HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1993"Draft -- Not approved"
Minutes
Public Place Names Committee
February 25, 1993
Attending: Dr. Tom Stafford, Chair; Irving Finston, Mark Burnette, luiz Gomez
Staff: Don Wirth
Citizens: Minnie Coleman, Sherrill Frost -Brown, Janice Frost, Yvonne Vanden
Avenne, Steven Bernstein
Past Minutes
It was moved by Irving Finston and seconded by Mark Burnette that the May 28,
1992 minutes of the Public Place Names Committee be approved. Motion unanimously
carried.
Clyde/Brummel Park Proposal
Represented by Sherrill Frost -Brown. Requested information on naming the park
after its renovation is completed.
Chairman Stafford requested that the community representatives offer suggested
names for the park and bring to the PPNC. Criteria has been sent previously to
the community representatives concerning eligibility for naming the park. Ms.
Frost -Brown described the function of the Clyde & Callan neighborhood groups and
details of the park renovation recently completed, as well as the upcoming art
project to be placed on a new wooden fence to be constructed along the railroad
right-of-way that borders the park. The City Parks/Forestry Division was
acknowledged for its assistance in this project.
Shel Newberger Proposal
Chairman Stafford asked Don Wirth to introduce the topic. Mr. Wirth explained
how the request had evolved. Chairman Stafford reviewed letters from petitioners
recommending commemoration of Mr. Newberger by renaming the Chandler Community
Center the Chandler -Newberger Center.
Mr. Steve Bernstein, Chair of the Nichols Lighted Community Center, described Mr.
Newberger's contributions to the Nichols program. He described the uniqueness
of Mr. Newberger's contribution to the community. Mr. Bernstein noted that his
organization was not necessarily recommending that the Chandler Center per se be
named after Mr. Newberger, but that something be named in his memory.
Mr. Iry Finston suggested that any Newberger commemoration might be represented
by something other than a building. He further clarified that the Recreation
Board was presented with this proposal and no other. This does not mean that the
Recreation Board would not support other recommendations.
Page Two
Mr. Gomez noted that Chandler Center represented what Mr. Newberger was all about
and the idea was appropriate.
Mr. Burnette questioned Mr. Bernstein concerning the potential of the Nichols
Lighted Community Center recommendation being aligned with that of the Recreation
Board.
Discussion on criteria and other options were reviewed by the Committee and
staff. It was noted that it would be helpful to have a written summary of Mr.
Newberger's accomplishments, in order that all Committee members could review and
have complete understanding of Mr. Newberger's contributions.
Consensus was to compile that information, supply it to the Committee and then
reconvene to further review this proposal.
Adjournment
Committee adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
DJW:den
Respectfully su itted,
Donald J. Wirth
"Draft -- Not approved"
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"Draft --toot Approved"
MINUTES
Public Place Names Committee
May 27, 1993
Attending: Dr. Tots Stafford (Chair); Will Van Dyke, Mark Burnatte, tuiz Gomez
Absent: Irving Finston
Staff: Don Wirth, Director, Parks/Forestry &Recreation
Quest: Steve Bernstein
Meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m.
Minutes
It was moved by will Van Dyke and seconded by Mark Burnette to approve the
minutes of February 25, 1993 subject to the following corrections: lender
Clyde/Brummel Park Proposal, second paragraph, first sentence: "Chairman
Stafford requested that the community representatives offer suggested names for
the Nark and bring ggggestions to the PPNC." Third sentence: "Ms. Frost -Brown
described the function of the Clyde & Callan neighborhood groups She descries
details of the park renovation recently completed, as well as the upcoming art
project to be placed on a new wooden fence yel to be constructed...." Motion
carried.
Qid Business -- Shel Newberger Commemoration
Chairman Stafford reviewed the three pieces of correspondence supporting proposed
commemoration of Mr. Shel Newberger. Discussion by members: How Mr. Newberger's
contribution compared with other candidates on the Committee's list; various
levels of recognition: buildings, parks, rooms in buildings and designated areas
or facilities in parks; Mr. Newberger's extensive participation and influence in
variety of areas: politics, recreation, arts, library, business, religion, and
education (see vitae sheet attached to minutes); the proposed name of Chandler -
Newberger Center retaining name "Chandler" with the building; five year criteria
should be given adherence.
Steve Bernstein, a citizen, reiterated the breath of Mr. Newberger's contribution
to the Evanston community. His thirty-year affiliation with Nichols Lighted
School was cited as an example.
Following full discussion of the issues surrounding the proposed commemoration,
the following decision was by consensus:
1)=Center=name�;
research further the origin and history<the Chandler
2)erger had c significantly;
3) That the criteria of being is ase or five years should be followed;
4) That a final decision will bee erred until the September 23 meeting
when Iry Finston of the Recreation Board can participate and more
information will be available about pending decision of the Evanston
Youth Baseball Association to build a two -diamond complex.
" J i W r u . , . A01,
Page Two
-- Measured Mile Dedication -- Mr. DuBow
Dr. Stafford will contact sponsors of the proposal to determine if they have
prepared information requested by the PPNC at an earlier date.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Next Meeting: September 23, 199:1, 7:30 p.m., Civic Center, Room 2404.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald J. w
Staff
DJW:den
"Draft --Nat Approved"
I
"Draft -- Not Approved"
Public Place Names Committee
Meeting
December 7, 1993
Attending: Dr. Tom Stafford, Chair, Irving Finston, Mark Burnette, Will Van
Dyke, Luiz Gomez
Staff: Don Mirth
Guests: Natalie Newberger, Steven Newberger, Dave Williams
Minutes: It was moved by Mr. Van Dyke and seconded by Mr. Gomez to approve the
minutes of May 27, 1993. Motion unanimously carried.
