CCMIN060314 - Laserfiche WebLink

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