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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-10-22 Naming Squares Non-Vets z83. Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Report of the Committee on Public Works Mark S.Sideris, Meeting Dates September 3, 209 and September 25, 2019 Council President The Committee on Public Works convened on Tuesday September 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm in Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., the Louis P. Andrews Upper Conference Room. Present were Vincent Piccirilli, chair; Vice President& District C Councilor Anthony Palomba, vice chair; and Kenneth Woodland, secretary. Staff present was DPW Superintendent Gerald Mee. Also present was resident David Stokes. Caroline Bays Councilor At Large The purpose of the meeting was to consider a policy for naming squares or intersections Anthony J.Donato, for non-veterans. Councilor At Large Susan G.Falkoff, Councilor Piccirilli began the meeting by distributing similar policies from surrounding Councilor At Large communities (Attachment A). The Committee discussed some of the pros and cons of the various provisions and agreed the sample from Belmont seemed the best fit for Anthony Palomba, Watertown for both its simplicity and effective language. Highlights included a caution Councilor At Large P Y in exercising such a policy(as the priorities of future generations can be different), the Angeline B.Kounelis, criteria the Town Council would use in evaluating a potential naming, the Council's District A Councilor vetting process, the appropriateness of the location, how future construction or planning Lisa J.Feltner, needs effect the location, whether or not if named for an individual whether that District B Councilor individual needs to be deceased or not and how much community support is needed as a Kenneth M.Woodland, Prerequisite. Councilor Piccirilli was tasked with incorporating the discussion into a District D Councilor new policy draft to be considered at a future Committee meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm. The Committee on Public Works convened on Wednesday September 25, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Louis P. Andrews Upper Conference Room. Present were Vincent Piccirilli, chair; Anthony Palomba, vice chair; and Kenneth Woodland, secretary. Also present were Councilors Lisa Feltner and Angeline Kounelis, and Conservation Commission Chair Leo Martin. The purpose of the meeting was to: 1. Conduct interviews for the Conservation Commission. (These were conducted from 7:00 to 7:50 and were in a previous report) 2. Continue discussion and make a recommendation on a policy for naming squares or intersections after non-veterans. (The discussion on the Naming Policy occurred from 7:50 to 8:18) Councilor Piccirilli presented a draft of a policy for naming squares or intersections after non-veterans, incorporating considerations and recommendations from the prior meeting (Attachment B). He noted that the DPW reviewed the draft and was satisfied that their concerns were addressed. The Committee discussed the merits of the draft and highlighted the straightforward process, the role of the Committee in the process, and the pros and cons of how a submission with broad support would be made. Page 1 of 2 Report of the Committee on Public Works, meetings of September 3 & 25, 2019 -+ Action Item: Councilor Palomba made a motion, seconded by Councilor Woodland,to recommend the Town Council adopt the"Naming Policy for Squares or Intersections for Non-Veterans"as presented. Voted 3-0 Councilor Piccirilli stated the policy would be put in the form of a resolution for the Town Council to vote on. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm. Report prepared by Kenneth Woodland Attachment A: Naming Policies from other communities: 1. Belmont 2. Boston 3. Newton 4. Waltham 5. Wellesley Attachment B: Draft for Naming Policy for Squares or Intersections for Non-Veterans Attachment C: Resolution: Naming Policy for Squares or Intersections for Non-Veterans Page 2 of 2 Attachment A 1 TOWN OF BELMONT BOARD OF SELECTMEN NAMING POLICY-TOWN ASSETS INTRODUCTION The Board of Selectmen shall be responsible for the naming of public assets. For this purpose,public assets shall mean buildings, parks, squares, parcel of land, or portions thereof owned by the Town. The Board understands that a name given to a Town asset may have long-lasting effect and will span future generations whose perceptions and values might change. The Board intends to be cautious exercising this Policy to avoid over-naming public assets. PURPOSE The Board of Selectmen believes that the naming of public assets is a matter of substantial or significant interest and deserves careful consideration. The Board, therefore, creates this policy to establish a systematic, consistent and transparent approach for naming public assets in the Town. PROCESS Any board,committee or resident may propose in writing that a Town asset be named.Said proposal shall be submitted to the Town Administrator/Board of Selectmen Office. Proposals should include documentation to support the rationale and should reflect a broad level of community backing. Requests pertaining to the facilities under the care, control and custody of any town board, committee or commission shall be referred to that board, committee or commission. POLICY Property may be named after an individual when the individual has a historical association with the property,the area in which it is located or the Town as a whole,or where the individual played a leadership role in the Town,such as through distinguished service in military, law enforcement, public office. Quality of contribution in these areas may be considered along with length of service. Property may be named after an individual or organization that has made significant financial and civic contributions to the Town, or that has made a direct financial grant to the Town for purposes