TITLE:
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DONATION OF TWO TREES, MEMORIAL BENCH AND PLAQUE AT FAIRVIEW PARK
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DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/MAINTENANCE SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTED BY: ROBERT RYAN, MAINTENANCE SERVICES MANAGER
CONTACT INFORMATION: ROBERT RYAN, MAINTENANCE SERVICES MANAGER, (714) 327-7499
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services Commission accept the donation of two trees, a memorial bench and a plaque to be installed in Fairview Park, in memory of Dr. Anthony Caciagli.
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BACKGROUND:
The City is in receipt of a letter from Michael and Denise Moon (Attachment 1) requesting permission from this Commission to donate two trees, a bench, and a plaque at Fairview Park in memory of Dr. Anthony Caciagli. The request includes the following plaque language: “In Loving Memory of Dr. Anthony Caciagli”.
Dr. Caciagli was born in Manhattan in 1929 and was a U.S. Army veteran who fought in the Korean War. He married his only wife Lillian and had three (3) children, including Michael’s wife, Denise Moon. He graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Veterinary medicine in 1958. He loved parks, trees, and especially the birds of our town and often adopted pets that were rejected by their previous owners and pets from his office that had ailments and injuries.
Dr. Caciagli returned to California to be near his children in Costa Mesa and lived with Mike and Denise Moon for four (4) years. He liked to walk, especially around the park. As Anthony grew older, his ability to walk gradually decreased. He had to stop and rest more frequently and appreciated a bench along a walking path, especially if it had a shade tree.
Michael and Denise Moon spoke with Dr. Caciagli about his remembrance and he fully supported the idea of a memorial bench with a tree that would be provided to the City of Costa Mesa.
Michael and Denise Moon have lived in Costa Mesa since 2001. Their daughter Michelle, has resided in Costa Mesa for most of her forty (40) years. The bench and trees will provide them a spot to gather and remember their father and grandfather.
ANALYSIS:
The request meets the requirements as set forth by City Council Policy 800-4. (Attachment 2). Staff has reviewed the proposed locations in Fairview Park and determined that these are suitable for the donation. Staff will work with the donors to schedule the installations.
The applicant has been notified of the Parks and Community Services Commission meeting and has been sent a copy of the staff report.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Commission may deny the request for the donation of a bench and two trees or may suggest alternate locations.
FISCAL REVIEW:
Upon approval by this Commission, the installation will be coordinated by City staff and will have minimal fiscal impact on the City, as the donor will incur the costs of the donated items.
LEGAL REVIEW:
No legal review is required for this item.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services Commission approve the request for the donation of a memorial bench, two trees and a plaque to be installed at Fairview Park in memory of Dr. Anthony Caciagli.