REPORT TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Recommend Acceptance of a Donation to the City for the Purchase, Installation, and Maintenance of a Tree in Central Park in the name of Rod Diridon, Sr.
Report
BACKGROUND
Donations to the City of Santa Clara must be in accord with Council Policy 051, Donations to the City. Donations may be offered in the form of cash, real or personal property. A "designated donation" is the term used when a donor specifies intended use by a particular City department, location, or purpose.
The City has received a request to accept a donation of funds for the planting a tree in Central Park in the name of Rod Diridon Sr., a long-time City resident and public servant.
DISCUSSION
Staff in the Parks & Recreation Department has reviewed the request to plant the tree and confirmed that it is allowable and conforms with the City donation policy. The donation will enable the City to recover all costs associated with purchase and installation of the tree and donor plaque. Long term tree maintenance is currently budgeted in the Department's operating budget and a new tree will replace trees in the park landscape plans that have been lost over time. Planting of an incense cedar tree or a tree with a similar canopy and characteristics will benefit the City of Santa Clara and Central Park. Central Park has experienced a loss of large canopy trees, such as redwood trees due to increased water stress and changes in local climate. Planting a drought tolerant native California evergreen tree with a large canopy will provide benefits that will contribute to wildlife habitat, shade, cooling effect, aesthetic qualities, sustainability and support the Central Park Master Plan Guiding Principles adopted by Council.
The Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss and consider a recommendation to approve acceptance of a designated donation in the amount of $1,800 to purchase, install and maintain a 24" box incense cedar (Calo...
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