of developing a particular property. Names would be chosen in a manner that avoids duplication, confusing similarity or inappropriateness. In the event of an individual's passing, a year must pass before consideration may be made to be applicable. If in the future the individual associated with a naming is questioned it may go before the Board for review and renaming. The Board of Selectmen will determine if the name change warrants a public meeting. Naming Policy ADOPTED: BOS 11-5-18 CRITERIA In deciding the appropriateness of any naming or renaming proposal, the Board shall consider the following: 1. The significant value of the public asset; 2. The public interest to be served; 3. Any historic events, people or places associated with the public asset; 4. Any outstanding individual associated with the public asset; 5. Any major gift associated with the public asset; 6. Whether the naming proposal is for a time certain; and 7. Whether a naming agreement or other documentation is appropriate or necessary In addition, in deciding the appropriateness of any renaming proposal,the Board shall consider: 1. Any existing agreement or documentation regarding the current name 2. The appropriateness of a new name,taking into consideration historical significance of the public asset or its current name; and 3. Any costs associated with the renaming Naming Policy ADOPTED: BOS 11-5-18 Attachment A2 CITY OF BOSTON CHRISTOPHER P.OSGOOD S Chairman PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION COMMISSION MEMBERS: Public Works Department BOSTON CITY HALL Transportation Department ROOM 714 Property Management Department $Q�"j'Qpfg, Inspectional Services Department OOil�AA Boston, Massachusetts Water&Sewer Commission Um AMY S.CORDING,P.E. Chief Engineer Phone:(617)635-4961 TODD M. LIMING,P.E. Email: PIC@boston.gov Principal Civil Engineer Web:www.boston.gov/PIC Executive Secretary A POLICY FOR THE NAMING AND RENAMING OF PUBLIC WAYS AND PRIVATE WAYS,AND THE DEDICATION OF SQUARES, IN THE CITY OF BOSTON Effective: January 1, 2017 1. Definitions For purpose of this Policy,the following terms shall have the meanings given below: Qualified Abutter(s) refer to such property owner(s) whose property or properties abut the right of ways, both public and private, affected by the proposed name change; Specifically, the property or properties (a) are identified by a parcel ID(s) of the City's Assessing Department, (b) abuts the affected street(s), (c)proof of identity such as valid driver's license, other government issued-ID, or appropriate deed instruments, (d) must have a valid deeded address bearing the name of the affected street(s), and such address must be verified by the City's Inspectional Service Department. City departments or agencies refer to such departments or agencies of the City of Boston such as Inspectional Services Department(the "ISD"), Assessing Department, Boston Police Department(the"BPD"), Boston Transportation Department(the"BTD"), Public Works Department (the "PWD"), Emergency Management Service(the "EMS), Election Department; Commission or PIC refers to the Public Improvement Commission, City of Boston; Private ways or streets refer to, consistent with applicable state laws and city ordinances, such right of ways within the City of Boston, under private ownership; Public ways or streets refer to, consistent with applicable state laws and city ordinances, such rights of way within the City of Boston, open for public travel, owned and/or maintained by the City and/or otherwise under the City's jurisdiction for public travel; For purpose of this Policy, the definition of public way does not include other infrastructure assets such as bridge(s) owned by the City or otherwise under the City's jurisdiction; 2-0 Ilo .O11 Z PIC Street Naming and Square Dedication Policy Page 1 of 5 CITY OF BOSTON CHRISTOPHER P.OSGOOD PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION chairman Street namefsl refer to, consistent with applicable state laws and city ordinances, such descriptive titles, for purpose of public travel, assigned to any and all public and private ways within the City of Boston, and such titles includes but not limited to street, avenue, court, place, alley, etc.; Sauare dedication refers to a plate attachment to pole(s), which is located nearest to the affected street, intersection, or square. 2. Jurisdiction Consistent with both special and general laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,and the ordinances of the City of Boston, the Public Improvement Commission is vested with, and exercises the street naming authority for both public and private ways including certain square dedication. 3. Reuuirements for Street Naming Convention a. A street name(s) shall not be eligible for change until and unless such name has been in use for twenty-five (25) years or more. b. The proposed street name(s)shall not be identical to the names in use of any existing public and/or private ways within the City, regardless of street suffix. c. The street name change shall not be used to honor any living person unless the following conditions are met: i. the affected street(s) has no qualified abutters, and ii. the Commission determines that the negative impact to ALL abutters,public travel, rights of way management, and public safety is minimal. d. Certain procedural requirements as defined in Section 4 below. e. Subject to the requirements in sub-sections (a)to (d) hereinabove, when reviewing the name change, the PIC shall also take such factors into consideration, including but not limited to public safety, rights of way management and public travel,historic preservation,potential impact on abutting community, and other legitimate concerns. 