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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-31; Parks & Recreation Commission; 0111-4; REQUEST NAME TWIN INNS GAZEBO L JOHN SIMONSPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL AB#: 0111-4 u |NFO REQUEST TO FORMALLY NAME THE TWIN INNS LJ STAFF: CALARCO MTG.DATE: 01/31/11 GAZEBO THE L. JOHN SIMONS , , „ „ TWIN INNS GAZEBO |)(| ACTION RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review a request to formally name the historic Twin Inns Gazebo the L. John Simons Twin Inns Gazebo for a period of 25 years from the commencement date of the Naming Agreement, and recommend City Council approval. ITEM EXPLANATION: Council Policy 48 (dated January 16, 2007) provides an opportunity for the public to name parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities in recognition of significant contributions that individuals have made to enhancing the public life and well being of the residents of the City of Carlsbad (Exhibit 1). In December 2010, the Parks & Recreation Department received via the Carlsbad City Council a written request and signature petition from Carlsbad resident Jack L. Nelson to formally name the Twin Inns Gazebo located at Magee Park the L. John Simons Twin Inns Gazebo. This naming request was in recognition of Mr. Simons' exemplary dedication to the preservation, restoration and relocation of the historic gazebo, and for his many years of service and outstanding contributions to the City of Carlsbad (Exhibits 2 and 3). Beginning in 2007, Mr. L. John Simons, volunteering under the auspices of the Hi-Noon Rotary Club, led an effort to preserve, restore, and relocate the historic Twin Inns Gazebo from the North County Transit District owned Rotary Park to the City of Carlsbad owned Magee Park. As the result of three years of hard work and an exhaustive fundraising effort, the gazebo was successfully saved from demolition, removed from Rotary Park, faithfully restored, and given a new home in Magee Park. It was Mr. Simons' goal to save and preserve an important piece of Carlsbad's history, raise the necessary funds to complete the project, and freely give the restored gazebo as his gift to the community. Unfortunately, Mr. Simons passed away on December 1, 2010, shortly before the expected completion date of the project and the anticipated reopening of the gazebo to the public (Exhibit 4). While the effort to preserve and relocate the gazebo was certainly a team effort that involved many individuals in partnership with the City of Carlsbad and the Parks & Recreation Department, it is widely acknowledged and accepted that it was primarily the dedication, creativity, passion, energy, and hard work of L. John Simons that launched the project and made it a reality. Mr. Simons was widely known and well regarded in Carlsbad as a civic leader and community booster for more than 20 years. His tireless efforts included very active participation in the ol Page 2 Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club with a focus on supporting the community's youth. Mr. Simons was involved in St. Patrick Church, the Carlsbad Village Association, and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a founding member of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Project, a great supporter of public art, and an ardent advocate of the Village Arts Theater. Additionally, Mr. Simons was instrumental in reestablishing the large community Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Village, and personally financed a majority of the costs associated with the event for two years (Exhibit 5). As part of the naming request, members of the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club have graciously offered to support the ongoing maintenance needs of the gazebo by providing any future revenues from the sale of Carlsbad Gazebo Walk of Honor pavers to the City of Carlsbad, and to continue their hands-on involvement with the upkeep of the structure. Their generous contribution of cash and in-kind support will help to significantly reduce the fiscal impact on the General Fund. Should the request be approved, a modest bronze plaque furnished by the Hi-Noon Rotary Club will recognize the formal naming of the gazebo. It will be placed alongside an existing narrative bronze plaque, and it will be inscribed as follows, "L. John Simons Twin Inns Gazebo. Give 110%." A letter from Maureen Simons, wife of L. John Simons, is included with the request and satisfies the Council Policy mandate of providing written consent from next of kin prior to the City Council's public consideration of the naming request (Exhibit 6). Staff has reviewed the request and has determined that it is consistent with the criteria for naming rights outlined in Council Policy 48, Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities. EXHIBITS: 1. Council Policy 48, Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities dated January 16, 2007. 2. Naming request from Mr. Jack L. Nelson dated December 6, 2010. 3. Naming request signature petition from Mr. Jack L. Nelson dated December 17, 2010. 4. L. John Simons obituary and personal testimony from the North County Times dated December 7, 2010. 5. Naming request information from selective members of the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club dated December 21, 2010. 