Introduction
Chairman Stafford reviewed the Committee's charge, the criteria which is to be
used in making recommendations to name places or buildings and the final approval
process that includes the Planning & Development Committee and City Council. He
further noted that there were two items on the agenda: 1) DuBow proposal and 2)
Newberger proposal.
Old Business
--- DuBow Proposal.
It was moved by Mr. Finston and seconded by Mr. Van Dyke to approve the
memorial mile project. Discussion. Mr. Wirth responded to the Chair's
question about what transpired since the last meeting: two of the active,
original supporters of the proposal, Mike Maltz and Jack Snarr, called and
said they did not wish to pursue the proposal further. Mr. Finston noted
that Mr. DuBow's contributions to the Police Department were indeed
valuable; however, he felt they were a professional endeavor on Mr.
DuBow's part, as it was clearly understood that any of the resultant
findings would be available for Mr. DuBow's use in future publications.
The Committee acknowledged Mr. Wirth's reiteration of what the proposal
included and who the supporters included. Motion to approve was defeated:
4 nays, 0 ayes, 1 abstention.
-- Newberger Proposal.
Chairman Stafford reviewed discussions of previous meetings.
Don Wirth reviewed history of Chandler name: Park named after Henry
Chandler of Chandler's, Inc., an alderman of the second ward, 1913-1925.
Mr. Chandler had been referred to as the "Father of Evanston Recreation,"
having been a leading proponent of a successful millage tax vote to
support public recreation in Evanston. The Center has been located in
Chandler Park, first in a small building, then in the old U.S. Navy
quonset hut, and finally, in 1980, at the present location and building.
Dave Williams, a member of the audience and former Recreation Board
member, commented about the proposed commemoration; how Mr. Newberger
cared about people; involved in all aspects of the community, not just
recreation, including the arts, the environment and literature;
participated in such initiatives as Noyes Cultural Arts Center matching
grant fundraising, Lighthouse Centennial celebration, Fleetwood-Jourdain
Community Theatre, Evanston Historical Society, Northlight, Friends of the
Library, Nichols Lighted School Coordinating Council and Chandler
Recreation Center. Renaming the Chandler Center as the Chandler -Newberger
Center would "tie" the past with the present. He felt the 5-year rule
could be waived because there is a precedent to do so, in renaming the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Center from the previous Foster Community Center.
Natalie Newberger, a member of the audience, commented on the proposed
commendation: Mr. Newberger considered the city of Evanston as part of
his family; was requested to become involved with the Fleetwood-Jourdain
Community Theatre again late in life; had actively promoted the new
Chandler Center; cared about all of Evanston; served 13 years on the
Recreation Board after tenure on the City Council; City service was like
a second job.
Steve Newberger, a member of the audience, commented on the proposed
commendation and noted that Shel Newberger's family continues to retain
residency and active involvement in the community.
Motion made by Mr. Van Dyke that the Public Place Names Committee
recommend to the Planning & Development Committee and the City Council
that some place or building be named to commemorate Mr. Newberger's
service to the City. Motion unanimously carried.
It was moved by Mr. Finston and seconded by Mr. Van Dyke that the five
year requirement be waived. Discussion by Committee members: naming a
facility that is already named is problematical; Mr. Newberger was
involved in many areas, not just recreation; perhaps there will be new
sites or buildings that will be available in future for naming; Chandler
is a place for children, a priority of Mr. Newberger. Motion approved:
4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention.
Additional Committee discussion: The idea of tying names of Chandler and
Newberger together was attractive, because these two names represent the
beginning of public recreation in Evanston and the current era; Mr. Newberger had
broad influence on the City; he was multi -faceted.
Mr. Finston introduced a proposal: That the Dempster Street Beach, lagoon
building and lagoon be designated as the Shel Newberger Complex. Discussion
indicated this was not a preferred solution to majority of the Board.
Motion by Mr. Van Dyke and seconded by Mr. Gomez that the Chandler Leisure Center
be renamed as the Chandler -Newberger Leisure Center. Motion unanimously carried.
Chairman Stafford asked that Mr. Wirth schedule this recommendation for Planning
& Development Committee consideration, and that all Committee members plan to
attend the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald J. Wirth
"Draft --Nat Approved"
Northwestern University Medical School
Oplcr td muderil Affair,
swrton 1-6-3
3o3 Fast Chicago Awnue
Ch1cagi,. Ilhnrn• 10011.300m
13131 %3-411-0
December 5, 1993
Donald J. Wirth
Director, Parks/Forestry and Recreation
City of Evanston
2100 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201-2798
Dear Don:
We appreciate ►.he earlier opportunity to present to the Committee on Public Place Names
a proposal for the naming of a section of the lakefront running path in the memory of Fred
Dubow.
However, in the time since that proposal was introduced, it has become evident to us that
additional, necessary support and commitment within the running community has not
developed.
We ask therefore that the request be withdrawn.
We thank you and the committee for advise and assistance in the early stages of this effort.
Sincerely, —�
t✓ '.
Michael Maltz J'ck Snarr
cc: Thomas Stafford, M.D. Chairman, Commit a on Public Place Naives
The McG4w Medici] Center of NtwOmmuem Untvermiy