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8.2 SR 01-18-2022Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 8.2 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business January 18, 2022 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Item Description Reviewed by Naming Two Softball Fields at Lion John Weicht Cal Portner, City Administrator Park —John Barth Fields Reviewed by Action Requested Adopt, by motion, naming the two softball fields the John Barth Fields Recommend, by motion, waiving the policy requirement to wait two years for a deceased person before a naming opportunity can be considered. Background/Discussion Mayor John Dietz completed an application to name the two softball fields at Lion John Weicht Park the John Barth Fields. The application has all the documentation that meets the criteria for the official naming. Mayor Dietz also requested waiving the requirements in the naming policy that the naming for a deceased person must wait at least two years so signage can be installed in the spring of 2022. Both motions were recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission on January 12 by a vote of 3-2. The purpose of the naming policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming of parks and recreation areas and facilities. The policy was approved by the Commission and City Council in November of 2012. The policy has been used for Lion John Weicht Park and the Dave Anderson Athletic Complex. Financial Impact The cost to do a basic metal sign is about $400 in-house. The cost to install a new sign as part of the city's wayfinding program is estimated at $13,000 in addition to installation costs. Attachments Letter and Application for the naming of the John Barth Fields Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Naming Policy Parks Commission and City Council Minutes The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional,` 01 e service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires pi ospei ly INAWRE1 City 1; Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River '' Weicht Park: John, Barth Fields John passed away in July 2021 after manyof dedicated service to the Elk River community, both in his chosen profession of teacher, coach and Activities Director and also in his more than..; of volunteering in the Elk River 1 emphasis on the youthof our city. The city's naming policy states "For a deceased person to be considered for a naming opportunity the individual must have been deceased for at least two (2) years." I ask hat you consider. I hat requirement in this case and name the fiel 1I immediately 1 1 signage could i installed ! spring f 2022. 1 f 1" r 1! '1III NamingWe need to celebrate people like John and use their lives as an inspiration for others. '- softball 1 one small way we can1 f #! 1 1 River.Elk DietzJohn River Clity Request: John Barth was. teacher,!. and Activities Director at River School1years.. .; household name throughout1 livedHe in Elk River forr before buying r home on Mississippi Riverjust outside the city limits in Big Lake Township. John accomplished much during his years at ERHS but he also spent countless hours volunteering for the community in general and specifically the youth of the community before has passed away in July, 202 1. He is a legend in Elk River and should be remembered forever. John played fast -pitch softball, beginning in his junior high years. It was one of his favorite1! ! play and he was very • 1!1 at it. Naming the two softball fields after John seems very fitting. Served Director of the Elk River Boys' Youth Basketball organization for 20 years on Elk River youth1! boards 1! 1 and baseball leaguesCoached boys'youth basketball for 20 years Coached youth football and youth baseball for 10 years each Directed and organized Elk River summer youth basketball camps and ServedServed as an Elk River Big Brother mentor as an Elk River YMCA mentor Served at an Rotarian from Guest speaker for Rotary and Boy Scout events, attending many fundraisers for endowments Coached several state AAU championship basketball teams, winning . National + 1 1 # in 1988 Co -organized and directed the first boys AAU basketball tournament in Minnesota Taught! . ! at Delivered packages and shopped for Gifts Anonymous Helped . ! r p funds forRiver graduates Participated in fundraisersfrom !r drives to cancer drives to Teen Challenge Active member of River of Life Church R v A ty of "Elk Rivier'Naming Reqtiiest bet, 2, 2021 I, �'�iIls le d oltir support t(:i�, nw,'-irdnjj the Bai h, mmW, ni'y m' n t,%oi,o sl( )ftf,�,all Acids at Liori� icht Pmek: Jolin Bart"I'i Fields 01 be oi,.,.,i�,(,,mr'edto eh)fm's t1lame �,,t h HOICIS used'fi""'�"]"" softf',u,*11, spoi i":,lofim Iovt,,!d and played 04r e2/ NUSIN I aF I I I / I Ali) 19 CAny, 1'�toad 30 Elk 3 0 Parks & Facilities Naming Policy 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. Objectives: • Ensure that parks, recreational areas and facilities are easily identified & located. • Ensure that given names to parks, recreational area and facilities are consistent with the values and character of the area or neighborhood served. • Encourage public participation in the naming, renaming and dedication of parks, recreation areas and facilities. • Encourages the dedication of lands, facilities, or donations by individuals and/or groups. Definition: Parks, recreation areas and facilities — includes all property assets under the City's ownership and the Parks and Recreation Department control including buildings, structures, open spaces, public parks, natural areas, wetlands, environmental habitat and land. Naming Criteria Priorities to be considered in naming all city facilities, including parks and recreation facilities (in order of importance) shall be as follows: A. Historic Names. Names of historic events, groups organizations, or persons at the local, regional, or national level of major significance with special consideration given to Elk River's own history. B. Places and Feature Names. 1. Recognizable area or neighborhood. Names that aid in locating a facility are acceptable. If the 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 of significant community service, involvement, or contributions beyond the ordinary interest level whose efforts have: a. Enhanced the quality of life and well-being of city residents; b. Contributed to the preservation of the city's history or culture; c. Made exemplary or meritorious contributions to the city or its residents; or d. Contributed to the acquisition, development, or conveyance of land, buildings, structures, or other amenities to the city or community. 