been researching with Julie existing policies of other jurisdictions. In reviewing those
policies and drafting such a policy for Contra Costa County, Julie and Carrie identified
several policy issues and requested guidance from the IOC on those issues so that staff
could return in a month with a more complete draft policy for the IOC to review.
Vice Chair Andersen is interested in a simple and streamlined policy that can be
communicated effectively to the public and administered independently by the Public
Works Department over the counter. She does not envision a significant number of
requests for memorials but wants a policy in place for the requests the County does
receive.
The Committee provided the following direction on each of the policy issues identified by
staff:
What types of amenities/fixtures should be offered for dedications? The Committee
directed that the first policy should focus on park benches and picnic tables. With time
and experience, other amenities might be added to the inventory. It should be made
clear that memorial benches and tables are for public enjoyment and would not be
reserved for the exclusive use of donors.
The Committee considered adding trees to the inventory but opted to forego trees at this
time because the County doesn’t have a tree inventory and cannot predict or guarantee
the life/health of a tree.
Should existing fixtures be made available for dedication or only newly installed
fixtures? The Committee suggested that Public Works create an inventory of existing
benches and picnic tables. New benches and tables can be considered by Public Works
on a case-by-case basis according to criteria related to location and feasibility.
Should the County develop an inventory of eligible amenities at only pre-determined
locations or consider any requests and determine feasibility on a case-by-case basis?
The Committee suggested that Public Works could identify existing assets and develop
an inventory of pre-determined locations for potential new assets. Pricing would have to
be adjusted to reflect the additional costs associated with installing a new asset in a
location not on the inventory.
Should original donors be offered a first option to renew a dedication at full replacement
cost at the end of a donation period or should the opportunity be re-opened to all? The
Committee decided that donors would be responsibility for maintaining contact with the
County if they want to renew an expiring memorial/dedication. If not renewed, the asset
would be returned to the inventory available for dedication.
Should a waiting list be established, or should inventory be considered on a first come,
first served basis whenever a new or existing asset becomes available? The Committee
directed that inventory be considered on a first come, first served basis. There should be
only one dedication per asset, so not multiple dedication plaques on one bench or table,
for example.