MEETING DATE:
DECEMBER 14, 2021
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-8969 - NAMING THE TRAIL THAT TRAVERSES THE PERIMETER OF DISCOVERY LAKE AS “GRATITUDE TRAIL, IN MEMORY OF ARIS KESHISHIAN”
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
CONSIDER adopting resolution naming the trail around Discovery Lake “Gratitude Trail in memory of Aris Keshishian.”
Body
Board or Commission Action
N/A
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Quality of Life
Relevant Department Goal
N/A
Executive Summary
At the October 26, 2021 City Council Meeting, Mayor Jones raised the issue of naming the public trail segment that traverses the perimeter of Discovery Lake as “Gratitude Trail, In Memory of Aris Keshishian”. After raising the issue, the Mayor asked staff to investigate and bring forward an item to approve the naming of the trail at a future City Council meeting.
Discussion
In the summer of 2021, Aris Keshishian was tragically killed in front of his home in the Stone Canyon neighborhood of the City. Stone Canyon is just south of, and overlooks, Discovery Lake and the trail around it.
Mr. Keshishian was the victim of a random and senseless act of criminal violence and left behind grieving parents, family and friends. The Stone Canyon neighborhood, as well as the nearby Discovery Hills neighborhood were shocked by the event.
Mr. Keshishian grew up in that area and was popular and a well-liked member of the neighborhood and community as well as a regular user of nearby recreational facilities, including the trail around Discovery Lake.
In an effort to help the neighborhood heal as well as recognize the blessings and positive aspects of life even in the face of such a horrendous act, the naming of the trail as “Gratitude Trail, In Memory of Aris Keshishian” will undoubtedly help his family and friends heal from their loss as well as provide a long lasting and positive memory of both Aris and others of the great fortune we have to live in a community like San Marcos.
If approved by the City Council, the Public Works Department would install signs at various locations around Discovery Lake identifying the trail as “Gratitude Trail, In Memory of Aris Keshishian”.
There is an adopted City Council policy regarding these types of matters. The policy is focused on requests or applications that come into the City for such a naming request. The policy is less clear on the process when the City itself, the Mayor or a member(s) of Council make such a request. In In the case of an application from “outside” the City organization, it is clear that the Parks and Recreation Commission (formerly the Community Services Commission) would consider the request and make a recommendation to the City Council. It is not clear that a Council driven naming request needs to go through that process and the Mayor has asked that it be brought forward for the Council’s consideration without that advice from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Environmental Review
There is no necessary CEQA or other environmental considerations or impacts for approval of this request.
Fiscal Impact
Expenses related to the trail signage will be expended from General Fund (100) in the Fiscal Year 2021 - 22 Operations & Maintenance budget.
Attachment(s)
Council Policy on Naming Parks or Amenities in Parks and Facilities
Resolution
Prepared by: Jack Griffin, City Manager
Approved by: Jack Griffin, City Manager