2. Deceased Persons. To be considered for a naming opportunity, the individual must have been deceased for at least two (2) years. Such individuals may include: a. Historic persons. b. National and/or local heroes. Those who have given outstanding service to mankind or who have worked over and above any ordinary interest level. An Elk River area resident, who has attained local, state, or national recognition for parks and recreation work or work in the areas of public safety or public health, as appropriate to the facility, would be highly acceptable. 3. Living Persons. Facilities may be named after living persons only after a study has been completed relative to the individual's background and qualifications pursuant to the criteria in this policy. 4. Groups and Organizations. Facilities may be named after groups or organizations pursuant to the criteria set forth in this policy. 2 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. 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 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. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. 5. The Parks and Recreation Commission can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the city. 6. In the absence of any naming requests, the Parks Recreation and Commission shall adhere to criteria stated in this policy in recommendation of name. B. Renaming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities Renaming of parks, recreation areas and facilities carries with it a much greater burden of process compared to initial naming. Tradition and continuity of name and community identification are important community values. Each application must meet the criteria in this policy, but meeting all criteria does not ensure renaming. 1. A request for renaming of a park, recreational area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission, through the Parks and Recreation Department. 2. The request shall include the proposed name change, the purpose of the change, and how the proposed name change is consistent with the criteria established. When renaming after a person or persons, the application will describe the contributions to the city. Written documentation 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. 5. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. 4 POLICY REVIEW HISTORY PARKS AND FACILITY NAMING POLICY Approved by City Council November 19, 2012. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 10, 2012 Page 2 Mr. Benoit also shared that the 13`h Annual Family Fright Night would be held on Saturday, October 20' at Lions Park Center. 7. Discussion Items 7.1. Eagle Scout Project Eagle Scout, Ryan explained what he wanted to do for his Eagle Scout project. Build a bridge in Woodland Trails Park along with a trail to separate walkers from skiers in the winter months. 8. Action Items Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Hecker presented an updated version of the Parks & Facilities Naming Policy. Mayor Dietz asked to clarify "area" and suggested to change it to "Elk River area resident". Commissioner Niziolek questioned whether the example used in the policy of what an assumed name meant was setting a precedent. Commissioner Anderson stated that it is an example only. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KARLSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KALLEMEYN TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE PARKS AND FACILITIES NAMING POLICY. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 8.2. Park Dedication for PrehmitaU Plat a.4194 Planner/Parks Planner, Chris Leeseberg presented background information regarding park dedication for preliminary plat Jabez which was not recorded before its expiration. Commissioner Anderson asked for definition of Park Dedication for new commission members. Mr. Leeseberg explained that Park Dedication is when land development happens there are three options; first, money in lieu of property to go into the Park Dedication Fund, second, up to 10% of land acquired instead of money, and lastly a combination of land and cash. Commissioner Niziolek questioned why there was a reduced park dedication for the preliminaryplat Jabez in 2006. City Council Minutes November 19, 2012 Page 8 4. Preservation mandate is most concerning and shouldn't be restrictive on requiring historical structures to be kept. 5. Plan will sit on shelf. 6. Too small of an area He further stated he liked some of the following aspects of the Plan: 1. Unique signage to identify the downtown area. 2. Promotion of downtown businesses as a whole by hosting various activities. 3. Highlighting and utilizing the Mississippi River better. 4. Having design standards in place. Mr. Barnhart stated he will come back with a formal resolution at a future date. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ADOPT THE DOWNTOWN TASK FORCE'S MISSISSIPPI CONNECTIONS PLAN. MOTION CARRIED 4-L Councilmember Motin opposed. Taskforce member Stuart Wilson thanked Council for allowing this process and thanked the public for their participation in drafting this Plan. 8.2 Parks Naming Policy Mr. Hecker presented the staff report Councilmember Zerwas stated he would like to remove the language regarding an individual being deceased for two years in order to be considered for a naming opportunity. He stated the request could come forward naturally as things can happen quickly and there may be instances when naming something may be more impactful or meaningful for a family member. Mayor Dietz disagreed and stated emotion may cause a hasty decision in which a time delay could help by offering more time for perspective. Councilmember Motin concurred with Mayor Dietz and stated the Council needs to be deliberate when making a decision that is permanent. He further noted there is no definition of a "historical person" and questioned who would qualify. He suggested language that better defines it such as being war related or providing 10 plus years of community service. He stated he is okay with not changing the language at this time but if the policy comes back again, then this section should be beefed up. Councilmember Gumphrey stated he has no issue with removing the two year timeline for a deceased person.. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO ADOPT THE PARKS AND FACILITIES NAMING POLICY AS PRESENTED IN THE STAFF REPORT MOTION CARRIED 5-0.