The Seal Beach Recreation and Parks Commission unanimously approved a new memorial bench and tree policy, according to a March 1 email from Recreation Manager Tim Kelsey.
The meeting staff report, also written by Kelsey, recommended that the commission provide a recommendation to staff regarding the policy.
The actual meeting was held Wednesday, Feb. 28.
“Over the years, individuals and groups have approached the City to install commemorative benches and trees within City limits,” according to Kelsey’s written staff report.
While there are memorial benches and trees in Seal Beach, there was no formal policy.
“The purpose of the policy is to establish guidelines, standards, and procedures for the installation and care of donated elements in City-owned properties managed by the City of Seal Beach,” Kelsey wrote.
“There will be a limited number of benches designated for this purpose,” Kelsey wrote.
“Available planting location and species of commemorative trees will be determined by the City Arborist at the time of application. A request for certain tree species and a specific location may be made by the donor, however, the City shall provide the final approval,” Kelsey wrote.
According to the policy, a memorial bench would cost $4,500 and a memorial tree would cost $1,000.
“The Donor shall pay in advance the full cost to purchase, supply, deliver, and install the donated element, including the plaque with inscription and the necessary concrete surface and/or installation work required as agreed upon through the application process,” according to the policy.
“To accept a bench or tree donation for a specific property, a site plan must be included with the application showing the requested location for the element,” according to the policy. The staff report included 21 pages of photos of possible memorial bench locations.
The Public Works Department will be responsible for administering the bench and tree program, according to the policy. The style of the benches will be appropriate to the bench site, according to the policy.
Term for each bench or plaque will be 10 years or the life of the bench or plaque, whichever comes first, according to the policy.
“The City reserves the right to remove and/or relocate donated elements and their associated donation plaques, when they interfere with site safety, maintenance, construction, or other City activities,” according to the policy.
