AgdaPkt 2007-01-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

REPORT 80 Page 1 To the City Council From Mayor Barbara Pierce January 8, 2007 Subject Courthouse Square and Creation of a Legacy Fund for Future Public Improvements Recommendations 1. Council give conceptual approval for a Courthouse Square Legacy Fund for Courthouse Square public improvements into the future. 2. Name a Council member to work with the Mayor and the Courthouse Square Legacy Fund Committee to work out additional details. Background The City in collaboration with San Mateo County, the San Mateo Historical Association and Redwood City community members has created a community jewel with the restoration of the steps and portico of the former San Mateo County Courthouse, now the home of the San Mateo County History Museum, and the creation of the Courthouse Square Plaza. In the initial phase of the project all the partners believed that there was a role for community contributions and a fund raising committee of community members, museum representatives and Council Members was formed. When the City assumed the full costs of the facade and square construction this committee ceased its work. The group believed however, that after the construction was complete that there would still be a benefit to creating a fund for future Square improvements and that they could assist in the public outreach to do so. Now that the Square and facade construction is complete community groups are already contacting the City wishing to contribute to the Square. The Courthouse Square Legacy Fund Committee includes community members, museum director Mitch Postel and Mayor Pierce. The Committee would like conceptual approval from Council to create a Legacy Fund. Under this program individuals or groups would contribute money to the Legacy Fund to fund future public improvements in the Square and they would be recognized on plaques in approved locations. This Legacy Fund effort is separate from and unrelated to the Council subcommittee that is dealing with the "naming" of city facilities. The Committee is excited about the potential for investing in the future of the Square by creating a program for community members to leave their legacy of caring about Redwood City through their contributions and being remembered for their generosity in this very public place. Details about the process for fund distributions; size, design and location of plaques; and recognition levels are yet to be worked out, though some preliminary work has been done. The benefit of working with the Committee would be a program that benefits the Square, involves the community, is respectful of the Square and its architecture, is organized and integrated and does not require much staff time to create and maintain.