HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/2004, C5 - MISSION PLAZA MEMORIAL BENCH council b°°
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June 1,2004 ac,EnoA aEpont ,�N� C.57
CITY O F SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: Paul LeSage, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT: MISSION PLAZA MEMORIAL BENCH
CAO RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission approve the request to install a
memorial bench in Mission Plaza.
DISCUSSION
Ken Schwartz, acting as a private citizen, is requesting authorization for a bench to be installed
in Mission Plaza, in memory of George Brand.
The City, via the Downtown Association, has a very successful memorial bench program in the
downtown. To date, about 50 benches have been installed. Because of limitations on bench sites,
there was pressure on the City to approve benches in Mission Plaza. Concerned that a
proliferation of benches in the Plaza could detract from the appearance and function of the Plaza,
a Mission Plaza Memorial Bench Policy was adopted. This policy (Attachment 1) states that
memorial benches will not be permitted in the Plaza, except to memorialize people who
contributed to its creation and development. Since the policy was adopted in 1996, only two
benches have been added. The benches used in the Plaza are the standard green metal variety
used in the downtown.
George Brand was editor of the Telegram-Tribune newspaper from 1963 — 1983. Without his
editorial persistence, it is doubtful that the public support needed to gain the plaza would have
materialized. He championed the closing of Monterey Street in front of the Mission, creating the
Mission Plaza. It is fitting that a commemorative bench is placed in the Plaza for which his
contribution made such a mark.
The bench will be located in the Plaza on the approach to the Warden Bridge, on the side closest
to the amphitheater, located across from the Martha and Ken Schwartz bench. The downtown
benches have a space for a small memorial plaque. The inscription will read:
George Brand
Telegram-Tribune Editor 1963-1983
His visionary editorials championed
the creation of this plaza.
Mission Plaza Memorial Bench Report Page 2 of 2
CONCURRENCE
This item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission at
their April 7, 2004 meeting. A copy of the minutes of this meeting is included as Attachment 2
to this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City for this installation. The bench and installation costs will be donated
by the Mary Jane Duvall Trust.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Plaza Memorial Bench Policy
2. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of April 7, 2004.
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ATTACHMENT I
RESOLUTION NO. 8572(1996 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO APPROVING A MEMORIAL BENCH POLICY
FOR MISSION PLAZA
WHEREAS, the citizens of San Luis Obispo frequently wish to memorialize friends
and relatives by the placement of decorative benches; and
WHEREAS,the number of appropriate locations for such benches within the Mission
Plaza Between Chorro Street and Broad Street are limited; and
. WHEREAS, the proliferation of benches in inappropriate locations would detract
from the appearance and function of Mission Plaza;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San
Luis_Obispo hereby approves the Memorial Bench Policy for Mission Plaza incorporated
herein as Attachment 1.
Upon motion of Council Mmember Romero , seconded by Council
Member Smith , and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Romero, Smith, Roalman, Williams and Mayor Settle
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
the foregoing resolution was adopted this 23rd day of July ,
1996.
ATTEST:
erk $ nae Ga 'Mayor Allen K SEE
e
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
t ey
-3
ATTACHMENT
MEMORIAL BENCH POLICY FOR MISSION PLAZA
1. Memorial benches will not be allowed in Mission Plaza between Chorro Street and
Broad Street, except for those benches memorializing people who have a strong
history of contribution to the creation, development and perpetuation of Mission
Plaza.
2. When a request is received to place a bench in Mission Plaza memorializing an
individual who has a strong history of contribution to the creation, development and
perpetuation of Mission Plaza, the Parks and Recreation Director, with help from
other appropriate staff, will recommend a location for placement of the bench.
3. Final approval for placement of benches will be made by the City Council on a case-
by-case basis.
i
Parks and Recreation Commission AT[ACHMBtT 2
MINUTES
City-County Library Conference Room
Wednesday, April 7, 2004 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Peter Dunan called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. I%
ROLL CALL: Chair Pete Dunan, Commissioners, Bill Pyper, Don Dollar, nit, and
Jill Lemieux.
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ABSENT: Ty Griffin and Gary Clay.
STAFF: Director Paul LeSage,Todd Beights, Shannon Bates,and Cindy McDonald.
OATH OF OFFICE
Diane Reynolds, Assistant City Clerk gave the Oath of Office to Don Dollar and John Knight.
PRESENTATION
Shannon Bates, Children's Services, introduced Brianna Gibbins, Hannah Glaser, and Madi Waiters,
who sang for the Commission in honor of the Month of the Child. The Commission enjoyed and
thanked the children.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the March 3, 2004 meeting were approved as submitted.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
No public comment.
1. Volunteer of the Month
teer o onth.
2. Mission Plaza Memorial Bench
Lesage presented the staff report which a memorial bench in Mission Plaza is requested in memory of
George Brand,former Telegram-Tribune Editor.
Recommendation:
Endorse the request to install a memorial bench in Mission Plaza in memory of George Brand.
(Pyper/7.emieux, unanimous).
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3. Dev pment Pfor El rro P
Lesage introduced Mike McGuire, Assistant Engineer, presented the staff report and explained the
agreement with the County and the improvements planned for the El Chorro Park.
Commission discussed the item.
Recommended Action:
Endorse the Development Plans for El Chonro Park.
(Pyper/L.emieux,4:1 Dunan opposed).
PlPai a'&Rec CommissbnI20041 Minufes104.07.04 minutes:doc