather a mixture of processes and practices, some documented, some not used to name city facilities. For example, the Eugene Public Library, in its recent efforts to raise funds for the new building, developed an extensive list of named gift opportunities. The Parks and Open Space Division of the Public Works Department has a draft of a similar set of guidelines and procedures in place to recognize monetary gifts in support of park facilities and or amenities. Other departments have much less formal practices and have made decisions to name facilities within the management structure of the department. In some cases, especially for large, visible and frequently used facilities, the City Council has taken formal action to name a facility. Examples of this include the 2003 council resolution to name the Willamette River bike path after former mayor Ruth Bascom, the council motion in the late 1990s to name the new pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Ferry Street Bridge after Representative Peter DeFazio, and the decision in the early 1980s to name the new performing arts center after the Hult family, in honor of their monetary gift to the city for that facility. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040712\S040712B.DOC Policy lssues There are no council policies in place related to naming city-owned facilities at the present time. The primary issue is to determine if there should be a unified policy for naming, and if so, whether there should be parameters related to naming in recognition and naming in commemoration. Council Goals There is no current council goal related to this matter. Financial and/or Resource Considerations At this time, this is a discussion of issues and possible options. Should the council decide to implement a policy and procedure to suggest names for facilities, there may be resource requirements. Other Background Information The community abounds with city-owned facilities named within all three major categories of naming opportunities: 1) people, 2) places, and 3) themes. In the "people" category are the Hult Center, the Jacobs Gallery, the Silva Concert Hall, the Celeste Campbell Senior Center, Alton Baker Park, and Mahlon Sweet Field. Facilities named after places or locations include Amazon Community Center, Sheldon Community Center, Whitaker Public Safety Station, Bethel Public Safety Station and Washington Park. In the theme category are the Peterson Barn Community Center, the States Ballfield, Whilamut Natural Area, the Atrium Building, and many streets in the city such as those named after trees, flowers and other fauna. Most of the internal city-facility conference rooms have been named in similar manner. For example, conference rooms in the Atrium Building, Public Works Building, and the Hult Center have been named in honor of long-term city employees who are now deceased. Conference rooms on the 4th floor of the library have been named using a "rocks and gemstones of Oregon" theme. There one will find conference rooms such as Agate, Obsidian, Sunstone and Quartz. Other conference rooms have been named by geographical landmarks or location, such as the East Wing Conference Room or the Activity Room. In addition, for internally used facilities there is another division in naming that should be considered. For lack of better terms, these are "naming in recognition" and "naming in commemoration." "Naming in recognition" refers to the practices previously noted by the Library and the Parks and Open Space Division; that is, naming to recognize monetary gifts. Both groups have been successful in offering naming opportunities for donations and sponsorship to facilities. The Library offered named gift opportunities ranging from gifts of $1,000,000 to $100. The Parks and Open Space draft document offers naming recognition ranging from newly acquired parkland and park amenities to sponsorship of park events. "Naming in commemoration" refers to the practice of naming a city facility after a person who has made substantial contributions to the United States, Oregon or the community without any monetary gift to the city itself. Examples of this are the Knickerbocker Bridge, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, and streets named after U.S. Presidents. This second category, that is, naming in commemoration, is the process for which there is little policy or procedure, and the one for which there tends to be the most controversy. This is the area which would benefit from a more detailed and thoughtful process. Contacts with other cities and Internet research L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040712\S040712B.DOC show that a number of cities have such policies in place. These provide a good basis for developing a policy for city-owned facilities. With the construction of two new elementary schools, Eugene School District 4-J recently adopted a formal policy related to naming of school buildings. That policy is as follows: "The board will select names of schools in the district in which the students and parents may take pride. Personal prejudice or favoritism, political pressure and current fashion shall not influence the selection process. The following categories are suggested: