Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 06/23/2015 - AMENDING THE CITY'S NAMING POLICYDATE: STAFF: June 23, 2015 Dan Weinheimer, Policy & Project Manager WORK SESSION ITEM City Council SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Amending the City’s Naming Policy. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to consider amendments to Chapter 23, Article V of the City Code relating to the naming policy for properties and facilities. Staff is bringing this item forward to discuss changes to the existing City Code and Administrative Policy. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Does the current naming policy accomplish the City Council’s goals? 2. What policy enhancements would City Council like to consider? 3. Are there additional boards or commissions Council would like to see engaged in this process? BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Maintenance of a consistent and understandable process of naming City-owned facilities is important for identification and can add to community connection to these amenities. The naming of facilities or streets is not undertaken lightly as names help with directions, convey a sense of place and help memorialize community leaders. While the naming policy is holistic, the primary focus, for many concerned, is the use of proper names - who is eligible, attributing those individuals’ contributions appropriately and ensuring diversity within those honored. The purpose of a naming policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for official naming. Current City objectives for naming are to:  Fairness and appropriateness  Easy identification and location of City facilities by users, public officials and the general public  Encouragement of the dedication of lands and facilities and the donation of funds by individuals and organizations Fort Collins has adopted policies governing the official naming of parks, recreational facilities, cultural facilities, trails and civic buildings. In November 2011, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 134, 2011, amending Chapter 23, Article V to add new provisions to the Naming of City Properties and Facilities:  Section 23-141 Naming of properties and facilities for persons or entities  Section 23-142 Naming of properties and facilities for other than persons or entities Section 24-91 of the City Code contains the naming policy for City streets. Planning Services maintains the street name list and consults with local historians, neighbors, and others on appropriate proper names for this list. November 20, 2012, Section 24-91 was amended to empower City Council, not developers, to name new arterial and collector streets. Council used that authority in January 2015 to name Suniga Road. The street policy is regularly updated to either add or delete eligible names. The most recent update occurred January 20, 2015. June 23, 2015 Page 2 These City Code sections provide City Council a role in approving collector and arterial street names and in the development and approval of facility names. Existing Naming Criteria: 1. Donor naming a. Donation in excess of 75 percent of overall value of facility or the portion of the facility that will be named b. Consideration of the request of a donor while balancing the public interest c. If City feels donation is not sufficiently large to justify naming entire facility, consideration of naming a part of the facility or a feature after donor 2. Non-donor honorees a. May be named for a community member or significant contributor to community - living or deceased b. Deceased person honor can occur only after a 12 months waiting period after death c. City Council will choose name from proposal of ad hoc naming committee i. Committee consists of some City Council and appropriate staff members 3. Administrative naming a. Names derived from categories including: i. Geographic location ii. Unique natural features iii. Specific purpose of the facility iv. Place of historical or cultural significance Staff has identified several areas that City Council might consider in amending the existing City Code or Administrative Policy: Preapproval  Adopt and maintain a preapproved list of names, using the street naming model, to draw from for future facility naming.  Embedded in this model are historian and community input as well as adequate time to consider the contributions of individuals and families to Fort Collins.  Using a facility naming list could eliminate the need for an ad hoc naming committee of City Council.  If a list of preapproved names could be created, part of a new naming policy could be allowing a prospective donor to choose either their own name or to select a name from this list.  An important element of the use of a list would be to recognize and honor community history and diversity, retaining a sense of place and the connection to people foundational in Fort Collins’ development.  A list might even be geographically based - considering the area a family settled for instance.  Using a name from a City Council preapproved list could also allow elimination of Section 23-141 and Section 23-142 of the City Code and, instead, make all facility naming part of an updated Administrative Policy. June 23, 2015 Page 3 Code clarification  Clarify the language to the City Code provisions to define what City Council intends by, “provided a significant service or direct benefit to the community which will endure over many years.”  