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Resolution No. 24-23RESOLUTION NO. 24-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A PARK, RECREATION AREA AND BUILDING NAMING POLICY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach desires to establish a park, recreation area and building naming policy; and WHEREAS, the park, recreation area and building naming policy (Exhibit A) pursuant to this Resolution balances numerous factors: honoring history and community figures; reflecting parks', recreation areas' and buildings' character; and ensuring clarity to avoid confusion; and WHEREAS, this park, recreation area and building naming policy provides the City a framework document that identifies and plans procedures used in the consideration of naming and renaming City parks, recreation areas and buildings. NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach as follows: SECTION 1. The City Commission hereby adopts a park, recreation and building naming policy (Exhibit A). SECTION 2. All Resolutions or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Atlantic Beach, this 13'h day of May 2024. 7V Cu or , ayor Attest: Oy'Q�JWII�J Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Approved as to form and correctness: A7,�C� Ja n abrie ,City Attorney EXHIBIT A City of Atlantic Beach Park, Recreations Area and Building Naming Policy The City of Atlantic Beach encourages community participation in the naming process. City staff will strive to engage the public in the naming process. Proposals submitted by residents help identify and capture the essence of parks', recreation areas' and buildings' importance to the community. Purposr The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming of City parks, recreation areas and buildings. Objectives A. Ensure that parks, recreation areas and buildings are easily identified and located. B. Ensure that the names of parks, recreation areas and buildings are consistent with the values and character of Atlantic Beach and/or the neighborhood served. C. Encourage public participation in the naming, renaming and dedication of parks, recreation areas and buildings. D. Encourage donations of land, building, or monetary gifts by individuals and/or groups. Definition Parks, recreation areas and buildings — includes all property assets under the City's ownership and under the City oversight including buildings, structures, open spaces, public parks, trails, natural areas, wetlands, environmental habitat and land. Authorization The process of naming sites shall be the function of City Manager or his/her designee. The Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee will recommend names to the Atlantic Beach City Commission for final approval. Guidelines The following guidelines will be used when naming parks, recreation areas and buildings. The City Commission has discretion when evaluating proposals; thus, proposals meeting the guidelines does not guarantee naming, nor do the guidelines serve as an absolute requirement for naming. A. Restrictions are as follows: 1. The name shall not duplicate the name of any other park, recreation area or building in Atlantic Beach. The exception would be a facility carrying the same name as the park in which it is situated (e.g. Sunset Field located in Sunset Park). Caution shall be used when duplicating names of parks, recreation areas and buildings in nearby cities to minimize confusion amongst the public and emergency response teams. 2. Names shall not be given to small amenities with identifiable lifespans, e.g. park bench, playground equipment, unless the City creates a specific naming opportunity. 3. The name of parks, recreation areas and buildings shall not be changed without extraordinarily good reasons. B. Discretion shall be used to avoid an overabundance of named features or facilities in any single park, and the naming shall not diminish or overshadowthe park's name. C. Consideration to name a park, recreation area or facility in honor of a person (or persons or family) shall only be given to individuals who have been deceased for a minimum of six months and one or more of the following criteria has been met: 1. The individual, individuals or family has contributed significant support to the development or operation of the park, recreation area or building, the overall recreation and parks system, and/or the community in general. The suggested name must be accompanied by evidence of such contributions and/or service, or to any of the City's companion organizations that function in cooperation with and on behalf of the City, such as an environmental -protection or youth athletic organization. 2. An outstanding community individual who has made significant and long-term civic contributions to the community of Atlantic Beach as determined by the Atlantic Beach City Commission. 3. A substantial donation (typically not less than 50% of the value of the property or improvements), as determined by the Atlantic Beach City Commission, has been made to the City, or companion organization, by or in memory of an individual, group or family. D. Consideration to name parks, recreation areas and buildings after those who are still living must meet one or more of the following: 1. A land donation in which a naming provision has been made on the deed and accepted by the Atlantic Beach City Commission. 2. A substantial monetary donation (typically not less than 50% of the value of the property or improvements) has been made to the City wherein the donor stipulated 2 a naming provision as a condition of the donation and this condition has been accepted by the Atlantic Beach City Commission. a. If naming is approved for an item that has a lifespan such as structures, equipment, etc., the naming of such item shall expire when the lifespan of the item is met. At the time of replacing such item, the original donor/naming recipient shall have the opportunity to donate funds to continue the naming of the replacement item. If the original donor/naming recipient is not interested in continuing the naming of the item, the City may seek other donations for naming consideration. Process A. Naming of New or Existing Un -Named Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities 1. The City Commission, Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee and/or City Manager can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or when it's in the best interest of the City. 2. City staff shall inform the public about parks, recreation areas and buildings to be named and encourage proposals to be submitted. 3. Naming proposals shall be submitted in writing to the City Manager. 4. Those submitting a naming proposal shall indicate how the proposed name is consistent with the criteria stated in this policy and describe the thought/meaning behind the name and their connection to Atlantic Beach. 5. When naming after a person or persons, the proposal shall describe the person's contributions to the community. Written documentation of approval by next of kin to be honored (if available/possible) is encouraged as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to indicated contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding it to the Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee. 6. The Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed names received during a regularly scheduled committee meeting. 7. In the absence of any naming requests, the Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee shall adhere to criteria stated in this policy in recommendation of a name. 8. The Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee shall submit its recommendation to Atlantic Beach City Commission for final decision. B. Renaming an Existing Park, Recreation Area or Facility 1. Renaming of parks, recreation areas and facilities carries with it a much greater burden of process compared to initial naming. Tradition and continuity of name and 3 community identification are important community values. Proposals must meet the criteria in this policy, however, meeting all criteria does not ensure renaming. 2. Deed restrictions need to be accounted for when considering the renaming of parks. 3. Parks, facilities and geographic features named after individuals shall not be changed unless it is found by the Atlantic Beach City Commission that the individual's personal character was such that the continued use of the name for a City park, recreation area or facility would not be in the best interest of the City. 4. Parks, recreation areas and facilities named for a location, a geographic feature or a community/neighborhood may be considered for renaming. However, the existing name of a park, recreation area or facility which is of local or national importance, or which identifies an outstanding geographic or physical feature shall not be changed unless the Atlantic Beach City Commission determines that there are extraordinary circumstances of local, state or national interest to justify the name change. 5. When considering the renaming of a park, recreation area or facility, the proposed name must meet the same guidelines and follow the naming process as defined above. 4 MEMO April 10, 2024 To: Bill Killingsworth, City Manager From: Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager luk A good city government naming policy should balance various factors: honoring history and community figures, reflecting the park's, recreation area's or building's character, and ensuring clarity to avoid confusion. Priorities: Geographic features/historic significance: This could include naming the park, recreation area or building after a local river, a historical neighborhood it's located in, or the area's indigenous people. Natural features: This highlights a distinctive characteristic, like "Sunset Hill Park" or "Eagle Creek Playground." Outstanding community figures: This recognizes individuals who made significant contributions, with a focus on civic service. Restrictions: Avoid duplication: The name shouldn't clash with existing parks, recreation areas or buildings, or with cities' parks, recreation areas or buildings, to prevent confusion for emergency services and residents. Evidence for individuals: Nominations for individuals should come with documentation of their contributions. Respectful names: The name should be appropriate for all ages and cultures. Process: Public Input: The policy should outline how residents can propose park, recreation area or building names, and provide feedback on suggestions. Review: An advisory committee or commission could review proposals based on the set criteria and make recommendations. Final Approval: The final decision on the park, recreation area or building name would rest with the City Commission.