NEW BUSINESS  15.

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 for the commemoration of loved ones or special events, and would be an additional means to finance the beautification of City parks.

The Parks and Recreation Department received an application for Adopt-A-Bench Program (“Program”) from Jane Goodman (“Applicant”) in November 2017 (Exhibit A).

At its December 13, 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 proposed that a new bench be installed at Fisher Park, by the intersection of Delaware Avenue and W 49^th Street (Exhibit B). The Applicant requested the commemorative bench plaque (“Plaque”) read as follows: “In Memory of Jerrold F. Goodman. Who did all he could for all he could in all ways he could for as long as he could.” The person to be recognized on the Plaque is the applicant’s husband.

The proposed location does not have an existing bench in the desired area. The estimated cost of purchasing and installing a 3-arm cast aluminum Dumor Bench, the standard bench product line and design for Fisher Park, is approximately $1,900.00 plus shipping. The bench would need to be secured to a 7ft by 4ft concrete slab, which is a one-time expense of $400. Ongoing maintenance, including monthly pressure washes and repairs as needed, run at an estimated annual cost of $216.00 including labor. The estimated cost for design, fabrication, and installation of the 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.

As required in Section 82-504 (2)(a) of the City Code, the person to be recognized on the Plaque is in good standing in the community.

CONCLUSION:

The Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee to discuss the second Adopt-A-Bench Program application and installation of a bench and commemorative bench plaque at Fisher Park.