SR-305-001-01 (4)~ev ~ sec~ I?age
~~~ . ..._....._._. ^ .. ......_ _.
C~ty Counc~l Repor~
__~ c~xy of
Saata 11t~ntcai
City Council I'u9eeting: March 2C~, 20Cl~
Agenda Item: ~.~
To: Mayar and City Counci!
From: Barbara Stinchfield, Community and Cultural ~ervices Director
Subject: Proposed Revisians to City's Cammemoration and Tribute Policy
Recommended Actian
Staff recommends that the City Counci! adapt the proposed revisions to the City's Park
Commemaration and Tribute Policy and repeaf Resolution iVa. 8758 and adop# a new
resalUtion to reflect the changes.
Executive Summary
This report recommends changes to the City's Park Cornmemoration and Tribute Palicy
currently defined 'rn Resolution No, 8758 (Governing the Placement of Memcrrials and
Tributes in City Parks). The proposed changes are intended to increase the number
and type of tribute crptions available, establish pararneters for #he installation of plaques
in new or renova#ed parks and open spaces, offer a s#andardized menu of simple tribute
choices for the plaques, and generate revenue f4r park, beach and open space
improvements. The three ~3) categaries proposed for tribute contributions are: general
apen space imprc~vemen#s, specific park, beach and a#her open space amenities, and
trees. )n addition ta honoring deceased loved ones and pets, the proposed program
~.~.~
City Councif Repor~
_~~N-w~ City af
Santa Monica~
City Gouncil Meeting: March 24, 2407
Agenda Item: ~' ~
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Barbara Stinchfield, Cammunity and Cultural Services Director
Subject: Proposed Revisions ta City's Commemoration and Tribute Policy
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adapt the proposed revisions to the City's Park
Commemoration and Tribute Policy and amend Resolution No. 8758 to reflect the
changes.
Executive Summary
This report recammends changes to the City's Park Commemora#ion and Tribute Policy
currently defined in Resol~tion No. 8758 {Governing the Placement of Memorials and
Tributes in City Parks). The proposed changes are in#ended to increase the number
and type of tribute options available, establish parameters far the installatian of plaques
in new or renavated parks and open spaces, ofFer a standardized menu af simple tribute
choices for the plaques, and generate revenue for park, beach and open space
improvements. The three {3) categories propased for tribute cantributians are: general
open space improvements, specific park, beach and other open space amenities, and
trees. In additian to honoring deceased loved ones and pets, the praposed pragram
will be expanded ta include tributes for special occasions, such as birthdays and
anniversaries.
Discussion
Backgraund
In the early 1990's, the City ~ouncil approved a program whereby individuals could
purchase a park bench and memarial plaque in memory af a loved ane and have it
installed in Palisades Park. The pragram's popularity, along with concerns about the
random placement of additional park benches to accammodate the demand, ~,rompted
the Recreation and Parks Commission (RPC} to recommend a policy regulating the
placement of inemorials and tributes in Gity parks. The policy was approved by City
Council in ~ 994 as Resolution No. 8~58 -- Governing the Placement of Memorials and
Tributes in City Parks (Attachment 1).
AI#hough the Resolution outlines several optians for comrnemarating loved ones, the
bench memorial option by far generated the most interest. Palisades ParEc, the mast
popular of all sites, reached capacity two years ago and staff is no longer able ta
accommodate additional requests.
In an effort to ~ddress the public's continued interest in purchasing tributes as well as to
ider~tify a possible rer~enue source for park, beach and open space impravemenfis, staff
undertaok a review of the current memorial and tribute program. Staff reviewed the
options set forth in the current Resolution, considered past praetice, surveyed how cities
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nationwide handle memorial and tribute programs in public spaces, and sought input
from both the RPC and the City Council.
Staff found that most cities surveyed offer some sort of tribute program. Options range
from making a monetary contribution or having a tree planted to buying a park bench or
other amenity, Many cities market their programs to include not only the
commemoration of a deceased Ic~ved one, both human and animal, but other special
occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Cities that permit the placemen# of plaques in
public spaces usually do so in limited areas and only if the contribution ta the City is
significant.
Previous Commission/Council Action
At its November 20, 2003 meeting, the RPC supported expanding fihe City's memorial
and tribute program to generate revenue for park and open space en~ancements.
,
Nowever, the Commission alsa expressed concern about the possible proliferation of
plaques in parks and recommended tha# the installation af plaques be discontinued.
Staff presented those recommendations to Council on March 9, 2044. Council noted
that it was important to provide the public with the apportunity to purchase tribute
plaques provided they were afFered in limited numbers and installed in very specific
areas of the City's parks and open spaces. Council asked staff ta research and
propase parameters that would allow the limited and legally-sound placement of
plaques in parks and open spaces.