People: Names of distinguished men or women who have made outstanding contributions to the community, state, nation or general welfare of humanity, in the fields of arts and letters, science, government or education. Names of people still active in their careers are not acceptable. Places: Names of recognized historical and geological landmarks or areas; geographic subdivisions or points of interest. Themes: Thematic names which reflect the character of the community, culturally and historically, or which identify it by reference to indigenous and characteristic flora and fauna." Another consideration regarding a naming policy is that of naming and renaming. Naming of a new facility or amenity may be easier than renaming an existing facility. Renaming may require additional resources if it is a building or street. One final matter to consider in creating a naming policy is that of public involvement. Some cities have created ad hoc groups to develop a set of names, others have created an initiative-type system and still others have handed off such tasks to a standing citizen advisory committee. There are a number of variations related to citizen involvement. Timing This item is not time-sensitive. OPTIONS The City Council has several options with regard to a naming policy: 1. Maintain the status quo. This would be the least costly and easiest course, but would not provide any uniform guidelines or direction for staff or the community. 2. Direct the City Manager to prepare a proposed policy roughly based upon existing policies in other cities. This option would enable the council to a good idea of what a policy would and would not include and would require a minimum of resources. 3. Leave intact the current "naming in recognition" practices of the Library and Parks and Open Space Division and direct the City Manager to prepare a policy that relates only to "naming in commemoration," again based upon existing guidelines from other cities. 4. Adopt the naming policy and procedures of one of the several example cities. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager to develop a policy related to "naming in commemoration" and that a draft proposal be presented to the City Council within the next 90 days. The current practices of the Library and Parks and Open Space Division are successful and approach naming from a very different perspective; there is not a great deal of need to revise these practices. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040712\S040712B.DOC SUGGESTED MOTION Move to direct the City Manager to develop a "naming in commemoration" policy for city-owned facilities. ATTACHMENTS A. October 30, 2003, Memorandum on Recommendations for Process to Name City Facilities B. Naming Policy from the City of Honolulu C. Naming Policy from the City of Santa Monica D. Naming Policy from the City of Kirksville FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Mary Walston Telephone: 682-5406 Staff E-Mail: mary. f. walston~ci, eugene.or.us L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040712\S040712B.DOC ATTACHMENT A ~ City Manager's Offic City of Eugene 777 Pearl Street, Room 105 MEMORANDUM (541 Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793 ) 682-5010 (541) 682-5414 FAX (541) 682-5045 TTY www.ci.eugene.or.us Date: October 30, 2003 To: Mayor Torrey and City Council From: Mary Walston, 682-5406 Subject: Recommendation for Process to Name City Facilities This memo is in response to the City Council request to creme or more clearly define the process by which city-owned facilities or streets are named. While this may not be the solution to all the questions and issues raised during the City Council's recent action to rename Centennial Boulevard, it can serve as a foundation that may evolve and mature over time. The topic was researched via the Internet and by contacting several governmental groups. One of the more comprehensive policies is that used by the City of Honolulu. A copy of it is attached. Using this as a basis, Eugene could further refine or develop a similar process. While the Honolulu code is a good start it does not include a public process which would be an important component of a process in Eugene. To address this, an ad hoc committee of seven to nine persons, appointed by the mayor is recommended. The committee should include people who have a good working knowledge of state and local history and perhaps have educational or public service backgrounds. It is recommended that the body would meet two or three times a year to consider nominations for naming City facilities and/or streets. Several parameter or policy issues could be decided by either the City Council in advance of the creation of such a committee or by the committee itself as a part of its charge and responsibility. These are: 1) Should the naming opportunities be limited to City-owned facilities and properties, or should streets, which have a prescribed process also, be included? 2) Should monetary or gift linkage to for a City-owned facility in order to be considered to be name? 3) Should the policy apply only to new facilities or streets; is re-naming the same as naming? 