4. Process for Public and Private Way Name Change a. The PIC shall, on its own or upon petition, review and determine the proposed name change in publicly advertised hearings. PIC Street Naming and Square Dedication Policy Page 2 of 5 CITY OF BOSTON CHRISTOPHER P.OSGOOD PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION chairman b. For street(s) without any qualified abutter(s),the PIC shall have sole discretion for proposed name and name change. c. For street(s) with qualified abutter(s),the Commission will only consider the proposed name and name change upon petition, and such name change is subject to approval by ALL qualified abutters. d. The petitioner(s) of proposed name and name change must bear any and all cost and expenses of the proposed name change, and also provide the following: i. valid proof of notification to all relevant city department, agencies or other authorities of competent jurisdictions, as determined by the Commission; ii. valid proof of notification to transit authorities if the affected street is a transit route; and written responses from such transit authorities; iii. a letter of recommendation from a current Boston City councilor(s) and/or other elected official, iv. notifications to any and all utilities, and v. any other documents and information as may be requested by the City. e. The qualified abutters must vote for the proposed name change. Each qualified abutter represents one (1) property that casts one (1) vote either for or against the proposed name change. Failure to respond to notice by qualified abutter(s) within the required timeframe constitutes equals to a vote(s) a_ ag inst the name change. The votes, both affirmative and negative, means votes by ALL qualified abutters. The vote may be cast in person or by mail, and is subject to verification by appropriate means. For any parcel with multiple property ownership (e.g. condominium association, homeowners association, et al), such parcel represents and casts one (1)vote as a single qualified abutter. f. The PIC reserves its authority to determine, dependent upon specific circumstances, applicable procedural requirements as appropriate ensure the integrity of public travel, public safety, rights of way management and minimize the impact to ALL abutters. g. Upon receiving such petition, the PIC will hold appropriate public proceeding to hear,but will not entertain if,among others, such proposed name change fails to meet the procedure requirement as defined by this Section 4. PIC Street Naming and Square Dedication Policy Page 3 of 5 CITY OF BOSTON CHRISTOPHER P.OSGOOD PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION Chairman 5. Square Dedication and Its Procedure a. The square dedication bears no relationship to street name(s) or street address. It may be used to honor any person, living or deceased,who has had a great impact on the surrounding community. b. If the Commission determines that a proposed square dedication bears no relationship to the rights of way management,property addressing,or public travel and wayfinding,the Commission may refer the matter to the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services,with whom the proponents of the square dedication shall consult,at their own cost and expense. c. If the Commission determines such relationships do exist,the process will be determined by the PIC. d. The proponent(s) shall bear all the cost and expenses for design,fabrication, installation and maintenance, including the removal if necessary, of the dedication plate. The City reserves its authority to approve the design of the dedication plate. 6. PIC Order and Recording The PIC will issue an order upon approving a Street Name Change or certain Square Dedication, and such order shall be recorded at the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds. 7. Notice ReUuirements and Governina Law a. For purpose of this Policy, unless otherwise designated in writing, all notices shall be in writing, shall be sent or deemed served if delivered by hand, certified or registered mail with proof of return receipt. b. The City, for purpose of street name change and square dedication, is not required to send out personal notice as defined in Section 7(a). The statutory advertisement by the PIC is legal notice, which is deemed received once published for the required time frame. c. This Policy is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and specifically the ordinances, policies, rules, regulations and requirements of the City of Boston. d. This Policy shall supersede all prior policy, practices for street name changes of both public way and private way, and square dedication within the City. The PIC reserves authority to make further amendment to this Policy. PIC Street Naming and Square Dedication Policy Page 4 of 5 CITY OF BOSTON CHRISTOPHER P.OSGOOD PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION Chairman Adopted by Vote of the Public Improvement Commission on December 22, 2016. Attest: Reviewed by: Todc M. Liming Amy Cording Executive Secretary C 'e Approved by: 175ris Osgoo , ?i6;a/n — mcm Member -Nfe—mbe Member Approved as to the corm: l Law 'pa nt PIC Street Naming and Square Dedication Policy Page 5 of 5 Attachment A3 CITY OF NEWTON IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES COMMITTEE NAMING ORDINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT AUGUST 16, 2012 Present: Aldermen Baker and Blazar Also attending: Rick Iacobucci of the Newton Schools Foundation, School Committee Member Margie Ross Decter, School Committee Chair Claire Sokoloff REFERRED TO PROG & SERV, PUB. FACIL & FINANCE COMMITTEES #170-12 ALD. SANGIOLO, BAKER, BLAZAR , JOHNSON, and YATES requesting the creation of an ordinance to govern the naming of public assets of the City, including the interior and exterior features of public buildings, lands, and water bodies of the City, as well as any public facilities and equipment associated with them, all to serve the best interests of the City and to insure a worthy and enduring legacy for the City's physical facilities and spaces, including appropriately honoring historic events, people, and places. [05/29/12 @ 1:34 PM] PROGRAMS AND SERVICES HELD 6-0 ON 07/11/12 NOTE: Alderman Baker presented a copy