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Proposed Chanqes
Based on staff artalysis, RPC and City Council input, the fallowing are proposed
changes to the commemoration and tribute program:
Revise and Expand Tribute C}ptions
1} Accept #ribute contributions in the following three {3) categories:
• Genera! Open Space lmprovements
Contributions can be made at ar~y time starking at a minimum of $25 and up ta
an unlimited amaunt. Contributions will be pooled and, depending on current
park, beach or other open space needs, stafF will determine how the funds are
used. Funds in this category are unrestricted and can be used for amenities,
signage, lighting, landscape irnpravements, etc. Donors will be
acknowledged with a special tribute certificate.
• Speeific Park, Beach and other Open Space Amenifies
Contributians can be made to pay for the entire cost of acquiring and
instalaing needed park, beach or other open space amenities includ'rng but not
limited ta benches, picnic tables, signage, water fountains, and bieachers.
Staff will maintain an inventary of areas in need of new or replacement
amenities and wifl publicize it, along with the cost of each, via the City's
website, Seascape and CityN. Depending on the current need, staff will
determine where #he amenity will be placed. Donors who contribute the total
cost of the City acquiring and installing an open space amenity of significant
value, which the Gity has previously determined is needed, will be
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acknowledged with a plaque. Far purposes of this program, a significant
amenity shall be ane valued at more than $750. Donors of smaller or less
significant amenities will receive a special tribute certifica#e.
• Community Forest
Cantributions can be made to pay for the entire cast of acquiring, planting and
caring for a new park, parkway or other open space tree. Three price options
will be ofiFered based on the size of the tree {24", 3fi" or 48" bax), staff time,
materials and whether or not a plaque is included. Depending on the current
need, staff will determine where the tree will be planted. Donars of trees
planted in parks, medians, parkways or other open spaces will be
acknowledged with a specia{ tribute certificate. Donors of trees planted within
stree#scapes or park improvements specifically designed for plaque holders
may be acknowledged with plaques.
2) Allow cammemoration and tributes for special occasions, such as birkhdays and
anniversaries as well as honoring deceased loved ones and pets.
3) Standardize the content of plaques by offering a set and limited menu of simple
tributes such as "in honor of..." or "in memory of..."
Revise and Expand Sites for Installation of Plaques
Staff recommends allowing new plaques in public open space areas af the Gity that are
being developed or renovated. Daing so would ensure that the plaque instalfations are
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incorporated into the design of the space and appear as an integrated feature, not an
afterthought. Ideas for tribute plaque sites include:
+ strategically placed plaques in front of tree wells as part of new streetscape
projects an 2n~ Street, 4~" Street, 20th ~treet, Cloverfield Boulevard and the
Exposition Bike and Pedestrian Path;
• a tribute wall or other design element integrated into the clesign of the new
Civic Center public spaces;
• small plaques embedded into replacement benches along Barnard Way
Linear Park and Ocean Front Walk.
The City wilE determine, as park of the planning for the overall improvements, the
number of available tribute spaces a# each site, the size of the plaques, and their
placement into the design af the space
Offer a Standardized Menu of Simple Tributes
The purpose of the commemoration and tribute program wauld be to provide
apportunities for tributes and to raise revenues to improve public recreational spaces.
The purpose would not be to open a public forum for communicating particular
messages. If a forum were apened, the City would lack the pawer to control the conten#
of the plaques. Ta achieve the program's goals, while avaiding First Amendmen#
issues, sfiaff recommends offerirtg a standardized and limited menu af simple tribute
options for plaques. Those wishing to pay tribute would be required to select fram this
menu.
s
Implement Creative Marketing Strategies
Recognizing that the commemoration and tribute program can be a source of revenue
for the City, the RPC asked staff to identify and deveiap creative marketing strategies to
promote the program. Staff intends to wark with students from the Art Institute of Los
Angeles, Ir~cated in Santa Monica, to develop a professional, attractive marketing
identity that can be used in all publicity and cammunity outreach efforts. Marketing
strategies will include reguiarly publicizing program information, tribute opportunities,
and a commemora#ion/tribute order farm in Seascape and on the City's website, as well
as runrting public serviee annauncements on CityN. flther marketing strategies will
be explored as well. Acknowledgments of danors and annual reports an donated items
could also be published in Seascape or on the Ci~y's website.
An important component of the program will be to ensure that donors understand that
materials or amenities that have been acquired thraugh the tribute and commemaration
program becorr-e the property of the City ta maintain and manage. Conditions at
facilities change over time and, although every effort will be made to preserve these
items, there may be a need to have them removed, relocated or repiaced. S#aff will
attempt to notify donors of changes as they occur.
Budget/Financial Impacts
The recommendations presented in this report do not have a budget or financial impact
as the program is cost cavering. If policy revisions are approved, accounts will need to
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be established to record receipt of funds and to appropriate funds ailowing t~em to be
available for program use.
