SR-305-001-01 (2)
CCS:OSM:TGV:F:\CCS\OSM\Share\COMMUNITY USE\commemorationstaffreport.doc
City Council Meeting: March 9, 2004 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Resolution Governing the Placement of Commemorations and Tributes in City
Parks
INTRODUCTION
This report recommends revising several of the options outlined in Resolution No. 8758
(Governing the Placement of Memorials and Tributes in City Parks), and expanding the program
to allow for targeted improvements in other open spaces in the City in addition to parks.
BACKGROUND
In the early 1990's, City Council approved a program providing the public with opportunities to
purchase park benches and memorial plaques in memory of a loved one to be installed in
Palisades Park. As the program grew in popularity, concerns were raised about the bench
placement within the park and the amount of staff time involved. In October 1993, the Santa
Monica Recreation and Parks Commission recommended a policy regulating the placement of
commemorations and tributes in City parks. The policy was approved by City Council in 1994
as Resolution No. 8758 -- Governing the Placement of Memorials and Tributes in City Parks
(attached).
Although the Resolution outlined various options for commemorating loved ones, the Bench
Memorial Program generated the most interest. In 1994, as part of the BIG Project in Palisades
Park, the existing cement and wood benches were replaced with new metal benches. The
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existing plaques were removed from the original benches and installed on cement pads beneath
the new benches. The Bench Memorial Program was then placed on hold and staff continued to
add names to the waiting list until such time as additional opportunities were available. Staff
receives calls regularly from people on the list inquiring about the status of their requests.
Staff has examined past practice, reviewed the options set forth in the Resolution and surveyed
how cities nationwide handle commemoration and tribute programs in public spaces. This
information was conveyed to the Recreation and Parks Commission at its July 17, 2003, meeting.
While the Commission welcomed the idea of using a commemoration and tribute program to
generate revenue to enhance the City’s parks and open space areas, the Commission was
opposed to the installation of more plaques in parks. Staff returned to the Commission on
November 20, 2003, with a revised set of options and implementation strategies.
DISCUSSION
Based on staff analysis and Commission input, the following are proposed changes to the
commemoration and tribute program:
Retire the Bench Memorial Program
?
Staff has contacted the 189 people on the waiting list and determined that close to 80 are still
interested in the Bench Memorial Program. As recommended by the Commission, staff proposes
to accommodate their longstanding requests and conclude this form of tribute.
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Add Other Program Options
?
The Commission recommended that staff establish 1) an option for commemorating special
occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, in addition to the passing of loved ones, including
an option for honoring or commemorating pets; and 2) an Open Space Enhancement Fund so that
commemoration and tribute revenue can be used to enhance parks and other open space areas as
needed. The overriding consideration in continuing the commemoration and tribute program is
to preserve a positive experience for the public in the parks, ensure that all costs of a
commemoration or tribute are borne by those requesting it, and provide a net benefit to park and
open space users.
Revise Commemoration and Tribute Options Outlined inResolution No. 8758
?
(Governing the Placement of Memorials and Tributes in City Parks)
The following are the proposed revised commemoration and tribute options:
In order to differentiate the Commemoration and Tribute Program, which accepts gifts to the
City as a commemoration or tribute to an individual, from a major donor solicitation,
contributions made through the Parks and Open Space Commemoration and Tribute Program are
limited to a maximum of $1,000.
New Options
?
1.
Minimum contribution of $25 to an Open Space Enhancement Fund for park or open
space improvements. Depending on current needs, staff will determine how the funds are
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used (e.g., park amenities, lighting, signage, landscaping, etc.). Donors will be
acknowledged with a special “Open Space Tribute” certificate.
2.
Contribution to an Open Space Enhancement Fund to offset the entire cost of acquisition
and installation of a park amenity (e.g., bench, drinking fountain or other park amenity
consistent with park design standards). This contribution would also be restricted to
park/open space improvements. Depending on current needs, staff will determine where
the amenity will be placed. Donors will be acknowledged with a special “Open Space
Stewardship” certificate.
3.
Contribution to a Community Forest Enhancement Fund for the acquisition, planting and
care of a tree. This fund would be restricted to the acquisition, planting and care of new
or replacement public trees. Three price options will be offered based on the size of the
tree and will include the cost of the tree, its installation and maintenance during the
establishment period. Depending on current needs, staff will determine where the tree
will be planted (park, median, parkway, or other open space) and inform the donor of the
tree location. Donors will be acknowledged with a special “Community Forest
Stewardship” certificate.
Implementation Strategies
?
Staff recommends phasing in the changes to the Parks and Open Space Commemo-ration and
Tribute Program over two fiscal years. In 2003-04, the names on the Bench Memorial Program
waiting list will be accommodated and then the Program will be discontinued. In 2004-05, the
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enhancement funds will be established, details of the commemoration and tribute options and
recognition will be finalized, and an effective community outreach and marketing plan will be
developed. Marketing strategies will include developing an attractive marketing identity
consistent with the City graphic identity, publicizing program information and providing order
forms in Seascape and the City's website, as well as running public service announcements on
CityTV.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Staff anticipates that waiting list plaques and associated installation and long-term maintenance
costs of benches will total approximately $35,000. Donors cover these costs and, as a result,
there will be no net financial impact.
The following budget changes will be needed to record receipt of funds and to make funds
available for program use:
1) Establish a budget of $35,000 in revenue account #01274.40417A.
2) Appropriate $35,000 to expenditure account 01511.555350 - "Bench Memorial
Program".
Fiscal impacts resulting from recommended program options will be addressed in the FY04/05
budget.
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) approve changes to the City's park commemoration
policies as noted in the staff report, 2) approve the budget changes described above, and 3) adopt
the attached resolution which replaces Resolution No. 8758.
Prepared by: Barbara Stinchfield, Director, Community and Cultural Services
Elaine Polachek, Open Space Manager
Trinie García-Valdez, Community Use Administrator
Wendy Pietrzak, Senior Administrative Analyst
F:\CCS\OSM\Share\COMMUNITY USE\r&pcommemorationstaffreport.doc(Revised 3/01/04)
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ATTACHMENT A
POLICY REGARDING THE GOVERNING OF COMMEMORATIONS AND TRIBUTES IN
THE CITY’S PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
Parks are a scarce resource provided for active recreation and passive celebration of natural
beauty by the general public. The Recreation and Parks Commission recognizes the desire of
members of the public to commemorate or pay tribute to friends, relatives and pets at or in
conjunction with a favorite park or open space. The Commission believes that placement of
memorials or tributes to private individuals in City parks and open spaces must be governed by a
policy that preserves a positive experience for the public in the park, ensures that all costs of a
memorial or tribute are borne by those requesting it, and provides a net benefit to park or open
space users.
The following types of commemorations and tributes are authorized on the following conditions,
subject to specific approval which shall be given on a case by case basis consistent with the
foregoing policy:
All commemoration and tribute contributions made through this program will be limited to a
maximum of $1,000.
4.
Minimum contribution of $25. to an Open Space Enhancement Fund for park or open
space improvements. Depending on current needs, staff will determine how the funds are
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used (e.g., park amenities, lighting, signage, landscaping, etc.). Donors will be
acknowledged with a special “Open Space Tribute” certificate.
5.
Contribution to the Open Space Enhancement Fund to offset the entire cost of acquisition
and installation of a park amenity (e.g., bench, drinking fountain or other park amenity
consistent with park design standards). This contribution would also be restricted to
park/open space improvements. Depending on current needs, staff will determine where
the amenity will be placed. Donors will be acknowledged with a special “Open Space
Stewardship” certificate.
6.
Contribution to the Community Forest Enhancement Fund for the acquisition, planting
and care of a tree. This fund would be restricted to the acquisition, planting and care of
new or replacement public trees. Three price options will be offered based on the size of
the tree and will include the cost of the tree, its installation, and maintenance during the
establishment period. Depending on current needs, staff will determine where the tree
will be planted (park, median, parkway, or other open space). Donors will be
acknowledged with a special “Community Forest Stewardship” certificate.
The donated tree and/or park amenity will be owned and maintained by the City. The City will
not bear responsibility for replacement of lost, stolen or vandalized trees or park amenities.
The City Council may exercise its discretion to place freestanding memorials in the parks to
commemorate individuals of extraordinary stature through an installation of extraordinary
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design. Any such proposed installation would be subject to appropriate commission review prior
to final consideration by the City Council.
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ATTACHMENT B
F:\CCS\OSM\Share\COMMUNITY USE\commemorationreso.doc
Council Meeting: March 9, 2004 Santa Monica, CA
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (CCS)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
GOVERNING COMMEMORATIONS AND TRIBUTES IN THE CITY’S PARKS AND
OPEN SPACES
WHEREAS, the City provides public parks and open spaces for active recreational use
and passive celebration of natural beauty by the general public; and
WHEREAS, members of the public wish to commemorate or pay tribute to a friend,
relative or pet at or in conjunction with a favorite park or open space; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Commission has adopted the following revised
policy regarding the administration and placement of commemorations and tributes in the City’s
parks and open spaces,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
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SECTION 1. The City Council hereby endorses the policy of the Recreation and Parks
Commission adopted on November 20, 2003 regarding the governing of commemorations and
tributes in the City’s parks and open spaces. The policy is attached to this Resolution as Exhibit
A.
SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and
thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Marsha Jones Moutrie
City Attorney
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