of his August 15 memorandum to the Subcommittee, which is attached to this report, and in the absence of the Chair of the Subcommittee, as the senior member present, chaired the meeting. (Alderman Sangiolo was detained by a work commitment.) After allowing time for Mr. Iacobucci and Ms. Ross Decter to read the memorandum, which they had not yet read(though it was sent to them last afternoon as intended), the two members present of the Subcommittee discussed what to do. Alderman Blazar indicated his preference for not moving forward at this time on an ordinance in light of the withdrawal of naming rights funding for the time being and further work might be counterproductive. Alderman Baker indicated he was receptive to Alderman Blazar's point of view, though was also willing to do more work on since other docketers were also involved, and a naming ordinance did not just involve selling naming rights. Alderman Baker said that he had prepared his August 15 memorandum to assist the work of the Subcommittee, but even if it were not acted upon, it might be helpful in providing some interim guidance of at least his own views if and until a formal naming ordinance was to be adopted. After hearing from Mr. Iacobucci, Ms. Ross Decter, and finally Ms. Sokoloff, the Subcommittee voted 2-0 in favor of holding the item, with the understanding that another Subcommittee meeting might be needed to include all three members of the Subcommittee to reach a final decision. Pending such a meeting, at a time convenient to all three members of the subcommittee, the decision was not to press forward with further work on the proposed ordinance at this time. Respectfully submitted, Alderman Lisle Baker, Acting Chairman. #170-12 Memorandum To: Alderman Amy Sangiolo, Alderman Richard Blazar, members of the Programs and Services Naming Ordinance Subcommittee From: Alderman Baker Subject: #170-12 ALD. SANGIOLO, BAKER, BLAZAR, JOHNSON, and YATES requesting the creation of an ordinance to govern the naming of public assets of the City, including the interior and exterior features of public buildings, lands, and water bodies of the City, as well as any public facilities and equipment associated with them, all to serve the best-interests of the City and to insure a worthy and enduring legacy for the City's physical facilities and spaces, appropriately honoring historic events, people, and places. [05/29/12 @ 1:34 PM] Date: August 15, 2012 Cc: Board of Aldermen, Mayor Warren,Newton School Committee,Newton Law Department This memorandum further updates one which was provided to the Programs and Services Committee dated July 7, and attempts to respond to the Committee discussion and the subsequent discussion of the Naming Ordinance Subcommittee on July 19. Several members of the Newton School Committee, as well as a representative of the Newton School Foundation("NSF") have argued to the Subcommittee that because the sale of naming rights has now been put on hold, having the Board of Aldermen continuing to consider a naming ordinance will revive the controversy over selling naming rights, and therefore be counterproductive. At the same time, some others who are involved with fund-raising for the Schools have expressed a desire to have some early guidance as to what can and cannot be done to aid the Schools, so that they do not pursue ways in the coming months that have to be reconsidered, or even withdrawn, after they are underway. On balance, the combination of these factors has led, with some guidance from Ouida Young of the Law Department on matters of form,to reshaping the draft naming ordinance so that our Subcommittee can decide how best to proceed in responding to the Programs and Services Committee in September. One option is to continue to refine this draft, including seeking further input as we have tried to do, and provide that final draft to the Programs and Services Committee. A second option is to develop the draft as far as we can, and then report to our colleagues on the Programs and Services Committee that it may be appropriate to hold the item for the time being,with the understanding that it may be easier to revisit if and when donor naming were to return as a possible means of public fund-raising. Or there may be other options to consider. 1 #170-12 Because as of this writing it is unclear whether all three of us will be able to attend the Subcommittee meeting tomorrow morning at 9:30 in Room 202 at City Hall,we may need to hold at least one more meeting of our Subcommittee before making a decision about what to do next. In the meantime, let me explain some of the background for the revisions which have been made in the most recent draft of this ordinance, set out below. - The purpose of this ordinance is to offer guidance to those citizens and officials who from time to time wish to use the ability to name public assets for public recognition. At the same time, it is also designed to provide guidance to naming in response to, or to induce, acts of donor generosity, since those assets have almost always been paid for in the first instance with public funds and the implication should be avoided that a donor is instead responsible. Also, naming of public assets should be done with an understanding of the implicit lessons imparted, meaning that civic or public service should be paramount, and personal self-promotion or business commercialism should be avoided. While it would therefore be the case that naming decisions should be made independent of fund-raising, an appropriate exception might be where alumni of a Newton school donate funds in honor of an exemplary teacher to recognize his or her accomplishments as an educator. Another would be to memorialize an event or people involved in it, like the tragedy of 9-11, by allowing the name of a donor to be inscribed on a brick in a walk or within a brick wall where many such bricks are so inscribed. Also, small plaques acknowledging a gift, such as on a park bench, would not be deemed a