Agenda Item Wording:
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Update to the Naming Policy and Amend Chapter 12.06 of the Visalia Municipal Code - Adopt Resolution 2026-78 amending "Guidelines For Selection of Names for City-Owned or City-Controlled Facilities, Buildings and Parks" and First Reading of Ordinance 2026-17 amending Chapter 12.06 of the Visalia Municipal Code Street and Facility Names.
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Agenda Date: 11/16/2026
Prepared by:
Jason Glick, Parks & Recreation Director jason.glick@visalia.gov (559)713-4042. Laurissa Roggenkamp, Recreation Manager laurissa.roggenkamp@visalia.gov (559) 713-4336.
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommend that the City Council receive a presentation and staff report regarding amendment of the "Guidelines For Selection of Names for City-Owned or City-Controlled Facilities, Buildings and Parks," and adopt Resolution 2026-78 authorizing amendment of same, and also conduct the First Reading of Ordinance 2026-17 amending Chapter 12.06 of the Visalia Municipal Code.
Summary:
Chapter 12.06 of the Visalia Municipal Code includes a requirement to establish a policy entitled “Guidelines for Selection of Names for City-Owned or City-Controlled Facilities, Buildings, and Parks” to provide guidance regarding the naming of City-owned and City-controlled properties. The Naming Policy has not been comprehensively updated in approximately 23 years.
Section 12.06.020 continues to provide a clear framework for the naming of City facilities and requires only a limited amendment at this time. Staff is recommending a minor amendment to Subsection E to clarify the applicable payment process. Specifically, the proposed amendment would update language that previously identified payments as payable to the Parks and Recreation Foundation and clarify that such payments are to be made payable to the City of Visalia or its designee.
The proposed amendment is administrative in nature and is intended to provide greater clarity and consistency regarding the processing and receipt of required payments. It identifies the appropriate recipient of funds and clarifies the circumstances under which payments are required, without altering the overall purpose or substantive intent of the ordinance.
Sections 12.06.010 and 12.06.020 are also being updated to comply with Streets and Highways Code Section 5026, which requires that any new or changed name for a “street, boulevard, park or place” be done by resolution, and that said resolution once approved, be forwarded by the City Clerk to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and the County Surveyor.
Naming Policy Updates
The City’s Naming Policy was adopted by the City Council in 2003 and has not been updated since its initial adoption. The policy has provided a clear and effective framework for evaluating and establishing names for City parks and facilities. However, in consideration of the time that has elapsed since its adoption, staff has identified several areas where targeted revisions would strengthen and modernize the policy while preserving its overall intent and purpose.
The proposed policy revisions are intended to improve clarity, establish more defined parameters, and address circumstances that have developed since the policy was originally adopted. The primary areas identified for revision include:
• Park and Facility Contribution Cost Breakdown - Revise the provisions addressing funding donations to provide greater clarity regarding contribution requirements applicable to naming opportunities.
• Sponsorship Term Limitations - Establish clearer parameters regarding the duration of sponsorships and naming rights, including the applicable term and expiration of naming recognition.
• Naming Guidelines for Developer - Funded Projects - Clarify the process and criteria for naming city owned or controlled public projects that are funded in whole by developers, including the circumstances under which naming opportunities may be considered.
• Sunset of Gift Periods - Establish provisions addressing the duration and expiration of naming recognition associated with gifts, donations, and other qualifying contributions.
• Name Removal Provision - Establish a provision authorizing the City Council, by majority vote, to remove or change the name of a City facility if an individual is subsequently determined to have engaged in conduct during their lifetime that is inconsistent with community standards.
• Commercial Sponsorships- will be negotiated and formalized through a separate licensing or lease agreement. City staff will negotiate the agreement, which will then be reviewed by the appropriate advisory body for recommendation to the City Council.
Collectively, the proposed revisions are intended to maintain the established framework of the Naming Policy while providing additional clarity, consistency, and flexibility in its application. The proposed changes will also ensure that the ordinance and policy continue to reflect current City practices and provide appropriate guidance for future naming requests.
Background Discussion:
In 2002, members of the Visalia Parks and Recreation Commission and the Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation collaborated to develop an update to the naming ordinance and develop a new naming policy for parks and recreation facilities. This effort was particularly timely, as the City was planning several future community amenities, including a transit center, a sports park, the renovation of Recreation Park Baseball Stadium, the Garden Street Plaza, and other municipal projects.
A subcommittee was formed to guide this effort, consisting of two members of the Parks and Recreation Commission (Tom Link and Margaret Huggins), two members of the Citizens Advisory Committee (David Cislowski and Fern Allen), two representatives from the Parks and Recreation Foundation (Bruce McDermott and Tony Salilerno), and two City staff representatives (Don Stone and Leslie Caviglia). Over a three-month period, the subcommittee reviewed the existing ordinance, examined naming practices from other cities, and discussed community values.
The subcommittee recommended that facility names reflect the local community. Naming considerations should include:
• Honoring individuals who have made an exceptionally positive impact on Visalia
• Recognizing significant monetary or in-kind contributions
• Reflecting the community’s local attributes, culture, and history
To promote consistency and encourage more meaningful and locally relevant names, the subcommittee also recommended that these guidelines apply to all City parks and facilities.
The subcommittee further recommended that the policy remain flexible, enabling the City Council to make decisions based on current conditions. Although donation categories were suggested, the Council should retain the ability to negotiate and adjust requirements as needed. For example, contribution expectations may vary depending on the prominence of a facility, such as a major park versus a smaller feature like a ponding basin or the specific nature of a project. For this reason, the subcommittee advised adopting the proposal as a guideline rather than a formal ordinance.
The subcommittee strongly supported naming opportunities tied to significant monetary contributions, noting that ongoing budget constraints present challenges in meeting the needs of a growing community. Given limited funding from the General Fund and the Park Development Fund at the time, the need for expanded parks, facilities, and recreation programs continues to grow. The subcommittee concluded that leveraging one-time contributions through naming opportunities is an appropriate way to enhance the quality of life in Visalia.
The naming policy and the update to Ordinance 12.06.020 was adopted by City Council in October of 2003. Over the past 23 years, the current policy has been used to name parks, athletic fields, facilities, picnic arbors, and park amenities.
Fiscal impact including annual maintenance and operating costs:
N/A
Prior Council Action:
The naming policy and the ordinance changed was last approved by City Council in October 2003.
Alternatives:
Not to update the Naming Policy.
Recommended Motion (and alternative motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to adopt Resolution 2026-78 amending the "Guidelines For Selection of Names for City-Owned or City-Controlled Facilities, Buildings and Parks" and conduct the First Reading of Ordinance 2026-17 amending Chapter 12.06 of the Visalia Municipal Code, Streets and Facility Names.
Environmental Assessment Status:
N/A
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review:
N/A
Deadline for Action: 11/16/2026
Attachments:
Guidelines for selecting names of facilities and parks policy, Ordinance chapter 12.06 revision, Resolution, and presentation
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Select all that apply.
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□  Economic Vitality |
□  Organizational Excellence |
□  Fiscal Strength |
□  Infrastructure & Growth |
■  Quality of Life |