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AGENDA BILL Agenda Item No. 4(C) Date: August 18, 2015 To: El Cerrito City Council From: Christopher Jones, Recreation Director Subject: Renaming of the Competition Pool at the El Cerrito Swim Center to the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool ACTION REQUESTED At the request of El Cerrito residents and swim patrons Rudy Donofrio and former Mayor Norman La Force, consider adopting a resolution to rename the Competition Pool at the El Cerrito Swim Center, the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool in memory of Emery Weed, Senior Lifeguard and Swim Instructor who worked at the Swim Center for 25 years. BACKGROUND Emery G. Weed, III began working for the City of El Cerrito Swim Center in 1988 and retired in 2013. He was a Senior Lifeguard, Instructor, and Coach. Unfortunately and unexpectedly, soon after retirement Emery was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away on September 7, 2014. There is no denying that Emery had a profound impact on patrons and staff alike and he is sorely missed. In addition to the applicants, several members of the community have expressed a desire to rename the Competition Pool at the El Cerrito Swim Center in honor of Emery. Rudy Donofrio and Norman La Force included the following on their application: Resided in El Cerrito/Richmond: Senior Lifeguard at the El Cerrito Swim Center. (Quoted from Emery’s memorial service) “Born in Weed, CA, a city that was discovered by and named for his Great Uncle Abner Weed. Emery grew up in Ferndale, CA located in Humboldt County. He served honorably in the United States Air Force. In his later years, Emery realized his true passion was helping others and teaching predominately youth. He believed in the healing qualities of water which is why he became a lifeguard. Emery had a special gift for working with children, those with mental and physical disabilities, troubled children, and those who let their fears get the best of them. He was a mentor and father figure to many of his students; and to other employees; and to us swimmers whom he encouraged to push ourselves when swimming. Emery was a teacher, motivator, coach, and a friend to thousands of visitors of the swim ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 4(C) Page 2 center. His farewell phrase to anyone leaving the pool was always a welcome one, and it became a kind of motivator for the next swim that one didn’t necessarily want to perform. “Have a GREAT day,” he would proffer. That phrase and Emery’s personality brought many people back for a swim when their conscientiousness was not motivating them to do so. How many of us can claim that during our lives we changed the lives of thousands of individuals by the simple act of helping them overcome the fear of water? Who can calculate the effect that accomplishment had on thousands of children and young adults by teaching them not only how to swim but more importantly, how to overcome life’s barriers? Emery passed away on September 7, 2014. In addition to renaming the Competition Pool to the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool, the application also requests a plaque be placed near the pool to honor Emery’s memory and provide for the recognition of the pool’s new name. The plaque is proposed to have a likeness of Emery on it and the suggested language is below. EMERY G. WEED, III LAP POOL El Cerrito Swim Center Dedicated on 2015 This plaque honors 25 years of service by Senior Lifeguard Emery G. Weed, III for his impact on thousands of individuals in the field of Aquatics and Recreation through his teaching, coaching and mentoring. Good Health, Love, Peace, Happiness and Prosperity. “Keep coming back, it works. Have a GREAT day!” -Emery G. Weed, III 1941-2014 ANALYSIS Administrative Policy/Procedure I A 4: Naming or Memorializing of City Facilities or Resources provides the process for the renaming of the Competition Pool to the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool. Staff has reviewed the attached application and believes that it conforms with City Policy. • Item A of the Policy Section states that “A facility, section of facility or City resource might be named in recognition of important services provided by individuals, groups and organizations.” • Item C of the Policy Section states that “Nominations for the naming or memorializing of City facilities or resources may come from any source.” ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 4(C) • Item E of the Policy Section states that "A facility may be renamed when the current name is deemed inappropriate or when an event of national or great local significance occurs." FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Expenses associated with this name change will be minimal. A few signs will either need to be replaced or altered and would likely cost less than $300.00. The plaque, as proposed, would likely cost no more than $1,000 and staff has devised a fund raising oppmiunity to raise money to purchase the plaque; any shmi fall could be made up with funds from the Measure A Swim Center Reserve. Scott Hanin City Manager Attachment: 1. 2. 