naming event, as Newton ordinance 2-10(d) currently allows for gifts of$1,000 or more, and if more than one donor is involved, it would be important to cluster them in a specific location on a facility, as apparently occurs at Newton Wellesley Hospital, so as to avoid cluttering the facility with such plaques. The use of such means for acknowledgement does not mean that the specific means chosen must be durable, however, if the needs of those using the facility later require their removal or relocation, since acknowledgement in this way is intended to serve the public interests of the City more than the interests of those named. In the case of shared assets,the intent is not to disturb longstanding practices, such as in City Hall, where the Board of Aldermen traditionally has control over the Chamber and the adjacent committee rooms, while the Executive Department has control over the remainder of City Hall. Finally, with the understanding that some further policy guidance may be helpful after passage of such an ordinance,the ordinance provides for the creation of a policy committee to assist that effort. With these ideas in mind,what follows is a revised draft of a naming ordinance. 2 #170-12 Article [x] Naming of Public Assets [Draft for discussion only 08-15-121. 1. Purposes. It is the purpose of this ordinance to reserve the naming or renaming of public assets within the City of Newton for circumstances that will serve the best interests of the City, and ensure a worthy and enduring legacy for the City's physical spaces. This ordinance is also designed to offer guidance to those citizens and officials who from time to time wish to use the ability to name public assets in response to, or to induce, acts of donor generosity so as to preserve the naming of public assets for deserved public recognition and to avoid donor or corporate self-promotion. 2. Prohibition. Unless otherwise permitted by paramount state law, no city assets may be named or renamed except in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance. 3. Sale or conditional gifts of naming rights restricted. The sale of a right to name a public asset of the City of Newton shall not be permitted.Nor shall any gift be accepted conditioned upon the naming of a public asset of the City, except for certain tangible personal property pursuant to Section 2-1 O(d)of these ordinances. 4. Categories of names. In the case of naming public assets whenever it occurs,the following categories of names are permissible: a. Historic events, people and places. The City may preserve and honor the history of the City of Newton, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or the United States;prominent historical figures no longer living; and local landmarks, neighborhoods, or prominent'geographical locations. b. Outstanding individuals. The City may acknowledge individuals who have contributed of their time,talent, and energy to the public life and well- being of the students or citizens of the City of Newton,the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or the United States, including those veterans who put themselves in harm's way to serve their country. The contribution of money or property to the City,or to one of its agencies, shall not by itself qualify a donor to be the subject of naming of a public asset,as the purpose of naming is to recognize exemplary public service by individuals or nonprofit organizations, and to avoid personal self- promotion or commercialization of public assets. 5. Donor acknowledgement. So long as it does not involve naming of a public asset in honor of the donor,donors may be acknowledged by the donee agency of the City with a plaque or inscription on or within a public asset within the donee agency's control, and multiple acknowledgements shall be clustered together. Such an acknowledgement,however,may be removed by the donee agency if the donee agency later determines that the space is needed for other purposes. 3 #170-12 6. Maior Assets. Assets that are considered to major physical assets of the City of Newton, such as school and other buildings, recreational facilities,parks, school playing fields and theaters, water bodies, and conservation land, streets and f squares, shall be named only after the Executive Department, School Committee, or City agency with operational jurisdiction of such an asset shall approve the name, and, if not initially named by the Board of Aldermen itself, the Board of Aldermen,by a majority vote of the full Board concurs in that naming, with the Mayor's approval of the measure under Section 3-8 of the Charter. 7. Non-maior assets„ All other City assets which are part of a larger major asset, such as the interior spaces of buildings; features within parks, conservation land, recreational areas; driveways or parking lots; or furnishings and fixtures of any description shall be named by the Executive Department, School Committee, or City agency or board having operational jurisdiction over the asset, pursuant to a policy which is consistent with this ordinance. 8. Policies for naming: (a) Naming volicv reauired. No board or agency otherwise authorized to name a public asset shall do so without having a written naming policy, adopted after a public hearing, which policy shall include an opportunity for public comment before a naming decision is reached, and which policy shall be otherwise consistent with the provisions of this ordinance. All such policies shall be available from the Newton City Clerk and also posted on the Newton City web site. (b) Change of names. Names given to public assets in the City shall not be hanged without following the same procedures as for naming an asset under this ordinance. (c) Naming Policy Advisory Committee. On behalf of the Board of Aldermen, the Chairman of the Programs and Services Committee of the Board,with the consent of the President of the Board, shall appoint a Naming Review Committee to which questions of the application of this ordinance can be referred for guidance. The Naming Policy Advisory Committee shall include three representatives of the Programs and Services Committee of the Board of Aldermen, complemented from time to time by ex officio nonvoting advisory members to be designated by the agency involved, such as Newton Schools Foundation,the Newton School Committee, the Council of Newton Parent Teacher Organizations,the Recreation Commission,the Board of Library Trustees, or others, when specific naming policy issues arise that may affect the facilities within their control. 