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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5.D 06/06/20055.D CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNU June 6, 2005 AGENDA BILL Agenda Title: Resolution naming the park under construction at the Meeting Date: June 6. 2005 McNear Peninsula: "Steamer Landing Park." Meeting Time: ® 3:00 PM ❑ 7:00 PM Category (check one): ❑ Consent Calendar ❑ Public Hearing ® New Business ❑ Unfinished Business ❑ Presentation Department: Direct Contact Person: Phone Number: Parks and Recreation Jim (Z Jim Carr (707) 778-4380 Cost of Proposal: N/A ( / Account Number: N/A Amount Budgeted: N/A Name of Fund: N/A Attachments to Agenda Packet Item: a. Park Naming Policy b. Example letters recommending park names c. Resolution Summary Statement: With phase I of the McNear Peninsula park project underway, the Parks and Recreation Department received recommendations regarding a proposed name for the new park. Initially, recommendations naming the park after Argus Courier Columnist Bill Soberanes were received. Following discussions about the park naming process, suggestions were made to honor Mr. Soberanes at a location more centrally located downtown, in the midst of the City he spent his life writing about. Recommendations were also received to name the new park based on historical data that spoke to the creation and original use of the McNear Peninsula. The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission following deliberations, have made a recommendation to the City Council to name the new park at the McNear Peninsula, "Steamer Landing Park," based on the historical development and use of the site. In addition, the Commission encourages City staff to work with the community to recognize Mr. Soberanes in an appropriate fashion at a site more centrally located in downtown Petaluma. Recommended Citv Council Action/Suggested Motion: Recommend approval of the proposed resolution to name the new park at McNear Peninsula "Steamer Landing Park." Reviewed by Finance Director: n Pate:��',�F� LTIMyo/ddaa1v'ss Date: Reviewed by City Attornev: Date: ADuroved by ON Manager: Date: OF Revision # and Date Revised: File Code: ,n 2 CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA 3 JUNE 69 2005 4 5 AGENDA REPORT 6 FOR 7 Resolution Naming the Park under Construction at the McNear Peninsula: 8 "Steamer Landing Park" 10 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: 11 12 With the construction of the new park at the McNear Peninsula, the Parks and Recreation 13 Department had received recommendations to name the park after an individual and also after the 14 historical heritage which established the McNear Peninsula, The Recreation, Music and Parks 15 Commission reviewed the suggestions made and have made a recommendation to the City Council 16 to name the new park Steamer Landing Park. 17 18 2. BACKGROUND: 19 20 With the construction of the new park at the McNear Peninsula, the Parks and Recreation 21 Department initially received a request from Mrs. Jane Soberanes to name the park after her 22 deceased husband Bill, the popular columnist for the Argus Courier. Eight additional letters of 23 support were received. Two letters regarding Mr. Soberanes suggested a memorial closer to the 24 downtown area, either located at the south east comer of East Washington and Petaluma Boulevard, 25 or as part of the Water Street Promenade. The suggestion recommended a life size statue of Mr. 26 Soberanes seated on a bench, with his pipe and a tablet, in the middle of the community he loved. 27 28 A different recommendation received from local historian John Fitzgerald, suggested naming the 29 new park with a more historical perspective in mind. As Mr. Fitzgerald pointed out, the channel and 30 landing area around which the new park is situated, was created as a landing for the paddle wheel 31 steamers that traveled between San Francisco and Petaluma. The suggestion to name the park with 32 this historical perspective in mind resulted in Mr. Fitzgerald's recommendation to name the new 33 park Steamer Landing Park. One additional letter was received supporting this recommendation. 34 35 Before the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission discussed the item, Parks and Recreation 36 Director Carr had a discussion with Mrs. Jane Soberanes. Mrs. Soberanes agreed that a memorial for 37 Mr. Soberanes was better located downtown, in the center of the City. 38 39 The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission discussed the item at their meeting of May 18'1' and 40 made their recommendation based on the Park Naming Policy: "That historical names be considered, 41 when the name is conducive to the site." The Commission's recommendation is that the new park 42 under construction at the McNear Peninsula be named Steamer Landing Park. 43 The Commission further encouraged city staff to work with local contacts and the community to 44 create a fitting memorial for Mr. Soberanes in the downtown area of the City. 45 46 3. ALTERNATIVES: 47 48 a. Accept the recommendation of the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission. 49 b. Direct the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission to take an alternative course of action. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 H c. Leave the name of the new park area McNear Peninsula. FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Park signage which is part of the construction contract for phase I can now be completed. 