Add language to the City Code describing a historical review of potential non-donor honorees. Specifically direct staff historical evaluation of potential non-donor honorees could solidify the rationale for honoring an individual or family. This public discussion would serve as a valuable public connection with community history.  Create a clearer hierarchy of naming choices - criteria could include historic ownership of a parcel, leadership on City Council or volunteer boards, business ownership, achievement in academics or contribution to a field of knowledge.  Section 23-141.c states that the City Council will give “significant weight” to a naming or recognition request received from an individual, family or entity donor. The code balances a request with existing policy or practical priorities and the public interest. Bequests  If the naming policy objectives state a desire to encourage donations to the City. It may be useful to allow a current owner of a historic structure or parcel to donate on behalf of that facility’s historic owner.  Allowing naming for a third-party individual or family that meets the naming policy parameters could result in increasing contributions. Next Steps Staff will discuss the City naming policy with several boards before coming back to City Council on July 21. The board engagement plan includes Parks and Recreation Board on June 24, Landmark Preservation Board on June 24 and July 8, and the Land Conservation Stewardship Board on July 8. ATTACHMENTS 1. Naming Policy Agenda Materials from November 1, 2011 (PDF) 2. Street Naming Policy Update Agenda Materials, November 20, 2012 (PDF) 3. Powerpoint presentation (PDF) DATE: November 1, 2011 STAFF: Ann Turnquist AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 10 SUBJECT Second Reading of Ordinance No. 134, 2011, Amending Chapter 23, Article V, of the City Code to Add New Provisions Related to the Naming of City Properties and Facilities. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on October 18, 2011, establishes a process for the City Council’s responsibilities in the naming of City facilities or properties. The process defines how appropriate names are selected when a facility is to be named for a person (living or dead), or for an organization (e.g., foundations) or corporations. This Ordinance establishes Council’s role in such facility naming and establishes the City Manager’s authority to name other facilities. In addition to this Ordinance, an Administrative Policy is outlined which establishes staff’s role in the naming of facilities in other circumstances. In response to a Council comment that the proposed ordinance included some confusing language, staff has streamlined subsection 23-141(d) to clarify the process to be used. This simplified language is included in the Ordinance on Second Reading. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on Second Reading. ATTACHMENTS 1. Copy of First Reading Agenda Item Summary - October 18, 2011 (w/o attachments) COPY COPYY OP 011, establishes stabla e process defines defi how , or for an organization gani (e.g. ity ty naming and establishes esta the C Administrative dministrative Policy is outlined which ordinance rdinance included some confusing langu la ss s to be used. This simplified language rdinance dinance on Second Reading. Reading Agenda Item Summary - Octobe Octob hments) COPY COPY COPY COPY ATTACHMENT 1 DATE: October 18, 2011 STAFF: Ann Turnquist AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 13 SUBJECT First Reading of Ordinance No. 134, 2011, Amending Chapter 23, Article V, of the City Code to Add New Provisions Related to the Naming of City Properties and Facilities. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Ordinance establishes a process for the City Council’s responsibilities in the naming of City facilities or properties. The process defines how appropriate names are selected when a facility is to be named for a person (living or dead), or for an organization (e.g., foundations) or corporations. This Ordinance establishes Council’s role in such facility naming and establishes the City Manager’s authority to name other facilities. In addition to this Ordinance, an Administrative Policy is outlined which establishes staff’s role in the naming of facilities in other circumstances. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming of parks, recreational facilities, cultural facilities, natural areas, trails and civic buildings, or portions thereof. The City’s objectives for naming of facilities include: • To name City facilities through a consistent, fair and appropriate process utilizing established criteria. • To ensure that City-owned facilities are easily identified and located. • To encourage the dedication of lands, facilities, or donations by individuals and organizations. City-owned facilities include all property assets under the City’s ownership and control including parks, recreational and cultural facilities, civic buildings, natural areas, and trails. Such facilities will not include streets which are named according to policies established through the City Code Sec. 