REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Referring a Recommendation to Name the San Tomas & Monroe Neighborhood Park as “Everett N. Sousa Park” to the Ad-Hoc Facilities Naming and Recognition Committee
Report
BACKGROUND
The San Tomas & Monroe Neighborhood Park site, located at 2439 Monroe Street, is a 1.5 acre neighborhood park site that was dedicated for public park use on August 25, 2018. The park features a large grass area, natural and drought tolerant landscaping, picnic area, a parking lot, age appropriate playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 6-12, a restroom building, and an off-leash dog area. It sits adjacent to the previously dedicated San Tomas Aquino Creek Trailhead, and a separate .5 acre fenced Community Garden with outdoor class room, individual and group garden plots.
On February 20, 2018, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed potential names for new park sites. Due to his dedication and service to the Santa Clara community Everett N. Souza was considered. Everett Souza was a third-generation Santa Claran, who was involved in numerous community organizations and was an advocate for the underprivileged members in the community; he was elected to the Santa Clara City Council in 1979 and served six years until being elected Mayor in 1986, and re-elected for a second term as Mayor in 1990. After consideration of various names, on a motion by Commissioner Silva and second by Commissioner Walke, the Commission recommended (Aye-6, No-0, Abstention-1) that Council refer the Commission’s request to the Ad Hoc Facilities Naming and Honorary Recognition Committee to consider naming the San Tomas & Monroe Neighborhood Park and Community Garden as “Everett N. Sousa Park.”
DISCUSSION
Under Council Policy No. 035 (Attachment 2), the Parks & Recreation Commission makes recommendations to Council for names of facilities relating to the commission’s purview; re-naming of existing facilities is discouraged. It has been the practice that the Council referred such recommendations to the Ad-Hoc Facility Naming and Honorary Recognition Committee. The Committee reviews all naming proposals and may make a recommendation to the full Council for final review and approval.
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. If the change in park name is approved by Council, the cost for purchase and installation of a new park sign would be approximately $5,000 and accounted in the Parks & Recreation Miscellaneous Park Improvement Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Ad-Hoc Facilities Naming and Honorary Recognition Committee 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> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Recommend that Council Refer the Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendation to Name the San Tomas & Monroe Neighborhood Park as “Everett N. Sousa Park” to the Ad-Hoc Facility Naming and Honorary Recognition Committee.
Staff
Reviewed by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes 02-20-2018
2. Council Policy No. 035