4) If re-naming is allowed, should there be a higher standard or a more stringent set of requirements? C:kDocuments and Scttings\cccxmfwhMy DocumentsWIFWkNaming ProcessXmm031030.doc As for streets, the actual process prescribed in planning laws and regulations would continue to be applied, but the process to gather and select potential names could come from a list of suggestions or nominations generated by the process. If the council wishes to review this proposal or conduct a work session, more details and examples of other cities' policies can be provided For more information, contact Mary Walston at 682-5406 or via e-mail at Mary. F. Wal ston~ci, eugene, or. us. CSDocuments and Settings\ceexmfwWly DocumentsLMFWXlqaming ProcessXmm031030.doc ATTACHMENT B Article 9. Memorials and Names for City Parks, Sites and Facilities Sections: 22-9.1 Purpose. 22-9.2 Definitions. 22-9.3 Naming of city parks, sites and facilities. 22-9.4 Memorials. 22-9.5 Procedures for naming city parks, sites and facilities and erecting or accepting memorials. 22-9.6 Inventory of official names of parks, sites, facilities, statues and memorials. 22-9.7 Use of official names of parks, sites and facilities. Sec. 22-9.1 Purpose. The purpose of this article is to establish guidelines and procedures to be used in the naming of city parks, sites and facilities, and in the use of statues, busts or other memorials. (Added by Ord. 89-95) Sec. 22-9.2 Definitions. For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the.meaning given in this section. "Facility" includes any office building, stadium, arena, police or fire station, or any other facility owned, managed or operated by the City and County of Honolulu. "Memorial" includes any statue, bust, monument or plaque erected or installed in remembrance of a person or persons or historical event. "Park" includes any park, park roadway, playground, athletic field, beach, beach fight-of-way, tennis court, golf course, swimming p°ol, and other recreation areas and facilities under the control, maintenance and management of the department of parks and recreation. "Site" includes any mall or land parcel owned, managed or operated by the City and County of Honolulu. (Added by Ord. 89-95; Am. Ord. 01-11) Sec. 22-9.3 Naming of city parks, sites and facilities. (a) The names of all city parks, sites and facilities shall be determined in accordance with requirements set forth herein: (1) Existing city parks, sites and facilities may retain the name which has been historically accepted through common usage. (2) New or existing parks, sites and facilities may be named: (A) For the neighborhood, community, district or region in which the park, site or facility is located; (B) After the primary street which it abuts; or (C) In the Hawaiian language with a name which describes the site or its use, function or purpose. (3) In exceptional cases, a new or existing park, site or facility may be named for a person, or for a belief, ideal, concept or historical event of significance to the community, city, nation or world. In cases where the park, site or facility is named for an individual, that person must be deceased and must meet one or more of the following criteria: (A) The person has a significant association with the park, site, or facility; (B) The person has contributed significantly to the community or area in which the park, site or facility is located; (C) The person has achieved significant recognition historically on the city, state, national or international level; or (D) The person has been honored for service with the armed forces of the United States of America. (b) When Hawaiian names or words are used to name an existing or new park, site or facility, the authoritative Hawaiian spelling and diacritical marks shall be used. (c) Any park, site, facility or memorial name adopted after the effective date of this article includes appropriate diacritical marks, which shall appear on the park, site, facility or memorial sign name. Appropriate diacritical marks shall also be required for all replacement signs for park, site, facility or memorial names in effect on the effective date of this article. The department that controls, maintains and manages the park, site, facility or memorial may take all steps necessary to redesignate the names of existing parks, sites, facilities or memorials to include appropriate diacritical marks where such redesignation is found to be necessary or appropriate. (Added by Ord. 89-95) Sec. 22-9.4 Memorials. (a) The city shall erect, install and accept donations for permanent statues, busts or other memorials in accordance with requirements set forth in this section. (b) Permanent statues, busts or other memorials may be erected, placed or installed in city parks, sites and facilities to honor: (1) Persons or groups that have a significant association with the park, site or facility; (2) Persons or groups for which a park, site or facility has been named; (3) A belief, ideal, concept or historical event of significance to the community, city, state, nation or world; (4) A historical event of significance to the park, site or facility; (5) A person or group which has contributed significantly to the park, site or facility; (6) A person or group which has achieved significant recognition