24-91 and as a part of the Development Review Process. CITY COUNCIL NAMED FACILITIES: Under the proposed Ordinance (Sec. 23-141 Naming of properties and facilities for persons or entities), the City Council has the authority to select or approve the naming of a facility or a portion of a facility that is to be named after individuals, organizations (e.g., foundations) or corporations. Provisions include the following: A. Donor Naming Policy In circumstances where a significant financial donation has been made for the acquisition, construction or improvement of the facility, the facility or a portion of the facility may be named either for the donor or in consideration of the wishes of the donor. The following guidelines shall be used when such a name is proposed: 1. Donations shall be of a significant size and proportion to the total cost of the facility or portion of the facility to be named. As a guideline, a donation of 75 percent (75%) or more of the value of the facility, feature or portion of the facility to be named is a baseline in determining a naming or recognition opportunity. 2. It is the City’s intent to encourage and recognize private contributions. If a significant donation is received from the private sector or an individual, significant consideration will be given to a donor’s naming or recognition request while balancing the public interest. 3. If the City does not believe a donation is sufficiently large to warrant the naming of an entire facility after the donor individual or organization, the City may offer the donor the opportunity to name a part of a facility or a feature of the facility to recognize the donation. COPY COPY COPY COPY October 18, 2011 -2- ITEM 13 B. Non-Donor Honorees A facility or portion thereof may be named for a community member or other significant contributor to the community (living or deceased), subject to approval of City Council. If such a naming is to be considered, the City may solicit nominations for such naming. Such nominations will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee of Councilmembers and appropriate staff members. The ad hoc committee will make recommendations to the full City Council regarding the nominations. Names which are proposed to honor a non-donor deceased person shall be subject to a minimum 12 month waiting period following the death of such honoree. Such honorees should have provided significant service or direct benefit to the community which will endure over many years. When the City Council is to select or approve the name of a facility or portion thereof, an ad hoc Council Committee will first review the proposal in preparation for formal consideration by City Council. Names selected pursuant to this Ordinance will be adopted by Council Resolution. The Council may solicit input from the public and City boards and commissions as deemed appropriate and advisable. The proposed Resolution will include the following information: • A description of the contributions of the individual, organization, or corporation to the City. • Written documentation of approval by next of kin of the person to be honored (if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal if the facility is to be named after a deceased person. Exceptions to approval of a relative or executor will be considered when no living relatives can be identified or are unable to participate in such approval process. • A provision allowing the City to change or modify the approved name in the future, should such a modification be necessary for the public good (e.g., change of use for the facility; future negative associations with the selected name, etc.), regardless of whether the naming was for a donor honoree or non-donor honoree. ADMINISTRATIVELY NAMED FACILITIES Other naming of facilities will occur in compliance with an Administrative Policy approved by the City Manager. Provisions of the policy include the process for naming of facilities which are not named after individuals, organizations (e.g., foundations) or corporations. This authority is outlined in the proposed Ordinance (Sec. 23-142 Naming of properties and facilities for other than persons or entities.) The attached draft administrative policy outlines the process to be used for administrative naming of City-owned facilities and properties. (See Attachment 1) OTHER NAMING POLICIES The proposed Ordinance applies to City-owned parks, recreational and cultural facilities, civic buildings, natural areas, and trails. The provisions do not apply to the naming of City streets. Arterial and collector streets are named through provisions of the City Code Section 24-91. Sec. 24-91. List of street names. All new arterial and collector streets, as defined in the City of Fort Collins Master Street Plan, are to be named from the list of street names approved by the City Council. The list of street names shall be composed of names of natural areas, natural features, historic and/or well-known places, citizens of the City or Growth Management Area whom the Council would like to honor posthumously, and such other names of places, things or deceased persons as the Council may approve. With respect to citizens of the City whom the Council desires to honor posthumously, such citizens must have devoted much time and effort to the City either as