REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Governance and Ethics Committee Recommendation to Name the Public Park in the 575 Benton Street Project “Vincent Fiorillo & Family Park” [Council Pillar: Enhance Community Sports, Recreation and Art Assets]
Report
BACKGROUND
Under Council Policy No. 035 (Attachment 1), the Parks & Recreation Commission makes recommendations to Council for names of facilities relating to the commission’s purview. Naming recommendations are referred to the Governance and Ethics Committee. The Committee reviews all naming proposals and makes its recommendation to the full Council for final review and approval.
DISCUSSION
On August 21, 2018, Council adopted Ordinance No. 1985, which approved a Development Agreement (DA) with Benton and El Camino, LP, an affiliate of Prometheus Development (Developer), for a mixed-use project (Project) located at 575 Benton Street. On June 19, 2019, the DA was recorded in Santa Clara County and indicated the City’s intent to accept a public park. The Project will construct and dedicate a 0.1428-acre public “mini park” defined in the City General Plan as a park less than one acre in size, that will feature a grass area, shade trees, grass mounds, pathway, game tables, butterfly garden, and seat walls (Attachment 2 - Site Plan). The park will be added to the City’s park inventory and the Developer will maintain the park for 40 years at Developer’s sole expense.
On May 21, 2019, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed potential names for the Project’s proposed mini park. Proposed names must meet at least one of the criteria outlined in Council Policy 035. The Commission recommended that the City Council consider two names that meet the requirements outlined in Council Policy who have made outstanding contributions to the Santa Clara community:
• Vincent Fiorillo & Family Park. Vincent “Vinnie” Fiorillo was a Santa Clara business owner known for his Italian cuisine and his gift for making his customers feel like family. Vinnie was dedicated to the youth in our community. He sponsored local schools, Pop Warner, and other sports teams. Vinnie was also known to anonymously contribute to cover the costs for youth whose family did not have the means to pay so they could have the same chance to play as any other child. To this day, people continue to share stories about how Vinnie changed their life by giving them a chance.
• Larry Wolfe Park. Larry Wolfe worked for the City for 34 years retiring as the Parks & Recreation Director in December 2007. During his tenure, he saw the development of 21 parks, pools, and facilities. He is commended for his work in Santa Clara neighborhoods and what he did to help the City of Santa Clara become an All-America City. The Santa Clara Pony Baseball recognized him for his ongoing support for the Pony program and other activities that offer children active and wholesome fun in the community.
On October 24, 2019, the Governance and Ethics Committee (Attachment 3) discussed the alternatives of “Vincent Fiorillo & Family Park” and “Larry Wolfe Park.” After discussion, the Committee approved the recommendation to name the park “Vincent Fiorillo & Family Park” based on the park location’s proximity to the family business and history of the neighborhood.
Following action by the Council, the approved name will be communicated to the Developer and landowner to be placed on a park monument sign and installed on the park site, and future promotion and way finding materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact for the current action. Park signs are included in the park construction and will be paid by the Developer.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office as well as the Mayor and Council Offices.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Recommend that Council name the public mini-park located in the 575 Benton Street residential Project “Vincent Fiorillo & Family Park.”
Staff
Reviewed by: James Teixeira, Director, Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Policy No. 035
2. Park Site Plan 575 Benton Street
3. DRAFT 10-24-19 Governance and Ethics Committee Meeting Minutes