4 Attachment A4 : �1 SIDEWALKS, PUBLIC WAYS, PUBLIC PLACES, ETC. § 17-22 preliminary plan showing the proposed location buildings, parks, property or any part thereof and grade of the structure shall first be filed in his hereafter to be named, shall be named by the office. Council, except that no name shall be given to the City Hall or the Common. No building, park, (b)Any person violating the foregoing property or part thereof shall hereafter be named provisions shall be subject to the penalty provided for any person then living, except by unanimous in Section 1-9 of this Code and shall remove any vote of the members of the Council present and j ?' structure placed contrary to the provisions of this voting on the proposed name.The Council may,by section if required so to do by the City Engineer, atwo-thirds vote of the whole Council, change the A and upon failure to do so, the City Engineer may name of any municipal building, park or property make such removal or change, or, may request, in the City, provided that no deed or contractual 11 with the consent of the Mayor, that the Director of restriction prohibits a change of name; and ! �i Public Works make such removal or change, and provided, further, that whenever the Council i the cost thereof shall be paid to the City by the intends to change any such name it shall, before person owning or controlling the structure. final action thereon, appoint a time and place for (Gen. Ords. 1962, § 2-69; Ord. No. 30000, hearing all persons interested therein. 8-2-2004) Gen. Ords. 1962, § 17-3; Ord. No. 28679, ( ,i 11-23-1998) j ji Ii Sec.17-19. Naming and changing names of 1' streets, municipal buildings, Sec. 17-20. Numbering buildings; changing municipal arks and municipal p p p numbers. I I1! fly property. The City Engineer shall assign numbers to the (a)The several streets and squares in the City owners of buildings who may apply for the same, shall retain the names by which they are now such numbers to be as near 'as may be in 1i il'h known, and all streets or squares hereafter to be I accordance with the plans for sewer assessments laid out shall be named by the Council. No street now on file in the office of the City Engineer.ineer. He y is or square shall hereafter be named for any person may require existing numbers to be changed then living, except b unanimous vote of the p Y whenever, in his judgment, it may be necessary to members of the Council present and voting on the - do so in order to make the numbering of buildings proposed name. The Council may, by a two I e consistent. The owner or occupant of any building II !h thirds-vote of the whole Council, change the name subject to such order shall, within30 d days after of an public street or square in the City, provided y p q y' being duly notified of the same,comply therewith. that no deed or contractural restriction prohibits a (Gen.Ords. 1962,§ 17-4) change of name; and provided, further, that !;f! whenever the Council intends to change any such name it shall, before final action thereon, appoint a Sec. 17-21. Closing streets. time and place for hearing all persons interested therein, and direct that notices of such hearing and The Director of Public Works and Forestry shall, Of its intention to change such name shall be given whenever the public safety so requires, direct and to all owners of land adjoining such street or cause the entrances of any street opening into any i; ,i square in the manner required in case of the laying public street to be closed. out of streets. (Gen.Ords. 1962,§ 17-5) (b)Whenever the name of a street or square is F, discontinued, such name shall not be reestablished Sec. 17-22. Removal of structure or vehicle for a period of at least five years from the time of illegally on street. III discontinuance. (c)Municipal buildings, municipal parks and all Any fixture, structure,property or vehicle which has been erected, placed or left illegally in any other municipal property in the City shall retain the names by which they are now known, and all street, including the sidewalk, may be removed by ii'I. 'I Supp.No.lo 1060.3 ,j III I! II!iljL Attachment A5 POLICY STATEMENT RE NAMING OF PUBLIC ASSETS (ref. Town Bylaws, Article 5.5) Background. Bylaw Article 5.5, adopted by the 2008 Annual Town Meeting (hereinafter"the Bylaw"), adopted a Town-wide policy governing the naming of public assets. Among many other things, the bylaw provides that no board shall name any public asset unless the board shall have adopted a naming policy. The Board of Selectmen (the Board) has thus adopted the following Policy Statement regarding the naming of Public Assets. Policy statement The Board of Selectmen's policy on naming a Town asset under its jurisdiction is (1) to follow the general policy of the Town as set forth in Town Bylaw 5.5; and (2) in each particular case, to implement said town-wide policy in a transparent manner, understanding that a name given to a Town asset may have a long lasting effect,perhaps spanning many future generations of Town residents, whose perceptions and values may ebb and flow with the times. It is this the policy of the Board of Selectmen to reserve the naming or renaming of public assets under its Jurisdiction for circumstances that will best serve the interests of the Town and ensure a worthy and enduring legacy for the Town's physical assets. Receipt of naminv oroi)osals Any resident may propose that a Town asset be named by the Board. Any proposal for the naming of a Town asset under the Board's jurisdiction shall be forwarded to the Executive Director, who shall review it and prepare the matter for review by the Board. When ready, the Executive Director shall move the matter to the Board, and recommend to approve, not to approve, or to study further. Any naming proposal by another board of a major asset under that board's jurisdiction, which the Bylaw requires shall be subject to Town Meeting approval, shall be reviewed summarily, and unless questions are presented the Board shall place the matter on a Warrant for a Town Meeting Review analvsis comuliant with the reouirements of the Bvlaw. In addition to the steps authorized in the bylaw, the following protocol shall apply. 