a former City officer or employee, a former Colorado State University officer or employee, a person important in the founding of the City or a former citizen of exemplary character deserving of special recognition. The list of street names shall be adopted and amended by the City Council by resolution. All new arterial and collector streets which are not extensions of existing arterial and collector streets must be named from the foregoing list of street names, and the Director of Community Planning and Environmental Services shall strike names COPY COPY COPY COPY October 18, 2011 -3- ITEM 13 from the list as they are used in the naming of such new arterial and collector streets and shall promptly file an updated list in the Office of the City Clerk. Local streets are named by developers as part of the Development Review Process. During the Development Review Process, staff reviews the proposed names of local streets to ensure that the selected names do not duplicate existing names, create confusion with other similar names within the City or adjacent areas, or are “sound-alike” to existing street names. When staff finds problems with a developer’s proposed names, they will reject the names under these criteria, but otherwise do not make changes to those names. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. ATTACHMENTS 1. Administrative Naming Policy DATE: November 20, 2012 STAFF: Laurie Kadrich AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 11 SUBJECT Second Reading of Ordinance No. 123, 2012 Amending Section 24-91 of the City Code Regarding the Naming of Arterial and Collector Streets. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on November 6, 2012, amends the City Code relating to naming new arterial and collector streets so that City Council ,rather than the developer, would select the name of the new street. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on Second Reading. ATTACHMENTS 1. Copy of First Reading Agenda Item Summary - November 6, 2012 (w/o attachments) COPYY PYYY 2, ament amends developer, per, would s ading. mmary y - November 6, 2012 201 ATTACHMENT 2 COPY COPY COPY COPY ATTACHMENT 1 DATE: November 6, 2012 STAFF: Laurie Kadrich AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 17 SUBJECT Items Relating to the Naming of Arterial and Collector Streets. A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 123, 2012 Amending Section 24-91 of the City Code Regarding the Naming of Arterial and Collector Streets. B. Resolution 2012-100 Updating the List of Names for Arterial and Collector Streets. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Ordinance amends the City Code relating to naming new arterial and collector streets so that City Council ,rather than the developer, would select the name of the new street. The Resolution will update the current list of names for arterial and collector streets. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION On October 8, 2012, the City Leadership Team was reviewing suitable names for public alleys that have been improved by the Downtown Development Authority. During that discussion several prominent individual names were suggested but not selected in anticipation of reserving those names for a future collector or arterial street. City Code currently allows Council to add those names to an official list for future consideration by a developer as roads are constructed. Council suggested changing the Ordinance to allow only Council to name the streets, rather than the developer. During this review two names were deemed worthy of consideration for a future arterial or collector street: A.E. Blount and Charles Lauterbach. Staff requests those names be added to the official street name list. In addition, staff recommends adding Ann Azari to the list, as it is customary to honor those who have provided a significant contribution and public service to our community. The rationale for these additions is: • Charles Lauterbach In 1882, Charles Lauterbach was the first to establish a cigar business within Fort Collins on the Vandewark Block of Jefferson Street. Lauterbach touted he obtained the best quality tobacco from the great tobacco mart in Baltimore. His cigars were well-regarded and one of the editors of the Fort Collins Courier even outlined six reasons why Fort Collins smokers should purchase Lauterbach cigars. Lauterbach’s cigar factory would eventually move to 210 Linden Street, where the building still remains. • Ainsworth E. Blount (A.E. Blount) Ainsworth E. Blount was the first farm manager and the first professor of practical agriculture at the new Agricultural College of Colorado. His work at the College lasted fourteen years, beginning in 1879. Blount was famous for his agricultural research and experiments, focusing primarily on small grains. His experiments helped farmers statewide manage their grain practice in Colorado’s unique and arid climate and his work established his reputation as a prominent and scientific agricultural researcher. Years later, Blount’s wife took charge of floral work at the College and helped to beautify the campus grounds. • Ann Azari Ms. Azari was a Councilmember from 1989 to 1993 and Mayor from 1993 to April 1999. She and her husband and five children moved to Fort Collins in 1963. Her community