historically on the city, state, national or international level; or. (7) A person or group which has been honored for service with the armed forces of the United States of America. (Added by Ord. 89-95) Sec. 22-9.5 Procedures for naming city parks, sites and facilities and erecting or accepting memorials. (a) When a new park, site or facility is acquired or authorized for construction, or when a memorial is to be accepted or erected, the mayor shall submit his or her recommendations regarding the name or memorial to the council in the form of a resolution, along with any additional information as required in subsections (c) and (d) of this section. Any interested person may recommend names or name changes to the city. (b) When a beach, stream, lake, pond or any other geographic feature is involved, the resolution naming, renaming or correcting the name of a geographic feature or place shall request the board of geographic names, office of state planning to name, rename or correct the name of a geographic feature or place in accordance with HRS Chapter 4E. (c) When a person or historical event is recommended as the name for a park, site or facility, the mayor shall submit the following information regarding the proposed name or historical event: (1) The full name of such person, persons, group or event; (2) The date of birth and the date of death of the person or persons; (3) The residence of the person or persons, if appropriate, including street address, town and district, state or nation; (4) The association, if any, of the person, persons, group or event, if appropriate, with the park, site or facility to be named; and (5) A brief biography of the person, persons or group, or account of the historical event, if appropriate, including all other data relevant to the commemorative naming. (d) Any recommendation for acceptance or erection of a permanent memorial shall include: (1) The full name of such person, persons, group or event; (2) The date of birth and the date of death of the person or persons; (3) The residence of the person or persons, if appropriate, including street address, town and district, state or nation; (4) The association, if any, of the person, persons, group or event, if appropriate, with the proposed location; (5) A brief biography of the person, persons or group, or account of the historical event, if appropriate, including all data relevant to the memorial; and (6) Detailed information, such as size, shape, type of material, any maintenance costs, and total costs, if appropriate. Notwithstanding subdivisions (d)(1) and (d)(2), in cases where the memorial will contain human skeletal remains, or iwi, subject to HRS Chapter 6E, or will honor or be dedicated to the remembrance of persons whose identities are unknown, the recommendation for acceptance or erection of a memorial need not include the information specified in subdivisions (d)(1) and (d)(2). (e) All naming or renaming of city parks, sites or facilities shall be by resolution by the council of the City and County of Honolulu. Approval for the erection or placement of permanent memorials shall be by resolution, provided that an appropriate budget ordinance has been enacted where required. (f) The council may, on its own motion, designate a name for a new or existing park, site, facility or memorial, consistent with the requirements set forth herein, by adoption of an appropriate resolution. (Added by Ord. 89-95; Am. Ord. 01-11) Sec. 22-9.6 Inventory of official names of parks, sites, facilities, statues and memorials. The mayor shall maintain an inventory of official names of parks, sites, facilities and memorials, which shall be updated annually, and a listing describing or defining names and locations of parks, sites, facilities and memorials under the jurisdiction of the City and County of Honolulu. The inventory and listing shall be accessible at the municipal reference and records center. (Added by Ord. 89-95) Sec. 22-9.7 Use of official names of parks, sites and facilities. Official names of parks, sites and facilities shall be used in city communications, maps, plans, documents, signs and any other communications. (Added by Ord. 89-95) NAMING POLICY ATTACHMENT C City Council Meeting: July 9, 2002 To: Mayor and City Council From: City Staff Subject: Policy for the Naming of Public Facilities Introduction This report recommends adoption of a resolution establishing a policy regarding naming of City owned-land, buildings and facilities. Background Council and the public have expressed interest periodically in the naming of City-owned land, buildings and facilities. With the culmination of a significant period of capital investment several new public facilities are underway and it is timely to consider policy, process and guiding criteria to ensure that where naming is appropriate, the culture and heritage of Santa Monica and compatibility with function and site are given weight. 