HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 12b - Commemorative Naming of a City Facility Mary Hansen
DATE: September 20, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dominic Lazzaretto, City Manager
By: Dr. Jennifer Brutus, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR COMMEMORATIVE NAMING OF A CITY FACILITY IN
HONOR OF MARY HANSEN
Recommendation: Provide Direction
SUMMARY
Public facilities are often dedicated in recognition of prominent members of a community
whose generosity, contributions, or achievements created a permanent and lasting
impact on the community. To that end, the City has a process to acknowledge and
memorialize individuals that have advanced the value and heritage of Arcadia by
naming a public facility in their honor (see attached City Administrative Policy).
Mayor Tom Beck has submitted the attached request for the commemorative naming of
the Arcadia Public Library’s waterwise garden space in honor of Mary (Elizabeth
Barefoot) Hansen for discussion and consideration. Should the City Council choose to
pursue this honor, it is recommended that the garden be formally named the “Mary
Hansen Library Garden”. It is recommended that the City Council provide direction.
BACKGROUND
Mary Hansen passed away on July 18, 2022, and was a well-regarded volunteer who
dedicated over 50 years to serving the City of Arcadia, calling herself a full-time
“Professional Volunteer”. Her volunteerism stretched across many capacities ranging
from Board Member to President for many local organizations including the Arcadia
Beautiful Commission, Methodist Hospital, American Heart Association, Centennial
Celebration, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Meals on Wheels at the Red Cross, Arcadia
Woman’s Club, American Cancer Society, Breeder’s Cup, Arcadia Tournament of
Roses, ALTRUSA, Arcadia Republican Women, Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the
Arcadia Historical Society, and Arcadia Coordinating Council. In addition to her
countless hours volunteering, she made generous donations to the Arcadia Rotary
Request for Naming a Facility – Mary Hansen
September 20, 2022
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Veterans Memorial, Arcadia Police Foundation to purchase K-9 Officer Zoli, as well as
to the Chamber of Commerce’s Arcadia Strong fund.
DISCUSSION
The Arcadia Public Library’s waterwise garden space along the front entrance has not
been named in honor of any community member. The commemorative naming of this
space in honor of Mary Hansen would be recognized through a plaque, which would be
displayed in the garden area. The City may also hold a dedication and formal ribbon
cutting ceremony to recognize this commemoration.
The Library’s waterwise garden area is an attractive community space. While it was
planted in the past two years with the assistance of a grant from the City’s water district,
some minor enhancements such as re-planting struggling varietals and the addition of
mulch would be necessary to make it worthy of a commemorative naming event. This
work could be accomplished within 30 days and a simple dedication event could be
planned by the first week of December 2022 if the City Council wishes to proceed
quickly.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of naming the Library’s garden and performing the necessary enhancements is
estimated at $1,500, which includes ordering a new plaque and gardening supplies.
Funds for this project can be absorbed within the existing Fiscal Year 2022-23
Operating Budget to accomplish this effort this fall.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council provide direction regarding the request for
commemorative naming of the Arcadia Public Library’s Garden to the “Mary Hansen
Library Garden”.
Attachments: Request for Commemorative Naming of a City Facility
Naming of City Facilities Policy
Request for Commemorative Naming of City Facility - Mary Hansen
Mary (Elizabeth Barefoot) Hansen of Arcadia, California passed away on
Monday, July 18, 2022, at 97 years of age. Mary was born in Dayton,
Ohio, on January 6, 1925. She was a retired bank officer and spent her
retired years as a full time "Professional Volunteer." She loved children
and was "Auntie Mary" to many.
Mary was honored as the City of Arcadia’s 2018 Senior of The Year for her
outstanding volunteer work for almost 50 years. She volunteered in many
capacities ranging from board member to President for many local
organizations including the Arcadia Beautiful Commission, Methodist
Hospital, American Heart Association, Centennial Celebration, Lutheran
Church of the Cross, Meals on Wheels at the Red Cross, Women’s Club,
American Cancer Society, Breeder’s Cup, Arcadia Tournament of Roses,
ALTRUSA, Arcadia Republican Women, Chamber of Commerce, Friends of
the Arcadia Historical Society, and Arcadia Coordinating Council. She was
honored as the 1994 Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, and was
recognized as one of their Lifetime Ambassadors.
Mary not only volunteered countless hours to the Arcadia Community,
but she also made generous contributions to the Arcadia Rotary Veterans
Memorial, to the Arcadia Police foundation to purchase K-9 Officer Zoli,
as well as to the Chamber of Commerce’s Arcadia Strong fund.
Mary had four brothers: Walter, Robert, Dale and Harold Barefoot, who
preceded her in death. She also had many nieces, nephews, great and
great-great nieces and nephews, along with many friends.
Mary was laid to rest at Dayton Memorial Park in Dayton, Ohio and her
memorial service was held on August 20 at Our Savior Lutheran Church
here in Arcadia. It is my honor to recommend naming the Arcadia Public
Library’s Garden in memory of Mary Hansen.