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8.2 SR 02-22-2022Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 8.2 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business February 22, 2022 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Item Description Reviewed by Naming the two softball fields at Lion John Weicht Cal Portner, City Administrator Park – John Barth Fields Reviewed by Action Requested Approve, by motion, naming the two softball fields at Lion John Weicht Park the John Barth Fields. Background/Discussion In January, Mayor John Dietz submitted an application to name the two softball fields at Lion John Weicht Park the John Barth Fields. At the February 9 Parks and Recreation Commission, a public hearing was held. Mayor Dietz and two residents voiced their support for naming the fields. After the public hearing was closed, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed and unanimously recommended naming the fields. Financial Impact The cost to install a new sign at the fields, as part of the city’s wayfinding program, is estimated at $14,000 in addition to installation costs. A cost to do a basic metal sign in-house is about $400. Attachments  Letter and Application for the naming of the John Barth Fields  Parks and Facilities Naming Policy  Public Notice The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity December 2, 2021 City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River NIN 55330 Dear Commissioners, Attached you will find an application to name the two softball fields at Lion John Weicht Park: John Barth Fields John passed away in July 2021 after many years of dedicated service to the Elk River community, both in his chosen profession of teacher, coach and Activities Director and also in his more than 40 years of volunteering in the Elk River community, with an emphasis on the youth of 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 that you consider waiving that requirement in this case and name the fields immediately so that signage could be installed in the spring of 2022. There aren't many people in our community that have the impact that John Barth had. He was always striving to make Elk River a better place in his professional and private life. You would be hard-pressed to find someone in the community who did not know John. We need to celebrate people like John and use their lives as an inspiration for others. Naming these softball fields after him is one small way we can honor his contribution to Elk River. Sincerely, QPV-1 John Dietz 13319 Riverview Drive Elk River NIN 55330 City of Elk River Naming Request December 2, 2021 Naming Venue Requested: Two softball fields at Lion John Weicht Park roposed New Name: Sohn Barth Fields John Barth was a teacher, coach and Activities Director at Elk River High School for 34 years. He was a household name throughout the community. He lived in Elk River for many years before buying a home on the Mississippi River just 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, 2021. 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 favorite sports to play and he was very good at it. Naming the two softball fields after John seems very fitting. Below is a partial list of his volunteer efforts: Director of the Elk River Boys' Youth Basketball organization for 20 years Served on Elk River youth sports boards in football and baseball Coached 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 leagues Served as an Elk River Big Brother mentor Served as an Elk River YMCA mentor Served at an Elk River Rotarian from 2005-2011 Guest speaker for Rotary and Boy Scout events, attending many fundraisers for endowments Coached several state AAU championship basketball teams, winning the National Championship in 1988 Co -organized and directed the first boys AAU basketball tournament in Minnesota Taught confirmation at Central Lutheran Church Delivered packages and shopped for Gifts Anonymous Helped raise scholarship funds for Elk River graduates Participated in fundraisers from coat drives to cancer drives to Teen Challenge Active member of River of Life Church Led mens' small groups, served on the Overseer Board and took mission trips as part of his service to River of Life Church City of Elk River Naming Request December 2, 2021 1, Marge Barth, and any four sans lend our support to naming the two softball Melds at Lion Jahn Weicht Park. John Barth Fields Our family would be very honored to have John's name attached to fields used for fast -pitch softball, a sport John loved and played for Marge B 14919 Co6ty Road 30 Elk River MN 55330 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 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 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 , 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 c 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 individua 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. Ћ Procedure: A. Naming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities Њ͵ 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. Ћ͵ 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. Ќ͵ 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 official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting. Ѝ͵ The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. Ў͵ The Parks and Recreation Commission can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the city. Џ͵ 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. Њ͵ 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. Ћ͵ 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 Ќ 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. Ќ͵ The recognized Neighborhood Association will be notified of the proposal when the Parks and Recreation Department receive a complete application. Ѝ͵ 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 a official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting. Ў͵ The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. Ѝ POLICY REVIEW HISTORY PARKS AND FACILITY NAMING POLICY Approved by City Council November 19, 2012. Ў Be!Qsppg Not Actual Size !DJUZ!PG!FML!SJWFS OPUJDF!PG! QVCMJD!IFBSJOH Uif!Fml!Sjwfs!Qbslt!boe!Sfd. sfbujpo!Dpnnjttjpo!xjmm!dpoevdu! b!qvcmjd!ifbsjoh!po!Gfcsvbsz!:ui-! 3133-!bu!7;41q/n/-!bu!Fml!Sjwfs!Djuz! 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