6/17/03 N/ilVlING POLICY Page 2 of 4 Other cities, state agencies and the Federal Government have adopted criteria and procedures for naming public facilities. Some emphasize the culture and history of a place, others city identification, and still others recognize individuals for exceptional or distinguished contributions. Some cities haVe set higher priorities on naming based on location and/or function of a public space rather than naming after an individual and others prefer to commemorate public figures. Most policies recommend a waiting period after the death of an individual before consideration of naming opportunities. Honoring individuals can take place in a number of ways including naming a park or a building, a portion of a park or building or related space. Public entities typically tailor the process of selecting a name or affiliation by using the existing commission or committee structure as a means of developing a final recommendation to an elected body. Proposed Policy Guidelines for Naming Public Facilities Purpose The proposed policy would establish formal guidelines and a procedure for considering appropriate names for City-owned land, buildings and facilities, or portions thereof. Policy and Priorities In determining the names to be given to City-owned land, buildings and facilities, the City Council will receive recommendations from the public, staff and related advisory bodies such as the Recreation and Parks Commission, the Library Board and the Landmarks Commission. Guidelines In naming public land and buildings, the City Council and its advisory bodies shall consider the following: · · Incorporating "Santa Monica" in the name where it is important for civic or other reasons for a building or facility to be identified with the City; · Recognizing geographic, topographic or historical features or events associated with Santa Monica; · Commemorating persons who have served the City, in an exceptional manner provided that five years have elapsed since the death of the individual; · Commemorating persons who have served the State or Nation in an exceptional manner and who have an association with the City provided that five years have elapsed since 6/17/03 t NKMING POLICY Page 3 of 4 the death of the individual; · Commemorating persons who have served the State or Nation in an exceptional or distinguished manner where the contribution is of such major significance that a local association wanes in importance provided that five years have elapsed since the death of the individual; · Commemorating individuals or organizations who have made important donations of land, funds or materials, equipment and/or facilities; · Avoiding recognition of those whose contribution has been appropriately recognized in other City venues or by other means. Procedure Requests for naming of City-owned land, buildings and facilities may be submitted to the City Clerk in writing, accompanied by a justification for the recommended name(s). All requests will be referred to the Department having jurisdiction and the appropriate Board(s) or Commission (s) for deliberation. Staff and related advisory bodies will evaluate the recommended name within six months following receipt of a request. Upon completion of deliberations at a public hearing, the staff and advisory body will forward a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will make its determination as to the naming or renaming of City-owned land, buildings and facilities at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Council at which staff, representatives of advisory bodies and civic organizations and the general public may offer testimony. Recognition Recognition may be given by installation of a plaque or appropriate signage, installation of a marker or artwork, or other means appropriate to the setting. Any signage must conform to City sign ordinances or policies. Artworks must be approved by the Arts Commission. Manner of recognition will be determined by staff or the appropriate commission working with professional designers as appropriate and conveyed in its recommendation to City Council. Budget/Financial Impact 6/17/03 NAMING POLICY Page 4 of 4 There is no financial impact associated with establishing a policy regarding naming of City- owned land, buildings and facilities. Recommendation City staff recommends that Council consider adoption of a resolution establishing a policy regarding naming of City-owned land, buildings and facilities. Prepared by: Kathryn Vernez, Asst. to the City Manager for Government Relations Susan E. McCarthy, City Manager RESOLUTION 6/17/03 ATTACHMENT D CITY COUNCIL POLICY #23 CITY COUNCIL POLICY #23 DATE: September 15, 2003 NAMING OF CITY PARKS, SITES AND FACILITIE~ Section I - Purpose The success and vitality of the City depend on the contribution and support from the citizens, volunteers, financial .donors, community leaders and officials. The City welcomes the opportunity tq,~,-,,,,"- *~- ...... ~'~ have demonstrated outstanding services and enhanced the community_of Kirksville. _~ Section 2 - Intent The number of parks, sites and facilities owned by the City is finite, and available resources limited. This policy will allow the City to work with the community to share resources to enhance City facilities to meet existing needs through a variety of partnerships. Therefore, a fair and impartial policy is necessary to assure that naming a facility based on an individual, group or corporation is reserved for those most deserving and appropriate, and to recognize