Prepared by: Elaine Polachek, tapen Space Manager
Appraved:
~rF.....t..u..~._...~....~ ,Kd~-~Gt~...,._.~..L.. ~2, .l~
Barbara Stinchfield
Director, Community & Cultural ~erv
Forwarded to Council:
~rnont Ewell
Manager
Attachments
1. Current Resolution 8758 - Governing the Placement of Memorials and Tributes in
City Parks
2. Revised Resolution
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CCS:SEM:se:memresQ Santa Monica, California
Council Me~~ing: Ma~ 24, 1994
RE~~LUTZ~N N~. $7~~
A RE~~LUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA M~NICA
G~VERNING THE PL~ACEMENT OF MEMQRIALS
AND TFtIBUTES IN CITY PARKS
WHEREAS, ~he Ci~y prc~vides public parks for ac~~.ve
recreata..onal use and passive celebra~ion af na~ura2 beau~y by ~he
generaZ public; and
WHEREAS, memlaers of the publ~c wish to memorialize friends or
relatives at c~r in con.junction wa.th a favorite park car recreatic~nal
activity; and
WHEREAS, the Recreata.o~a. and Par~s Ccammissic~n has adc~pted the
following palicy regarding the placement of inemc~rials in parks,
NOW, THEREFtJRE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE GITY OF SANTA MC)NICA
DOES RESOLVE AS F4ZLOW~:
SECTION l. To endorse the ~ollawing policy af the Recreation
and Parks Commis~ion adopted by them an C}ctober 21, 1993:
POLICY REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF
MEMC7RIAL~ ANL} TRIBUTES IN CITY PARK~
City park~ are a~carce resource provided ~or acti~r~ reereational
use and passive celebration of na~ural beauty~ by the general
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public. The Recreatian and Parks Commissi~n recognizes ~he desire
of inembers o~ ~he public ta memorialize or pay tribute ~a deceased
f~iends or rela~zves a~ ~r in con~unction wi~h a favori~e park or
recreatianal aCtivity. The Commission believes tha~ placement af
memorials or ~ributes ~o private individuals in Ci~y parks must be
governed by a policy ~hat preserves a pas~tive experience for ~he
public in the park, ensures tha~ all cas~s of a memorial c~r ~ribu~e
are born~ by those requesting it, and provides a net benefit ~a
park users.
The following types of inemorials are authori.zed on the folZowing
conditionsf ~ubject ta ~peci.fic approval which shall be given an a
ca~e by ca~e basis consis~ent w~th the foregoing policy:
o ~or a minimum con.tribution. af $25 to the City` s tree ftznd
or recreation Scholarship fund, a memarial certifzcate may be
provided to the family or friend and the gift may be acl~nowledged
in an annual report kept an fi~.e at the Santa Monica Public
I_,ibrary .
o ~'or a dona~ion to the tree fund of the value of an
existi.ng tree and the cos~ c~f staff time and material~, a~
determined by the Director of ~otnmunity and Cultural Service~, a
~mall memorial plaque of a uniform design determined by the
Di.rector a~ Community and Cultural Services and bearing the ~pecie~
name ar~d the name of the individual horiored cnay be pl~.ced at the
base o~ ~he tree.
o For the co~t af acquisi~ian and installation, a bench,
drinking fountain or other public amenity certified as needed and
consistent wi~h park design standards by the DirecLor c~f Community
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and Cultural ~ervice~ may be donated. An appropriate memarial
plaque, as determined by the Director of Communit~ and Cultural
Services, may be affixed to the donated amenity.
o Placement of free standing memarial~ ta individualS in
park~ will be considered anly when the individual memorialized i5
of extraordinary s~ature and the memarial is exceptional in design.
An ex~ended approval process involving appropria~e commis~ion~ and
Ci~y Council actian will be required.
When a park is seheduled far renovation, no plaqueS or amenitie~
may be placed un~il park design s~andards and amenity selections
are finalized.
The Ci~~ will no~ bear respons~bili~~ for replacement o~ last,
stolen or vandalized plaques.
SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certif~ to ~he adaption of ~his
resoluti.on and thence~c~rth and thereafter Che same shall be in full
force and effect.
APPRC}VEL} .AS T(~ F{~F2M :
~
~,.c's.. P~.~.. G~..~- ~~;,
Mar ha Jane ou~rie
City Attorney
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Adopted and approved this 31st day of May, 199~.
ayor
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution 8758 (CCS) was duly adopted at a
meeting of the City Gouncil held on the 31st day of May, 1994 by the follQwing vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers:
Noes: Councilmembers:
Abstain: Councilmembers:
Absent: Councilmernbers:
Abdo, Censer, Greenberg, Holbrc~ok, C11sen, Rosenstein,
Vazquez
None
None
i~Tone
ATTEST:
~ ~~
City Cle k
e erence
eso u ~ o n o.