Title
MOTION TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DIVERSITY AND HERITAGE BOARD TO NAME THE NEW COMMUNITY CENTER AT THE WILLIAM B. ARMSTRONG DREAM PARK THE "DREAM PARK COMMUNITY CENTER"
Summary Explanation and Background
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
1. On October 20, 2021, the City Commission considered a resolution to name the new community center at William B. Armstrong Dream Park as the "Mahatma Gandhi Center." Chapter 100 of the City's Code of Ordinances requires a resolution when naming public places in honor of an individual, business entity or civic organization.
2. The Commission did not approve the resolution and instead referred the matter to the Diversity and Heritage Board for suggestions on the facility’s name. The board was tasked with providing recommendations for City Commission approval. (See Exhibit 1 for agenda with approved motion.)
3. On November 16, 2021, the Diversity and Heritage Board discussed the naming of the facility but did not take formal action based on the Commission’s direction. The meeting minutes indicate that former Commissioner Siple stated that the building would be named the "Dream Park Community Center," but this was not formally recommended by the board or presented for City Commission approval. (See attached minutes from 11-16-21.)
4. During the September 17, 2024, advisory board meeting, members noted that they had never formally recommended a name for the facility and requested that the item be added to the agenda for the January 21, 2025, meeting for further consideration.
5. On January 21, 2025, the Diversity and Heritage Board revisited the discussion and officially recommended naming the facility the "Dream Park Community Center."
6. City Administration supports this recommendation and requests that the City Commission approve the board's proposed name. The newly proposed name does not require approval via resolution as it does not reference an individual, business entity, or civic organization...
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