involvement including serving on the boards COPY COPY COPY COPY November 6, 2012 -2- ITEM 17 of the Colorado Municipal League, the Downtown Development Authority, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters of Larimer County and the Girl Scouts Council. History of Street Naming since 2000 The last new arterial was Mountain Vista Drive, named when Anheuser-Busch located the brewery here in the mid- 1980s. Four collector streets have been named in the past five years and eight were named between 2000 – 2007, or about an average of one per year. This information was based on the Master Street Plan collector designation. In the spring 2000, Council updated the official list to delete nine names that had been previously selected and added seven new names. Of these seven, five were selected to re-name existing County roads in the southeast quadrant of the city. The Board of County Commissioners then approved an action to continue these newly selected names to the limits of the Growth Management Area. The affected roads were: Changed From: To: County Road 7 Strauss Cabin Road County Road 9 Ziegler Road County Road 11 Timberline Road County Road 32 Carpenter Road County Road 36 Kechter Road In the fall 2003, Council again updated the list add 16 new names. Of these 16, six were selected to re-name existing County roads in the northeast quadrant of the City. Five were arterial streets and one was a state highway. In addition, four names were selected to name new collector streets. Again, the Board of County Commissioners approved the continuation of the newly selected names for the arterials and state highway to logical termination points both inside and outside the Growth Management Area. The affected arterial/minor arterial roads were: Changed From: To: County Road 50 Mountain Vista Drive County Road 52 Richards Lake Road County Road 54 Douglas Road County Road 11 Turnberry Road County Road 9 Giddings Road State Highway One Terry Lake Road In September 2005, four new names were added for selection and 18 names were deleted as duplicates. From this updated list, three collector streets were renamed as: Changed From: To: Coffey Parkway William Neal Parkway Katahdin Drive Charles Brockman Drive Sagebrush Drive Joseph Allen Drive In February 2006, 41 new names were added based on the recommendation from a citizen advisory committee and five names were deleted. In addition, Council took the following specific action to rename a collector street in the southeast quadrant: Changed From: To: Cambridge Avenue Lady Moon Drive On October 16, 2007, Council voted to add Sergeant Nicholas Walsh to the list but did not do so by Resolution. In January 2009, Council deleted three previously selected names (Lady Moon, Council Tree and Montezuma Fuller) and added four new names (Maurice Albertson, Louis Brown Jr., Dr. Karl Carson, and Sergeant Nicholas Walsh). COPY COPY COPY COPY November 6, 2012 -3- ITEM 17 In October 2011, Council adopted a Resolution naming an access drive into Spring Canyon Park in honor of Sergeant Nicholas Walsh. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading and the Resolution. Amending the City’ s Naming Policy 6-23-15 Dan Weinheimer ATTACHMENT 3 Questions Does the current naming policy accomplish the City Council’s goals? What policy enhancements would City Council like to consider? Are there additional boards or commissions Council would like engaged? 2 Why have a naming policy? 1. Consistency 2. Clarity 3. Contribution 4. Recognition 5. Community Values 3 Naming Policy Background Naming objectives: • Fairness and appropriateness • Easy identification and location of City facilities by users, public officials and the general public • Encouragement of the dedication of lands and facilities and the donation of funds by individuals and organizations 4 Municipal Code Section 23-141 – naming for persons or entities 1. Donor naming 1. Donation of at least 75 percent of overall value 2. Consideration of the request of a donor while balancing the public interest 3. Consideration of naming a portion after donor 2. Non-donor honorees 1. May be named for a community member or significant contributor to community - living or deceased 2. 12 months waiting period after death 3. City Council will choose name from proposal of ad hoc naming committee 5 Municipal Code Section 23-142 – naming for other than persons or entities 1. Administrative naming Names derived from categories including: • Geographic location • Unique natural features • Specific purpose of the facility • Place of historical or cultural significance 6 Possible Enhancements Preapproval of names • Create a preapproved list of historical figures for naming Code Clarification • Define qualifications for naming more precisely Bequests • Allow a donor to propose name for historic owner 7 Process and Timeline Staff will conduct outreach to: • Parks and Recreation Board – June 24 • Landmark Preservation Board – June 24 and July 8 • Land Conservation Stewardship Board – July 8 City Council consideration of proposed amendments: • July 21 City Council meeting 8 Questions Does the current naming policy accomplish the City Council’s goals? What policy enhancements would City Council like to consider? Are there additional boards or commissions Council would like engaged? 9