6. Letter of consent from Maureen Simons for the use of L. John Simons' name on the gazebo. EXHIBIT 1 CTTY OF CARLSBAD Page 1 of 4 Policy No. 48 COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued ot 716/07 Effective Date O1 /I fe/O7 General Subject NAMING RIGHTS OP PARKS AND MUWOPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date Supersedes No. Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities Within Those Facilities Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File BACKGROUND. The intent of this policy is to: • Confirm the current practice of naming parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities, after significant geographical, neighborhood and historical elements; • Recognize significant contributions that organizations or individuals have made to the public life and the well-being of the citizens of the City of Carlsbad; • Provide guidance on how to apply for approval to name or rename parks, facilities, and amenities within those facilities; • Expand the current practice of naming parks to include all appropriate municipal facilities and any amenities within a park or municipal facility. PURPOSE: To revise and establish the criteria and procedures for the naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within a park or municipal facilities in consideration of financial contributions or in recognition of any significant contributions to the City of Carlsbad that it wishes to honor. STATEMENT OF POLICY: There are three types of naming situations this policy intends to address: • The opening or reopening of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities; • Providing recognition of financial contributions to the City of Carlsbad; • Honoring persons, organizations, corporations, or foundations in recognition for their significant contributions to the City of Carlsbad. Criteria for Naming Rights: • Honors individuals, living or deceased, who have made a significant contribution to the City of Carlsbad; • Consistent with contribution level; • Longstanding affiliation with the City, CITY OF CARLSBAD Page 2 of 4 Policy No. 48 _ COUNCIL POUC Y STATEMENT Date Issued m/ifi/n7 Effective Date ni Genera] Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date Supersedes No. Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities Within Those Facilities Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File • Provides a sense of place, continuity and belonging reflecting the geographic location, community, neighborhood or street where the park, municipal facility or amenity within the facility is located; • Recognizes the historical and/or cultural significance of the area; • Reflects unique characteristics of the site. Names will not be chosen that: • Cause confusion due to duplication or names sounding similar to existing locations within the City of Carlsbad; • Are the names of companies whose business is substantially derived from the sale of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, pornography, and/or sexually explicit goods or services; • Are discriminatory or derogatory considering race, gender, creed, religious or political affiliation, or other similar factors; • Recognize the birth, marriage or anniversary of specific individuals. The City of Carlsbad reserves the right to reject or revoke naming rights opportunities by individuals, groups, or organizations whose views or public statements do not promote the mission, norms and values, or interests of the City. Names of persons, organizations, corporations, or foundations will be considered when they have made a significant contribution to the City of Carlsbad by: Enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the City and its Citizens; Contributing to the historical or cultural preservation of the City, Contributing toward the acquisition, development, or conveyance of land or building to the City; Exemplary or meritorious contributions to the City; A direct relationship or association that exists between a former place of residence of the person or group and the parks, facilities, and amenities within those facilities to be named. Where the name of an individual is recommended after an internal discussion, written consent shall be obtained from the individual, their next of kin, or their estate prior to the City Council's public consideration. CITY OF CARLSBAD Page 3 of 4 Policy No. 48 COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued Qi/16/07 Effective Date 01/16/07 General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date Supersedes No. Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities Within Those Facilities Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File Where the naming opportunity is the result of a financial contribution, the following factors must be considered: • The significance of the contribution made relative to the construction and operating costs of the parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities; • The cost of establishing the naming option (costs to be determined by the responsible Department on an individual basis). The duration of naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities shall be decided or negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities may be renewed by mutual agreement between all the panics. Existing names will not be changed without consideration of the historical significance of the existing name, the impact on the individual or organization previously named, the cost and impact of changing existing signs, rebuilding community