substantial gifts. Section 3 - Definitions Accessory - Rooms, walkways, gardens, trees, walls, waterways and bodies of water, etc. Candidates - Individuals, groups, companies or corporations nominated for the purpose of naming a facility. Facility- Buildings excluding City Hall, parks, playgrounds, playing fields and accessories. Gifts - A monetary payment, grant, donation or bequest to the City for a specific purpose. In-kind Gifts - A non-monetary contribution of time, equipment, and expertise given to the City for a specific purpose. Ongoing - A measure of support that will occur no less than one time per calendar year. Organization - An existing organization that has been in place for a period of at least one year, with an established organizational goal and membership guidelines. Section 4 - Naming Criteria 1. Naming of new facilities such as buildings, parks and playgrounds. A facility may be named if the City receives a gift that represents approximately one-third of the capital cost of a new facility, but not less than $10,000 for a facility. The Mayor and Council shall determine what qualifies as an acceptable gift during the planning stages of a facility design and the name determined before the start of construction. 2. Naming of existing facilities such as parks playgrounds and playing fields. A. An existing facility may be named during a renovation that exceeds $10,000 in costs, and if the City receives a gift that represents approximately one-third of the cost of the renovation, but not less than $10,000. B. A facility may be named for a period of one year if the City receives a gift of no less than 15% of the estimated cost of the facility using present value replacement in gifts or in-kind gifts received by an individual or organization. The City will determine what qualifies as an acceptable in-kind gift. For those facilities named at the request of an organization, in-kind services for non-routine maintenance items must be provided on an ongoing basis. These in-kind services should be for things that will enhance the facility, and comply with the City's plans for each facility. 3. Naming an accessory may be named if one of the following qualifies: A. The candidate gives an appropriate gift to the City designated for the specific accessory; or B. The candidate has made a substantial and/or long-term contribution to the life and spirit of the community of Kirksville. Section 5.- Procedures 1. Any group or individual may nominate a candidate by submitting a formal written request to the City. 2. The nomination shall be supported by accompanying documentation that provides evidence of the outstanding contributions made by the candidate. Nominators shall at least address the following questions in their preparation of the nomination: a - What is the candidate's outstanding contribution(s) to the community in terms of activities or gifts? How did the candidate enhance the community? b - How will the candidate's contributions be recognized in the future. c - The candidate's contributions have the greatest impact on whom? d - How does the candidate relate to the facility proposed for naming? e - Are funds available to purchase and install identification plaques? 3. Within thirty (30) days of receiving a nomination, the City Council shall make a determination as to whether or not the nomination should be approved. 4. If approved, a resolution will be prepared and presented to the City Council for approval. The resolution shall identify the candidate, the facility to be named and justification for such naming, based on the established policy. The candidate should not be nominated for the naming of any other accessory or facility for so long as the candidate's name remains on a facility or accessory previously named. 5. The City will work in good faith with the group or individual whose request has been approved to develop an agreement that will outline expectations and commitments on the part of both parties. Section 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions 1. To respect the candidates, the City Council shall conduct the review discretely to avoid unnecessary public attention. Public meetings, media attention and competition among candidates should be avoided. Exposure and competition may embarrass those the City is considering honoring. 2. All costs to purchase and install identification plaques shall be secured by the person or group nominating the candidate, unless otherwise specified by the City Council. 3. The City administration shall have the complete and sole authority to approve the size, content, location and material of identification plaques. 4. This policy shall apply to the majority of situations and is intended to maintain fairness and consistency. The City recognizes that there may be unique circumstances or events that may warrant a departure from this policy for the overall good of the City. The City Council shall consider such matters and shall identify any special considerations and the justification in the resolution adopted by the City Council. Section 7. Use of Official Names Official names of parks, sites and facilities shall be used in City communications, maps, plans, documents, and other communications.