3. Resolution Application Administrative Policy Page 3 ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 4(C) Attachment 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2015–XX RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO APPROVING THE RENAMING OF THE COMPETITION POOL AT THE EL CERRITO SWIM CENTER TO THE EMERY G. WEED, III LAP POOL WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito’s Administrative Policy/Procedure IA(4): Naming or Memorializing of City Facilities or Resources provides the process for the renaming of City facilities; and WHEREAS, an Application for Renaming has been submitted to the City and staff has determined that it is complete and satisfies the requirements for the renaming of the Competition Pool at the El Cerrito Swim Center to the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool as prescribed in Administrative Policy/Procedure I A 4; and WHEREAS, Emery G. Weed, III was a Senior Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, and Swim Coach at the El Cerrito Swim Center for 25 years, became sick unexpectedly and passed away on September 7, 2014; and WHEREAS, Emery G. Weed, III was a friend, mentor, and teacher with a true passion to help others, especially children with mental and physical disabilities, and positively impacted thousands of individuals over the course of his career; and WHEREAS, in addition to the applicants, several residents and pool patrons have expressed their desire that the Competition Pool at the El Cerrito Swim Center be renamed in his honor; and WHEREAS, the renaming of the Competition Pool to the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool will help extend Emery’s legacy and message to the benefit of future generations by promoting the values of “Good Health, Love, Peace, Happiness, and Prosperity”. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby declares that the passing of Emery G. Weed, III was an event of great local significance and authorizes the renaming of the Competition Pool at the El Cerrito Swim Center to the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool and the placement of a plaque in memory of Weed at the Swim Center. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption. I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on August 18, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 4(C) Attachment 1 IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on August XX, 2015. . Cheryl Morse, City Clerk APPROVED: Mark Friedman, Mayor ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 4(C) Attachment 2 Packets 2015\08-18-2015\4C Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool - Att 2 Application.docx 1 CITY OF EL CERRITO APPLICATION FOR MEMORIALIZING OR NAMING OF CITY FACILITIES, PROPERTY OR RESOURCES; PLAQUES AND MARKERS Date: August 5, 2015 Individual or Organization: Rudy Donofrio and Norman LaForce Address: , El Cerrito, CA 94530 Phone: Proposed Name or Commemoration: Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool Location: 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, CA Description of Action Sought (naming, dedication, marker, plaque, etc.): Re-naming/identifying the Competition Pool at the El Cerrito Swim Center as the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool, further identified by a plaque with Emery’s likeness and a short recognition of his contribution. Reason for Proposed Name, if proposed: Recognition of Emery’s service and mentorship to thousands of individuals throughout his long career in El Cerrito. Current Name, if any: The Competition Pool If the name commemorates a person, please provide the full name of the person, date of death, last residence, person’s association with the facility and a brief biography: Resided in El Cerrito/Richmond: Senior Lifeguard at the El Cerrito Swim Center. (Quoted from Emery’s memorial service) “Born in Weed, CA, a city that was discovered by and named for his Great Uncle Abner Weed. Emery grew up in Ferndale, CA located in Humboldt County. He served honorably in the United States Air Force. In his later years, Emery realized his true passion was helping others and teaching predominately youth. He believed in the healing qualities of water which is why he became a lifeguard. Emery had a special gift for working with children, those with mental and physical disabilities, troubled children, and those who let their fears get the best of them. He was a mentor and father figure to many of his students; and to other employees; and to us swimmers whom he encouraged to push ourselves when swimming. Emery was a teacher, motivator, coach, and a friend to thousands of visitors of the swim center. His farewell phrase to anyone leaving the pool was always a welcome one, and it became a kind of motivator for the next swim that one didn’t necessarily want to perform. “Have a GREAT day,” he would proffer. That phrase and Emery’s personality brought many people back for a swim when their conscientiousness was not motivating them to do so. How many of us can claim that during our lives we changed the lives of thousands of individuals by the simple act of helping them overcome the fear of water? Who can calculate the effect ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 4(C) Attachment 2 Packets 2015\08-18-2015\4C Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool - Att 2 Application.docx 2 that accomplishment had on thousands of children and young adults by teaching them not only how to swim but more importantly, how to overcome life’s barriers? Emery passed away on September 7, 2014. If the name commemorates a group or organization, provide