recognition and updating records (i.e. letterhead, databases, and promotional materials). Each naming right application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. PROCEDURE; Applicant(s) shall submit a written request for naming rights to the corresponding Department Director, with justification to aid in considering the proposal. The proposed name shall be placed on the Board and/or Commission agenda (if required), allowing appropriate time for review by the Board and/or Commission and subcommittee if necessary, and to publicize and receive input from the public at the Board and/or Commission meeting. The Board and/or Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for their determination of the official name. In the case of City-sponsored support groups raising funds on behalf of the City (i.e. Friends of the Library and/or Friends of Carrillo Ranch), it will be necessary to establish naming rights gift levels prior to soliciting gifts and offering naming rights to prospective donors. No final commitment to name a park, municipal facility or amenity within the facility can be made to a potential donor without the appropriate H. CTTY OF CARLSBAD Page 4 of 4 Policy No. 48 COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Effective Date 01/16/07 General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date _ Supersedes No. _ Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Paries, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities _ Within Those Facilities _ Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File approvals as outlined within this policy. The support groups will first establish recommended gift levels for naming rights. The recommended gift levels will then be submitted to the corresponding Department Director for its review and then submitted to the corresponding Board and/or Commission. The Board and/or Commission's recommendation on the gift levels will then be forwarded to the City Council for its final approval prior to the support group soliciting donations for naming rights. n EXHIBIT 2 December 6,2010 City Council Carlsbad, California Dear City Council Members: Re: Naming the Magee Park gazebo in honor of John Simons I propose naming the old gazebo under reconstruction now in Magee Park for John Simons. If this idea is already under consideration, I would like to be added to those who strongly support it. John, as you know, was a committed Carlsbad civic leader and booster who had been the primary instigator for protecting, moving, and rebuilding the gazebo when the railroad threatened its destruction. His creative and inspirational work in that effort has given Carlsbad another fine addition to its community environment. Naming it in his honor is the right thing to do. An appropriate signifying plaque and gazebo opening ceremony that honors his work would be fitting. John's strength of character, integrity, and remarkable courage in the face of his illnesses almost permitted him time to see the gazebo project to completion, but that was not to be. He clearly has done many other things for Carlsbad, but the gazebo seemed to be a signature effort for him. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jack L. Nelson 1360LasFloresDr. Carlsbad, CA 92008 760 720-5420 EXHIBIT 3 December 17,2010 Carlsbad Officials: Attached are copies of signatures gathered in support of naming the Magee Park gazebo in honor of John Simons. These were gathered only at a couple of local shops over a very short period of time; many more could and would have signed given the opportunity. If you have questions, please contact me: 1360 Las FloresDr, Carlsbad 92008 760-720-5420 Thank you. Jack Nelson I? To: City Council Carlsbad, California John Simons Gazebo We, Carlsbad citizens, support naming the Magee Park gazebo in honor of John Simons, a Carlsbad civic leader, and the prime mover in protecting, moving, and rebuilding the gazebo. Address 1.3 M Ite - i /^~-—"V-^/-N r * iCUx M Rd -—H°!AA^ O* To: City Council Carlsbad, California John Simons Gazebo We, Carlsbad citizens, support naming the Magee Park gazebo in honor of John Simons, a Carlsbad civic leader, and the prime mover in protecting, moving, and rebuilding the gazebo. NameI TT~Address To: City Council Carlsbad, California John Simons Gazebo We, Carlsbad citizens, support naming the Magee Park gazebo in honor of John Simons, a Carlsbad civic leader, and the prime mover in protecting, moving, and rebuilding the gazebo. Name Address To: City Council Carlsbad, California John Simons Gazebo We, Carlsbad citizens, support naming the Magee Park gazebo in honor of John Simons, a Carlsbad civic leader, and the prime mover in protecting, moving, and rebuilding the gazebo. Address /310 EXHIBIT 4 Louis John Simons Louis John Simons CARLSBAD - Louis John Simons, a resident of Carlsbad, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 1, 2010. He faced his disease and life with great courage. He was born on January 22,1941 in Los Angeles. John graduated from Serra High School in 1959, from UCLA in 1964, and received his Masters Degree in 1971. He had his own company for many years as a Real Estate Developer and then went to work for Anastasi Construction which brought him to Carlsbad. He was a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, an active member of the Carlsbad High Noon Rotary, and Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Maureen; seven children, Denny and daughter-in-law, Nicole, Christopher and daughter-in-law, Liz, Matthew and daughter-in-law, Dawn, Laura, Kelly and son- in-law, Jim, Tricia and son-in-law, Tom, and Sean; eleven grandchildren, Shea, Jack, Beau, Tommy, Devan, Cole, Connor, Jimmy, Shane, Bailey and Brooke; his sister, Midge Sicotte and brother-in-law, Marcel. A Mass of Celebration will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 8, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3821 Adams St., Carlsbad, Calif. 