1. Before undertaking to consider any naming proposal, the Bylaw itself shall be reviewed. This policy statement is supplemental to the Town-wide policy, not in substitution of it. 2. The Board shall determine whether the asset proposed for naming is, in the Bylaw's words, "a major physical asset" or"other" asset. The,Board of Selectmen's policy is to view "buildings, recreational facilities,parks, water bodies, and conservation land" as major, but reserves the right to decide whether any other physical asset is major. The Bylaw requires that the naming of a major asset be presented to and approved by Town Meeting. 3. In deciding the appropriateness of a naming proposal, the Board shall keep in mind the following categories: (1) historic events, people and places; (2) outstanding individual; and (3) major gifts. These categories are more fully described in the Bylaw. 4. In studying any proposal, the Board will consider whether a naming agreement, or other documentation is appropriate. This is particularly apt if the proposal is for a time certain, and not, for example, meant to apply indefinitely into the future; or, if the naming is in consideration of a particular gift being proffered, whether there are terms which should be memorialized. If a gift is other than a gift without any conditions, the Board's policy is to memorialize the conditions,understanding that any gift to the Town is not completed without being accepted by the Town, and any gift accepted with'conditions must be utilized in accordance with any conditions attached. The Town has the right to decline a proposed gift. 5. If the proposal is to rename an asset already named, special consideration shall be given to any existing agreement or documentation regarding the current name, and then generally to the appropriateness (or not) of a new name, taking into consideration the historical significance of the existing name, any public input on changing it, any costs associated with the renaming, and any other factors which the Board deems wise to consider. 6. In naming or renaming an asset, the Board shall give consideration to equitable treatment of similar assets for similar situations. Some of the Town's history on this point was recounted in Town Counsel's October 19, 2007 letter to the Chair of the School Building Committee. 7. Where apt, including a proposal by any other board or committee to name a major asset, the Board shall consider when, and how, the proposal shall be placed on a Warrant for Town Meeting's consideration. 8. To ensure that the Board is fully aware of the public's interest in a proposal, a hearing shall be held, and a period of time for due reflection let pass, before the proposal comes on the Board's agenda for its vote. Additional Factors to be Considered 1. A compilation of other assets named, or currently being considered for naming, by the Board and all other boards may be a useful tool in placing any proposal in context. The Board cautions against over-naming things. 2. Whether conditions beyond those proposed by any donor would be in the Town's interest. 3. The extent to which voting a current proposal could establish, or contradict, existing Town policy. 4. Whether the naming should be specifically protected forever, or be restricted as to time. The Board's ability, even Town Meeting's ability, to bind future action should be considered. 5. Whether Massachusetts law, or Town Bylaw or policy, might apply. 6. Unless the Board votes otherwise, a majority vote will apply. However, if the planned Motion to adopt a name for a Town asset has less than unanimous support among the Board's members, caution should be undertaken in bringing the proposal to a vote. 7. Whether Design Review Board should be consulted. See Town Bylaw Article 46. 8. Overall, the public interest is to be served. In accordance with the Bylaw's requirements, this Policy Statement was VOTED, subject to final action following the Board of Selectmen noticing and convening of a public hearing on the adoption of this policy, at its meeting held on W°+[IN6u 3 2008. Novtn.ber A frilly noticed public hearing on the adoption of this policy was held on 3 2008. After hearing comments made, and after discussion, the Board of Selectmen voted to adopt the within Policy Statement at its meeting held on VoWftber 3 , 2008. The Board of Selectmen filed the within Policy with the Town Clerk, and posted it on the Town website on jltccM�cr (� , 2008. Gregor, !Mills, Chair , /'?a � J Bar ara D. Searle, Vice Chair Owen H. Duga n, S tary. Harrie S. Warshaw Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Attachment B Town Of Watertown Naming Policy for Squares or Intersections for Non-Veterans Draft for Committee Discussion September 25, 2019 1. INTRODUCTION- The Town Council shall have sole authority for the naming of Squares or Intersections in the public right-of-way under the control of the Town of Watertown. a) The Town Council understands that said naming may have long-lasting effect and will span future generations whose perceptions and values might change. b) The Town Council intends to be cautious exercising this Policy to avoid over-naming Squares or Intersections. 