AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE CHAIR
AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
YVETTE E. AGUILAR
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:
title
DONATION OF PARK BENCH AND MEMORIAL PLAQUE FOR FORMER COMMISSIONER GARY DUDLEY
summary
Summary:
In September 2022, Ms. Julie Beers, daughter of former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Gary Dudley, contacted the City to discuss opportunities to honor her father for his volunteerism and contributions to the City of Signal Hill community.
After meeting with the family and discussing options for the request, the family would like to donate a city-approved park bench with a memorial plaque to be installed at a viewing point near the Unity Monument on Panorama Drive. In addition to donating the park bench and plaque, all fees associated with the installation of the equipment will be paid by the family.
The Community Services Department, with support from the Public Works Department, have identified a location with approval from the family, where a park bench and memorial plaque would be installed. (Attachment A and B)
recommendation
Recommendation:
Staff recommend the Parks and Recreation Commission consider:
1. Acceptance of the donation of the park bench and memorial plaque;
2. Approval for the installation of the park bench and memorial plaque;
3. Approval of the location for the park bench and memorial plaque; and
4. Approval of the requested verbiage for the memorial plaque. (Attachment C)
body
Background and Analysis:
Ms. Beers originally contacted the City with an interest in honoring her father, Mr. Dudley, for his significant contributions to the City of Signal Hill.
Mr. Dudley was an active member of the Signal Hill community for several years. He was on the Parks & Recreation Commission from August 1993 through December 2017 serving as both Chair and Vice Chair; in 2001 he helped to establish the Signal Hill Community Foundation, and served as President; and was involved with the American Liver Foundation.
In 2001, Mr. Dudley was instrumental in starting the Signal Hill Community Foundation to support the City by providing funding through grants, donations and corporate support, for charitable, cultural, recreational and educational purposes to benefit the community. His work was critical to the development and founding of the Foundation, and his contributions included the development of the by-laws which are still applicable. Today, the Signal Hill Community Foundation continues to be a strong supporter of the City, funding several community services and programs, including spearheading the Library Capital Campaign.
Mr. Dudley was also a volunteer with the Sustainable City Committee, which partners with businesses, individuals and the community to provide a healthy and enduring environment for future generations.
He personally donated to many of the City’s special events including Spring Fest, the Halloween carnival, and Brunch with Santa, in addition to volunteering his personal time to work at the events.
Mr. Dudley was a revered member of the community and demonstrated his dedication to the City through his many volunteer efforts. He was recognized for his outstanding efforts by the City Council including being selected as the 2005 Outstanding Older American.
The staff are seeking approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission to honor this request, which will include:
1. Acceptance of the donation of the park bench and memorial plaque;
2. Approval for the installation of the park bench and memorial plaque;
3. Approval of the location for the park bench and memorial plaque; and
4. Approval of the requested verbiage for the memorial plaque.
Approved:
_________________________
Yvette E. Aguilar