5. CONCLUSION: 21 7 The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission, after deliberating the merits of suggestions made for the naming of the new park under construction at the McNear Peninsula, determined that the historical perspective was appropriate as specified in the City's Park Naming Policy. As a result they are recommending that the new park be named "Steamer Landing Park." OUTCOMES OR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS THAT WILL IDENTIFY SUCCESS OR COMPLETION: As part of phase I of the new park project, signage properly identifying the park can be prepared. RECOMMENDATION: The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission recommend that the new park under construction at the McNear Peninsula be named "Steamer Landing Park." The Commission further recommends that City staff work with local contacts and the community to provide for a fitting memorial for Mr. Bill Soberanes to be located in the downtown area of the City he so loved. g.lfo s/2003 agenda bill 3 CITY OF PETALUMA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT The City of Petaluma wishes to adopt a uniform policy regarding the naming of existing and future facilities. The following policy is designed to provide guidance to the City with the subject matter contained herein. I. POLICY The City Council shall exercise final authority in naming all public facilities within its jurisdiction. a_ To name public facilities so that they will beeasily identified as to geographical location and/or function. b. To encourage the dedication of land or funds for public use by individuals/groups, in recognition of their achievements or community contribution. Newly acquired and/or developed park or recreation facilities be named immediately after acquisition or development in order to be identified from the onset. A public facility may be named for a person when the site or facility has been donated by an individual, or a substantial donation has been made by an individual or organization to acquire or develop a park site or other public facility_ When appropriate, a public facility can be named in honor of a person when such person has made major contributions to the community. That historical names be considered, when the name is conducive to the site. When a park site and/or recreation facility is carrying out a particular theme, that the theme may be considered for the park and/or recreation facility name. Lf 1I. CRITERIA FOR NAMING PUBLIC FACILITIES Recognition of individuals, groups and organizations for important service contributions which have: a. Had a recognized direct positive effect on the community. b. Contribution by a profit making organization shall have been outside the normal function of the organization. B. lb*onetaa, Capital or Material Contribution A person, group, or organization may stipulate the naming of park or other public facility under the following conditions: a. Contribution exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the capital cost of the park or other public facility. b. The honoree has a record of outstanding citizenship. C. The request for specific name is made at the time of donation. 2. When certain stipulations are connected with the naming of a facility, these stipulations should be part of an agreement or deed. Stipulations and agreements of this nature must be approved by the City Council, after review and recommendation of the City Attorney. 3. Recommendations for a name may be submitted in writing by groups or individuals. Recommendations may also come directly from City boards or commissions. All recommendations or suggestions will be given the same consideration without regard to the nomination source, as long as the established criteria of this policy is observed. .r III. PROCEDURE FOR NAMING PARKS OR RECREATION FACILITIES The City Council shall direct the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission to review and make recommendations on the naming of a City park or recreation facility. The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission shall use the established criteria in assisting in their analysis of recommending a name for the site or facility under consideration. The Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. IV. DONATIONS The City Council and the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission encourages individuals, groups, or organizations to have the ability to donate funds for the purchase of an item within a park or recreation facility in memory of, in honor of, or in name of. ... an individual, group or organization. Types of items might include trees, park furniture, play equipment, facility rooms, etc. Items purchased as specified above will be identified by a plaque or marker separately from other items in the park or recreation facility. The use of any plaque or marker will be regulated, styled, and handled in a tasteful manner by the Department of Parks and Recreation. 423 East Washington Street Petaluma, Ca 94952 September 11, 2004 Jim Carr, Director Parks and Recreation 320N. