NEW BUSINESS  14.

COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

HISTORY:

On November 9, 2016, the City Commission passed Resolution No. 2016-29649 supporting the creation of an “Adopt-A-Bench Program” similar to the Central Park Conservancy’s Program in New York City. The program provides the public an opportunity to purchase park benches to commemorate loved ones or special events, and would be an additional means to finance the beautification of City parks.

The Parks and Recreation Department received its first Adopt-A-Bench Program (“Program”) application from Maximilian Camino (“Applicant”) in September 2017 (Exhibit A).

At its October 31, 2017 meeting, the City Commission referred this item to NCAC for its recommendation pursuant to the process set forth in Section 82-504 of the City Code.

ANALYSIS:

The Applicant selected an existing bench within South Pointe Park and requested the commemorative bench plaque (“Plaque”) read as follows: “Maximilian & Dimitri Camino” (Exhibit B). The persons to be recognized on the Plaque are family members of the applicant.

Since the proposed location for the Plaque is on an existing bench, the Department will not have initial costs associated with the purchase and installation of a new bench. Ongoing maintenance includes a monthly pressure wash and repairs as needed, at an estimated annual cost of $216.00 including labor. The estimated cost for design, fabrication, and installation of a 3”h x 10”w stainless steel plaque is $300.00.

Participation in the Program requires a $10,000.00 adoption fee, to be paid in full by the donor within (30) days of application approval. Under the Program, benches are made available for re-adoption after 10 years. In the event the bench needed to be replaced within the 10-year adoption period, the estimated unit price of an aluminum backed Arcata Bench, one of the 3 standard bench designs found at South Pointe Park, is approximately $2,600.00.

As required in Section 82-504 (2)(a) of the City Code, the persons to be recognized on the bench plaque are currently in good standing in the community.

CONCLUSION:

The Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee to discuss the first Adopt-A-Bench Program application for a commemorative bench plaque at South Pointe Park.