Loading...
8.2. SR 11-19-2012REQUEST FOR ACTION TO ITEM NUMBER City Council 8.2 AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY November 19, 2012 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation General Business Director ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED BY Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Cal Portner, City Administrator REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED City staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend City Council approve the attached Naming Policy for parks and facilities. BACKGROUND /DISCUSSION The need for a Parks and Facilities Naming Policy was discussed this fall by the Parks and Recreation Commission to establish a consistent approach for the official naming of parks and recreation areas and facilities. Staff researched the current City of Elk River policies and found that no official policy exists. During the research, staff did some "benchmarking of municipalities" best practices and drafted a policy for the Parks and Recreation Commission to review. At the October 10, 2012, meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and unanimously recommended the proposed parks and facilities naming policy. City Attorney Peter Beck has also reviewed this policy and made some recommendations that have been included in the attached draft. ATTACHMENTS ■ Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Draft. Action Motion by Second by Vote Follow Up P O w E R E 0 R r NATURE Parks & Facilities Naming Policy DRAFT Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming of parks and recreation areas and facilities. Definition: A �y Parks, recreation areas and facilities — mcI property ass( s%xnder the City's ownership and the Parks and Recreation Department control inclu ydii 'bull tn&s, structures, -' n spaces, public parks, natural areas, wetlands, environmental habitat and land., . ,m .. .. amine riteria Priorities to be cstdered in narigty facilities, uicing parks and recreation facilities (in order of A. HiAiic Names. Nan*of historic events, groups organizations, or persons at the local, regional, or nano` evel of major st aificance with special consideration given to Elk River's own history. B. 1. Recogni le a or neighborhood. Names that aid in locating a facility are acceptable.ifJrhe facility is located on a park or school site, the facility need not share the name of the park or school site. 2. Assumed Names. Assumed names should be used only if the area has been known by that assumed name for an extended period of time. For example, the parcel of land known for decades as `Bailey Point," located near downtown at the south end of Morton Avenue at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. 3. Natural Features. Natural features, such as rivers, creeks, and terrain. 4. Horticultural Features. Horticultural features characteristic of a particular area. C. Individual, Groups, or Organizations. The following criteria will be used in evaluating the use of names of persons (whether living or deceased), groups, and organizations. 1. General Criteria. Names of persons, groups, or organizations having a longstanding affiliation with the City of ten (10) or more years 2f significant community service, involvement, or contributions beyond the ordir a4° terest level whose efforts have: 2. Deceased Persons I be considered for naming opportunity, the individual must have been deceased forleast two (2) years ugh individuals may include: y be named after living persons only after a study has individual's background and qualifications pursuant to the ,tions. Facilities may be named after groups or organizations set forth in this policy. Procedure: A. Naming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities 1. A request for naming of a park, recreation area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission, through the Parks and Recreation Department. B. 2. Those submitting a naming request should show how the proposed name is consistent with the criteria stated in this policy. When naming after a person or persons, the application will describe the contributions to the city. Written documentation of approval by next of kin to be honored (if available /possible) is required as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request. 3. The Parks and Recreation Commission will o£ a the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. A notice requesting a pull �aeeting for naming of a park, recreation area or facility shall be posted and published to tlie- :city's official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting. "W". 4. The Parks and Recreation Coma istion shall forward th , commendation to City Council for final decision. 5. The Parks and Recreation Commissi tY can initiai%the naming f c, ess whenever deemed necessary and /grin the best interest o -fle' city. 6. In the absence of any nllgrequests, the P ks Recreation and Commission shall 95. adhere to criteria stated n;this't5rilicv in recommendation of name. Renaming of parksx recreation areas and fate&"-' a, rres Vrth it.a much greater burden of process compared to initial nrxiirig. Tradition and co trxiiuty of name and community identification are important community values. 1 h,,apphcation trust meet the criteria in this policy, but meeting all A request d;- enamirig of a park, recreational area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the P ks an&R6creation Commission, through the Parks and Recreation 2. Tli� uest shall ati�lude the proposed name change, the purpose of the change, and how the proposed ,qame change is consistent with the criteria established. When renami4 �a person or persons, the application will describe the contributions to the city. Written, , cementation approval by next of kin to be honored (if available /possible) is required as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request. 3. The recognized Neighborhood Association will be notified of the proposal when the Parks and Recreation Department receive a complete application. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. A notice requesting a public meeting for naming of a park, recreation area or facility shall be posted and published in the city's official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting. S. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision.