DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 2
SUBJECT:
Renaming of Lakeside Park to Milam Wesley Tealer Park
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the renaming of Lakeside Park to Milam Wesley Tealer Park.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Lakeside Neighborhood Association requested to rename Lakeside Park to Milam Wesley Tealer Park located at 5640 Lakefront. Also provided with this request were fifty-five petitions from property owners, residents, businesses and tenants located within two hundred feet of the facility in favor of the name change.
Milam Wesley Tealer was born in Gonzales, Texas. He served with great distinction in the United States Air Force for more than 26 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. While in the United States Air Force he received the prestigious Chapel of Four Chaplain's Award in recognition of service to people regardless of faith. Milam was also known for his outstanding performance as an expert multiple jet aircraft mechanic and was sought after by some of the Air Force's best fighter pilots.
For sixteen years Milam continued his career as a Civil Servant and in his off time, he was the driving force for the Flotilla Boating and Fishing Clubs. His humanitarian involvement continued with the Lakeside Neighborhood Association and The Disabled American Veterans as both organizations flourished with his continued advocacy. For more than thirteen years, Milam Tealer courageously battled cancer before he passed away. Due to his devotion and service to his Nation and to his community, the renaming of the park is being requested to honor his life and memory.
Staff followed the naming process in accordance with Ordinance No. 2007-08-30-0913. A committee was established to hold a public hearing on this proposal. The committee consisted of Mr. Alfred Ladson, Community Representative selected by Councilwoman Ivy R. Taylor, District 2 and Janet Martin, Assistant Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. Notice of the public hearing and naming was advertised through the Parks and Recreation's website, media releases, and direct notification of all residents and businesses within 400 feet of this public property.
Following the distribution of two hundred forty notices mailed out, eight notices were received by mail in favor and one notice was received in opposition of the proposed naming. The public hearing was held on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sinclair Elementary School Cafeteria located at 6126 Sinclair Road. Twelve members of the public attended the public hearing, of which all were in favor of the proposed naming. After public input was received on the proposed name, the Committee discussed the naming and voted to recommend the renaming of Lakeside Park to Milam Wesley Tealer Park.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the renaming of Lakeside Park to Milam Wesley Tealer Park. This action is consistent with the City's policy to name a facility (or city property) to honor local leaders or persons.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may elect not to rename Lakeside Park, and allow it to remain the same.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the renaming of Lakeside Park to Milam Wesley Tealer Park. The Parks and Recreation FY 2014 Adopted General Fund Budget includes funds to cover the costs associated with renaming the Park.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the renaming Lakeside Park to Milam Wesley Tealer Park.