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, Ca 94954 To Whom it May Concern: I would like to name the new McNear Peninsula Park the "BILL SOBERANES PARK." Bill, who died June 2, 2003, at age 81, spent his life in Petaluma. He traveled around the world, and because of him people worldwide knew the city named Petaluma. Bill worked at the Petaluma Argus Courier for 49 years. He picked up ideas for many of his columns and "Fascinating World of People," stories in and around downtown Petaluma. Bill was a friend of the McNear family. He visited the McNear home and wrote stories about the McNear family. Before Denman McNear died, he wrote to Bill frequently. Bill was a buddy of a young McNear - whose name escapes me just now - who died during World War II, In his youth, Bill spent many days exploring the McNear Peninsula. He was a river walker, viewing the sights and river environment. I know that Bill would be honored to have a park named for him. I want that too, because I love and miss him so much. I want everyone to remember him and his contributions to our beautiful City. Sincerely, i' Jane Soberanes (Mrs. Bill Soberanes) RECEIVED SEP 16 2004 PAR DEPARTMENT SON v� 35 Vallejo Street Petaluma, CA 94952 August 28, 2004 Jim Carr, Director, Parks and Recreation 320 North McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94954 Hi Jim, Recently had a talk with Jane Soberanes, during which she related a desire to have the McNear Peninsular Park, designated the "Bill Soberanes Park_" I understand that all such communications are to be directed to you. Please include my vote for the possible change of name to the "Bill Soberanes Park." Failing that redesignation, or in addition to, I wouldn't mind seeing the piece of land butting -up against the "Thai Issen" restaurant, at the corner of E. Washington and Petaluma Blvd, designated the "Bill Soberanes Resting Area," or simply, "Bill's Corner." There is presently the Bill Soberanes Wristwrestling Statue on the site. So, he's already staked a claim. I envision an all grassy area, perhaps a couple more trees, several benches for resting and a drinking fountain. It is sort of a focal point for viewing the comings and goings of downtown Petaluma. I can visualize Bill resting there, puffing on his pipe, sizing -up all the activity going on in his Petaluma. And going a step further, perhaps a life-size statue of Bill sitting on one of those benches, pipe in hand, gazing downtown. As you are aware, many cities have installed life-size statues of people either sitting or "walking" in the downtown areas. Why not Petaluma? As for funding, perhaps redevelopment monies and even the Petaluma Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce either separately or together, would probably be most happy to contribute. Also, the Basin Street Properties people might be happy to help and perhaps the Chelsea group, Regencey Group and any other group anxious to develop Petaluma. A City-wide funding appeal might work too. It would be another photo -op for tourists and a thoughtful way to remember Bill Soberanes for his contributions to our City. Sincerely, '2 -pi Cv( L4 Joseph Mauro cc: Petaluma City Council 9 October 12, 2004 Mr. Jim Carr, Director Petaluma Music, Parks & Recreation 320 No. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94954 RE: New Name for McNear Peninsula Park Dear Jim, RECEIVED n CT 12 2004 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT 1 am honored to submit the following name for our new park at McNear Peninsula: STEAMER LANDING The name "Steamer Landing" is perfect for this spit of land that historically was created with a channel and landing area for the working paddle -wheel steamers that made Petaluma a bustling port. At low tide you can still see the skeleton of one of the sunken steamers. The rich history of this area should be carried forward in an appropriate historical name for our new park- Respectfully ark. Respectfully submitted, ohn J. FitzG raid Petaluma 2004 Citizen of the Year Z�/,��„y G/7z /!t l7l orf 2. 3 61 October 12, 2004 Mc Jim Carr, Director Petaluma Music, Parks & Recreation 320 No. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94954 RE: New Name for McNear Peninsula Park Dear Jim, I am honored to submit the following name for our new park at McNear Peninsula: STEAMER LANDING The name "Steamer Landing" is perfect for this spit of land that historically was created with a channel and landing area forthe working paddle -wheel steamers that made Petaluma a bustling port. At low tide you can still see the skeleton of one of the sunken steamers. The rich history of this area should be carried forward in an appropriate historical name for our new park. Respectfully submitted, Libby Harvey FitzGerald 2003-2004 P esident Roiary Clu, of Petaluma Valley RECEIVED 00T i P 49i PARKS & VIRWATION DFPARTWNT If 1 2 3 RESOLUTION NO. N.C.S. 4 Of the City of Petaluma, California s 6 7 Naming the New Park Under Construction at the McNear Peninsula s Steamer 9 10 u WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma is constructing phase I of a new park at 12 the McNear Peninsula; and 13 14 WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department has received two 15 suggestions to name the park either after an individual from the 16 community, or name the park from a historical perspective 17 based on the historical development and use of the site; and 1s 19 WHEREAS, the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission has deliberated 20 on the recommendations made in reference to the City's Park 21 Naming Policy, and recommends that the new park be named: 22 "Steamer Landing Park." 23 24 25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of 26 Petaluma, that the new park being developed at the McNear Peninsula shall 27 be called: Steamer Landing Park. 2s I3