92008. A reception in the Parish Hall immediately after Mass. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Carlsbad High Noon Rotary Foundation (Manuel Castorena) P.O. Box 741, Carlsbad, Calif. 92018. (In memory of John Simons ). Published in North County Times on December 7, 2010 Testimonials from the Guest Book: December 10, 2010 What a generous spirit! John helped my husband and I get into our first home, taking that extra time to make sure our dreams were realized. Then, he offered the most beautiful gift when we closed escrow. A man of character and principle is how I will remember him. Blessings to the family during this difficult time. Terri Mirassou, Torrance, California December 08, 2010 Elmer and I wish the family peace and comfort in the knowledge that John was an exceptional man and that he fought the good fight in all aspects of his life. ~ Connie and Elmer, Carlsbad, California What a great family man and community leader John was. He always seemed to have helping others on his exceptionally active mind and was always pushing himself and others to get projects done. He wil be missed by many in Carlsbad. Posted by: Gary Nessim Carlsbad, CA - Friend Dec 08, 2010 a1/13 EXHIBIT 5 December 21,2010 Mick Calarco Recreation Services Manager 799 Pine Ave., Suite 200 Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear Mick: I'm writing to provide more thorough information on the recent requests to name the rescued "Twin Inns Gazebo" in honor of our recently departed friend, mentor and visionary, L. John Simons. It is our request, and the opinion of many in our community that the Gazebo soon to be completed in Magee Park should bear the name The L. John Simons Twin Inns Historic Gazebo. The historic significance of the gazebo is well- known and John recognized it as one of the few genuine landmarks in our great city. When the Gazebo was destined to be demolished, John rushed in and mobilized the Hi- Noon Rotary Club to come to its rescue. Our initial budget of $12,000 seems rather humorous at this point as our current estimates are we will spend $50,000 in completing the project. John was involved from the inception of our project until his death. He orchestrated the removal of the historic roof, transferred same to a storage lot he arranged for (free of charge) and enlisted the help of skilled dedicated craftsmen to restore the roof. Meanwhile, John and others from Hi- Noon Rotary fundraised to finance the entire project. The true cost of the project is far greater than the $50,000 we will spend as hundreds perhaps thousands of hours of donated labor, storage costs, transfer costs, and volunteer fundraising efforts have not been added to the total. As you know, the entire project is a donation to the city John loved. Where the Gazebo now sits in Magee Park, it will be an ongoing revenue source as it is a perfect setting for weddings and other outdoor celebrations. The pavers that line the floor of the Gazebo will continue to provide revenue as well as they will be available for engraving to commemorate sentiments or events. When John moved to Carlsbad in the late 90's, he immediately became involved in the community. His two large projects, Village by the Sea and The Buffs have truly enhanced the character of our town. They stand as a symbol of John's legacy and impact on our community. John's tireless efforts included very active participation in the Carlsbad Hi- Noon Rotary Club, with a special focus on supporting the youth in Carlsbad. He was also very involved in St. Patrick's Church, the Carlsbad Village Business Association, and The Chamber of Commerce. He was a founding member of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Project, great supporter of Public Art and an ardent supporter of New Village Arts Theatre. John was instrumental in re-establishing the large Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Village and financed most of the costs associated with the event for two years. I'H ! ' John's energy and enthusiasm live on in the lives of everyone he touched. Thank you for helping us keep his memory alive. Sincerely, Al Wanamaker, President 2010; Susan Toft, President 2009; Pat Hurley, President 2008; Ken Ryan, President 2007; Mike Metts, President 2006; Walt Waggener, President 2005; Mike Pfankuch, President 2004 et al Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club 1.5 EXHIBITS Parks and Recreation Commission City of Carlsbad 799 Pine Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 January 6, 2011 Dear Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, My family and I want to thank you for considering the prospect of dedicating The Gazebo at McGee Park to my husband L John Simons. This project was very special to him and the Carlsbad High Noon Rotary. We appreciate all that you do for this City. Should the request be approved, you have my permission to use my husband's name, L. John Simons, in the formal naming of the Gazebo. Thank you again, i' Maureen Simons ib