the name, community connection and contribution: N/A If a plaque or marker is sought for purchase of a park bench, park tree or similar City property, please state the name or dedication as you wish it to appear on the plaque or marker: Changing the name of the Competition Pool at the El Cerrito Swim Center to The Emery Weed Lap Pool. A bronze plaque with a likeness of Emery with a short paragraph that will read: EMERY G. WEED, III LAP POOL El Cerrito Swim Center Dedicated on 2015 This plaque honors 25 years of service by Senior Lifeguard Emery G. Weed, III for his impact on thousands of individuals in the field of Aquatics and Recreation through his teaching, coaching and mentoring. Good Health, Love, Peace, Happiness and Prosperity. “Keep coming back, it works. Have a GREAT day!” -Emery G. Weed, III 1941-2014 ---PAGE BREAK--- K:\General\Administrative Policies & Procedures\General Administration\I A 4 naming or memorializing of city facilities or resources.doc 1 CITY OF EL CERRITO NUMBER: I A 4 DATE: August 2005 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY/PROCEDURE AUTHORITY: City Manager SUBJECT: NAMING OR MEMORIALIZING OF CITY FACILITIES OR RESOURCES PURPOSE: To specify the City’s objectives and procedures in the naming or memorializing of public facilities and/or resources. POLICY: It is the policy of the City of El Cerrito to encourage the dedication of land or funds for public use in recognition of achievements by community members, to identify areas or facilities according to geographic location and function, to ensure the enhancement of the City’s values and heritage or for other reasons that the City Council determines. A. Service Recognition – A facility, section of facility or City resource might be named in recognition of important services provided by individuals, groups and organizations. Typically, the contribution would have had a recognized direct, positive impact on the community; been outside the normal profit- making function of the individual or organization; and taken place over a period of years. B. Monetary, Capital or Material Contributions – A facility, section of facility or City resource may be named for a person, group or organization if the monetary contribution exceeds 50 percent of the capital cost of the facility or section; the honoree has a record of good citizenship; and the request for the specific name is made at the time of the donation. C. Nominations – Nominations for the naming or memorializing of City facilities or resources may come from any source. The City Council may itself propose the naming. Commissions, community groups and individuals may all submit requests for the naming of facilities (see attached “naming” form). Agenda Item No. 4(C) Attachment 3 ---PAGE BREAK--- K:\General\Administrative Policies & Procedures\General Administration\I A 4 naming or memorializing of city facilities or resources.doc 2 D. Council Consideration - Nominations and any related stipulations are considered by the City council at a regular meeting. Public testimony is permitted. Approval of a naming request requires a City Council majority. E. Name Change – A facility may be renamed when the current name is deemed inappropriate or when an event of national or great local significance occurs. Generally, a change of name shall not occur within two years of the original naming. F. Plaques and Markers – Plaques and markers may be used to honor individuals, groups or organizations or to designate historical locations. Plaques and markers will be appropriately designed and placed in a manner serving the best interests of the community. G. Rejection of Request – The City reserves the right to reject any request for memorializing a City facility or property or for a plaque or marker. PROCEDURE: A. Individuals, groups or organizations that want the City to approve a specific name for a City facility or property or in some way memorialize a contribution shall complete the attached application unless an alternate procedure has been established. B. The City Clerk shall review the application, unless routine action is requested such as a marker or plaque for purchase and placement of a park bench or tree, to ensure that it is complete and generally in line with guidelines specified herein. The City Clerk shall include the nomination in the Council agenda for consideration. C. The City Council shall review and approve or deny all requests for dedication of a facility, property or major resource to an individual, group or organization. D. The Public Works Department shall select plaques and markers for routine use in dedication of City resources or property, such as park benches and trees. The Public Works Department shall also identify and maintain a list of locations in which park benches and park trees would be most useful. ---PAGE BREAK--- K:\General\Administrative Policies & Procedures\General Administration\I A 4 naming or memorializing of city facilities or resources.doc 3 E. Individuals, groups or organizations seeking to sponsor the placement of a park bench or park tree should contact the Public Works Department, which will provide them with the appropriate paperwork, a list or map of available locations and designs of benches, types of trees and the like. F. Upon receipt of all completed documents and payment for a marker or plaque, Public Works shall order the item and insure its installation.