CHAPTER 1.51: NAMING OF BOROUGH BUILDINGS, OTHER FIXED FACILITIES AND PUBLIC PLACES

Section

1.51.010    Purpose

1.51.020    Policy

1.51.030    Procedures

1.51.040    Changing of names

1.51.050    Naming a facility for other than an individual

1.51.060    Application

1.51.010 PURPOSE.

The borough establishes a policy and set of procedures to govern the naming of borough buildings, other fixed facilities, and public places. A sound naming policy adds meaning, significance, and uniformity to public facilities, minimizes conflict, and provides a forum for meaningful discussion regarding naming. Further, a borough naming policy establishes a means of appropriately recognizing prominent individuals and those who have substantially contributed to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, the state, or the nation.

(Ord. 94-001AM, § 2 (part), 1994; Ord. 92-012, § 2 (part), 1992)

1.51.020 POLICY.

(A)    It is the borough’s policy to name borough-owned buildings, other fixed facilities, and public places in honor of prominent Alaskans who, by virtue of special efforts, accomplishments, or contributions which have benefited the borough, the state, or the nation, have achieved public status worthy of long-term recognition. Non-Alaskans who have substantially contributed to the borough, the state, or the nation as a whole may also be considered.

(B)    [Repealed by Ord. 06-020, § 2, 2006]

(Ord. 06-020, § 2, 2006: Ord. 02-158, § 2, 2002; Ord. 94-001AM, § 2 (part), 1994; Ord. 92-012, § 2 (part), 1992)

1.51.030 PROCEDURES.

(A)    The mayor or an assembly member may propose a name for a public facility by introducing a resolution to name the facility. In the alternative, if there is no specific name to be recommended, preliminary action in naming a facility may be initiated by the mayor or a quorum of the assembly. If the assembly is the initiating organization, a proposal in letter format addressed to the mayor shall be prepared. Upon receipt of an assembly request to name a facility, or upon the mayor’s decision to seek a name for a facility, the mayor shall appoint a five-member citizen panel subject to assembly approval to review proposed names, to hold public hearings, and to identify an appropriate name for the facility. The citizen panel may be comprised of members of recognized boards and commissions.

(B)    The facility naming panel shall identify appropriate names for the facility. The panel may consider those names submitted by the mayor or the assembly or propose an alternative, taking care not to overlook the contributions of women and minorities to the borough, state and nation. Geographic influences shall be considered to the degree possible in selecting names for facilities. Upon agreement by a quorum of the panel, a letter advising the mayor shall be dispatched. The mayor shall make the panel’s letter an attachment to a resolution for consideration by the assembly. Memoranda as appropriate may be appended to the resolution to explain or amplify relevant information for the assembly.

(C)    The assembly shall set the naming resolution for public hearing at least one month after introduction and ensure appropriate information dissemination to the public during this period.

(D)    After the public hearing, the assembly may adopt the naming resolution, may amend the proposed name, or may reject the naming resolution.

(Ord. 23-038, § 2, 2023; Ord. 94-001AM, § 2 (part), 1994; Ord. 92-012, § 2 (part), 1992)

1.51.040 CHANGING OF NAMES.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the changing of names of facilities, provided the guidelines of this chapter are followed.

(Ord. 92-012, § 2 (part), 1992)

1.51.050 NAMING A FACILITY FOR OTHER THAN AN INDIVIDUAL.

Names for borough facilities may be selected from categories other than persons. Procedures prescribed in this chapter remain applicable.

(Ord. 94-001AM, § 2 (part), 1994; Ord. 92-012, § 2 (part), 1992)

1.51.060 APPLICATION.

(A)    This chapter shall not apply to the naming or renaming of facilities which were donated to the borough contingent upon assignment of a specific name or to any facility constructed or purchased from money or property donated to the borough for the specific purpose of securing a name for the facility. This chapter does not apply to the naming of streets or roads, or school buildings.

(Ord. 04-081, § 55, 2004; Ord. 99-115, § 2, 1999; Ord. 92-012, § 2 (part), 1992)