2. PURPOSE -The Town Council believes that the naming of Squares or Intersections is a matter of substantial or significant public interest and deserves careful consideration. a) The Town Council, therefore, creates this policy to establish a systematic, consistent and transparent approach for naming Squares or Intersections in Watertown. b) This policy is for non-veterans only, as there is a separate policy for naming of Squares or Intersections for veterans processed through the Veterans Service Officer. 3. PROCESS -Any Watertown resident may propose in writing that a Square or Intersection be named for a notable non-veteran with specific ties to Watertown. a) The proposal shall be submitted to the Town Council President, and must include documentation to support the rationale for the naming including a broad level of community backing. b) The Town Council President, upon determining the proposal is complete, shall place it on a Town Council agenda for a vote of referral to the Public Works Committee for review and recommendation. c) The Department of Public Works shall review the proposal and provide the Public Works Committee an analysis as to the appropriateness of signage at the location taking into account matters such as traffic conditions, sightlines, and planned road construction projects. d) The Public Works Committee shall review the proposal and the Department of Public Works analysis, and develop a recommendation for the Town Council. e) The Town Council will vote on a resolution to name a Square or Intersection per the Public Works Committee recommendation. 4. CRITERIA-In deciding the appropriateness of any naming proposal, the Town Council shall consider the following: a) The public interest to be served by honoring the individual. b) The leadership role or distinguished service of the individual, considering the quality of contribution along with the length of service. c) The association the individual has with the proposed naming location. 5. REVIEW—The Town Council shall have sole authority to remove the naming of any Square or Intersection if,with the passage of time, it determines the public interest is no longer being served. s3 Attachment C Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Resolution # Mark S.Sideris, Council President Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., Naming Policy for Squares or Intersections for Non-Veterans Vice President& District C Councilor WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown seeks to have a formal policy for the naming of Squares or Intersection for non-Veterans, as a formal policy for Veteran Memorials and Caroline says Councilor At Large Dedications was adopted by own Councilon the T July 12 2016. Anthony J.Donato, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town Council of the City Known as the Councilor At Large Town of Watertown adopts this Naming Policy for Squares or Intersections for Non- Susan G.Falkoff, Veterans: Councilor At Large Anthony Palornba, 1. INTRODUCTION-The Town Council shall have sole authority for the naming of Squares Councilor At Large or Intersections in the public right-of-way under the control of the Town of Watertown. a) The Town Council understands that said naming may have long-lasting effect and will Angeline B.Kounelis, span future generations whose perceptions and values might change. District A Councilor b) The Town Council intends to be cautious exercising this Policy to avoid over-naming Lisa J.Feltner, Squares or Intersections. District B Councilor 2. PURPOSE -The Town Council believes that the naming of Squares or Intersections is a Kenneth M.woodland, matter of substantial or significant public interest and deserves careful consideration. District D Councilor a) The Town Council,therefore, creates this policy to establish a systematic, consistent and transparent approach for naming Squares or Intersections in Watertown. b) This policy is for non-veterans only, as there is a separate policy for naming of Squares or Intersections for veterans processed through the Veterans Service Officer. 3. PROCESS -Any Watertown resident may propose in writing that a Square or Intersection be named for a notable non-veteran with specific ties to Watertown. a) The proposal shall be submitted to the Town Council President, and must include documentation to support the rationale for the naming including a broad level of community backing. b) The Town Council President,upon determining the proposal is complete, shall place it on a Town Council agenda for a vote of referral to the Public Works Committee for review and recommendation. c) The Department of Public Works shall review the proposal and provide the Public Works Committee an analysis as to the appropriateness of signage at the location taking into account matters such as traffic conditions, sightlines, and planned road construction projects. d) The Public Works Committee shall review the proposal and the Department of Public Works analysis, and develop a recommendation for the Town Council. e) The Town Council will vote on a resolution to name a Square or Intersection per the Public Works Committee recommendation. Page 1 of 2 4. CRITERIA-In deciding the appropriateness of any naming proposal,the Town Council shall consider the following: a) The public interest to be served by honoring the individual. b) The leadership role or distinguished service of the individual, considering the quality of contribution along with the length of service. c) The association the individual has with the proposed naming location. 5. REVIEW—The Town Council shall have sole authority to remove the naming of any Square or Intersection if,with the passage of time, it determines the public interest is no longer being served. Council Member I hereby certify that at a Meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was present, this Resolution was adopted by a vote of_for, against, present, on October 22, 2019. Marilyn Pronovost, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris, Council President Page 2 of 2