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Public Works <br /> Parks and Open Space <br /> City of Eugene <br /> 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard <br /> Eugene, Oregon 97402 <br /> (541) 682-4800 <br /> Mem ora n d um (541) 682-4882 FAX <br /> www.eugene-or.gov/parks <br /> Date: September 25, 2008 <br /> To: Mayor Piercy and City Council <br /> From: Johnny R. Medlin, 682-4930 <br /> Director, Parks and Open Space Division <br /> Subject: CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE: Park Name Change <br /> This memorandum is in response to a question from Mayor Piercy regarding the request from <br /> the Wayne Morse Historical Park Corporation (WMHPC) to rename Wayne L. Morse Ranch <br /> Park. In short, their position is renaming the park to "Wayne Morse Family Farm" Park would be <br /> a more accurate historical representation and better fit the wishes of the Morse family. A letter <br /> from Alison Moss, Co-Chair WMHPC explaining their request is attached. <br /> In discussions earlier this year with WMHPC, staff stated that while we could see no objections <br /> to their proposal, we suggested they ask for comment from the neighborhood association and <br /> the dog off-leash association which is very active within the park. They have followed this <br /> suggestion and their letter states they have received favorable reactions to their proposal from <br /> both groups. <br /> While staff often informally name newly acquired parcels of parkland for identification and record <br /> keeping purposes, a park name does not become official until a name is either adopted through <br /> Council resolution or other Council action. <br /> In 1975, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2368 supporting the "concept of acquisition by <br /> the State of Oregon of the Wayne L. Morse Ranch in Eugene for preservation as an historic <br /> park and monument to Wayne L. Morse." Through adoption of this resolution, the City Council <br /> officially named the park the "Wayne L. Morse Ranch" (if it had not done so previously). <br /> Because there is no delegation of authority regarding the renaming of the Wayne L. Morse <br /> Ranch, only the City Council has the authority to change the name. Should the Council decide <br /> to rename the Wayne L. Morse Ranch, the renaming should be done by Council resolution. <br /> Unless the Council indicates otherwise, the City Manager will have a resolution prepared to <br /> change the name. This resolution would then be brought back to Council as a future consent <br /> calendar action. <br /> If you have additional questions please contact me at 682-4930. <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br />