To be considered a qualifying name, the proposed name must meet one of the following criteria:
(A) Be descriptive of geographic location, a significant natural feature in or near the facility, or an adjoining subdivision, street, or school;
(B) Commemorate historical events, groups or exceptional individuals that are of continued importance to the city, region, state, or nation;
(C) Individuals who are deceased and have a history of performing exceptional community service or contributions to the facility's best interest may be recognized with a named facility under the following conditions:
(1) Involvement in a leadership role in civic organizations which are devoted to community improvement;
(2) Assistance to the underprivileged as well as people with physical or intellectual disabilities;
(3) Actively promoted and directed effective programs for youth or senior citizens within the community;
(4) Actively promoted and directed community events and activities which have enriched the quality of life within the community;
(5) Actively promoted and directed efforts to improve the aesthetic appearance and environmental quality of the community; and/or
(6) Led efforts to collect, promote and retain the historical heritage of the community;
(D) Individuals who made significant contributions or major gifts to facilitate the acquisition or development of the facility.
(1) If a facility is named to commemorate or honor an individual or group, the scale of the facility to be named should match the stature, characteristics, and contributions of the individual. The threshold for considering the naming of a facility after a donor, benefactor or group will include one or more of the following:
(a) Land for most of the facility was deeded to the city.
(b) Contribution of a minimum of 50% of the capital construction costs associated with developing the facility.
(c) Provision of an endowment for at least 50% of a facility's estimated useful life for the continued maintenance and/or programming of the facility.
(d) The City Council may alter these guidelines if deemed necessary.
(2) The city reserves the right to utilize criminal background checks as part of the vetting process to establish an honoree's good character.
(3) Names that will not be considered would include:
(a) Any elected or appointed official currently serving in that capacity;
(b) Any individual(s) currently employed by the city or municipal entity;
(E) Recognize organizations involved in a public-private partnership with the City of Sweeny that have made significant financial or capital contributions to the acquisition or development of the facility. This includes any naming rights agreements approved by the City Council;
(F) Have historical, cultural, or social significance for future generations; and
(G) Research indicates that the area around the facility, or the facility itself, has been commonly named in an unofficial capacity by residents.
(Ord. 23-102, passed 3-21-23)