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renaming the park while those who remember Mr. Mercer fondly can enjoy it. She did, however, <br /> suggest that Mercer Sports Park would be more succinct and effective than Ken Mercer Sports <br /> Park and moved approval with this change. <br /> Councilmember Pentin offered a second, but only if Mr. Mercer's first name were included. He <br /> said he felt this would provide a stronger and clearer link to Mr. Mercer as an individual twenty- <br /> five years down the road than something like Orloff Park provides now. He shared his <br /> appreciation for Mr. Mercer as an individual and a leader and said this is an wonderful way to <br /> honor him and his family for their service to the city. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio accepted the amendment. <br /> Councilmember Narum noted that she served on the Parks and Recreation Commission when <br /> the recommendation regarding the moratorium was made to the Council. While she supported it <br /> then and now, she said she also supported this request because she had no doubt Mr. Mercer <br /> would still be remembered and valued for his contributions five years from now. She recalled <br /> how he continued his commitment to the community even after his time on the Council. She <br /> shared her support for the motion, as amended. <br /> Councilmember Brown stressed her respect for Mr. Mercer's contributions to the community, but <br /> said the moratorium is clear. She noted that when given the chance to comment, no one from <br /> the Parks and Recreation Commission, City Council or public objected to the moratorium. She <br /> agreed that the loss of a family member and community leader is emotional, particularly the loss <br /> of such a passionate and selfless leader. She stressed that her comments were not meant as <br /> any slight against his character or contributions, but said she would prefer to honor him in a way <br /> that also respects the city's policies. She said she could support the Mayor's recommendation <br /> for something like the Civic Center or a community center, with consideration of a true park <br /> naming in five years. <br /> Mayor Thorne said that while he felt Mr. Mercer's impact on the city was much broader than the <br /> sports park, he could certainly support the recommendation. He said Mr. Mercer had a <br /> significant impact on individuals as much as he did the city itself and that his compassion for <br /> each was remarkable. He acknowledged that he voted in favor of the resolution as part of the <br /> Parks and Recreation Commission, but agreed that his or anyone else's opinion regarding Mr. <br /> Mercer was not likely to change in five years. <br /> MOTION: It was m/s by Cook-Kallio/Pentin, to adopt Resolution No. 14-691 approving the <br /> request to rename the Pleasanton Sports and Recreation Community Park to "Ken Mercer <br /> Sports Park." Motion carried by the following vote: <br /> Ayes: Councilmembers Cook-Kallio, Narum, Pentin, Mayor Thorne <br /> Noes: Councilmember Brown <br /> Absent: None <br /> MATTERS INITIATED BY COUNCIL <br /> Mayor Thorne asked staff to consider waiving the $75 event fee for veteran's related activities, <br /> noting that the city actually subsidizes the veterans' parade significantly. <br /> Mr. Fialho said staff could work with the veteran's advisory committee to examine that fee in the <br /> appropriate context, noting that they have always been very collaborative regarding the kinds of <br /> concessions that can be made relative to this type of activity. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 10 of 11 June 3, 2014 <br />