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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-09 25-027 OrderCITY COUNCIL ACTION Council Meeting Date: Item No: Responsible Dept: Requested Action: Summary Committee Action Meeting Date: For: Against: City Manager City Solicitor Finance Director Map/Lot: Introduced for: Order Committee: Action: Staff Comments & Approvals Date: Item No: Assigned to Councilor: 25-027 DECEMBER 9,2024 POLICY NAMING OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES 1.0 PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent criteria and a systematic process for the official naming of City-owned properties. The purpose of having the following criteria and process is to: 1.1 Ensure that City-owned properties are given names which are consistent with the values and character of the area or neighborhood served; 1.2 Ensure that the process for naming, or renaming, a City-owned property is consistent; 1.3 Minimize conflict and provide a forum for meaningful discussion about the naming of City-owned properties. 1.4 This policy does not apply to properties that would be subject to a naming rights agreement. 2.0 AUTHORITY The City of Bangor acknowledges that we are located on the traditional territory of the Wabanaki Confederacy, the People of the Dawnland, and specifically the Penobscot Nation. We honor their history, their enduring presence, and their contributions to this land. 2.1 The authority for naming all City-owned properties, under the jurisdiction of the City of Bangor, shall rest with the Bangor City Council. 2.2 In the event that the Bangor City Council determines that the name of a City- owned property reflects negatively upon the property, or the City as a whole, and is inconsistent with the values and character of the area or neighborhood served, they shall rename the property. 3.0 CRITERIA The City will choose names for City-owned properties by determining the appropriateness of the proposed name based on the property's relationship to any of the following criteria: 3.1 Neighborhood, boundary roads, or common usage identification. 3.2 Natural features. 25-027 DECEMBER 9,2024 3.3 Significant historical events, attributes, or figures. 3.4 An individual (living or deceased) or organization who made an admirable and substantial land, building, or monetary contribution to the City or facility, or when the name has been stipulated as a condition of the donation (e.g. when a contribution is made "in memoriam"). 3.4.1 In the event that a property is named under this section, the Bangor City Council shall consider the significance of the donation and any other relevant factors in deciding the length of time, if any, that the property shall be so named. 3.5 A former employee of the City of Bangor who made a substantial contribution to the City during his or her period of employment. 3.6 An individual, deceased for at least five (5) years, who demonstrated outstanding civic service to the City or has achieved public status worthy of long-term recognition. 3.7 Names representing and/or honoring traditionally underrepresented communities and minorities that have made contributions benefiting the greater Bangor area or otherwise reflect a significant historical bond, event, or figure, including potential Wabanaki words relevant or reflective of Wabanaki history. 3.8 Only names for entire buildings or interior spaces/rooms shall be considered. 3.9 In order to minimize confusion, names that are similar to existing names of buildings, parks, trails, or other properties in the City of Bangor shall not be considered. 4.0 PROCESS 4.1 Any City Councilor may propose a name for consideration. 4.2 Council appointed committees may also make recommendations to the City Council for consideration. 4.3 To provide an opportunity for public comment on name recommendations, the City Council shall invite public comment at the public meeting(s) at which naming is discussed. 4.4 Referral to the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights for review and recommendation for Council consideration prior to voting, who may conduct outreach, as well as invite public comment and feedback to ensure the proposed name is culturally appropriate and respectful. 25-027 DECEMBER 9,2024 4.5 City Council formal vote on the matter. 4.6 In the event a word or name is used from an underrepresented group or minority, the City shall endeavor to use the naming of the property as an opportunity to educate the public about the history, culture, and contributions of said people. 5.0 REQUEST TO REVIEW PLACE OR MONUMENT/MARKER NAME 5.1 Any individual may request a review of the place or monument/marker name by submitting correspondence to the City Manager's office identifying the place or monument/marker and providing a brief statement as to the negative connotation or how it is not consistent with the values and characteristics of the City. 5.2 Any request will be presented to the appropriate City Council Committee for referral to the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights for review and recommendation for Council consideration. 6.0 POLICY REVIEW The Assistant City Manager is responsible for the periodic review of this policy and to recommend changes to the City Council when and if necessary. Originally Approved December 14, 2015; Council Order 16-047 IN CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 9, 2024 CO 25-027 Motion made and seconded for Passage Passed �����:,w�,��° '" .�� ��°,„�,��"���,°��*°.������ �� CITY CLERK