On June 8, 1999, City Council approved the concept of constructing a barn at Orchard Heritage Park to enable continued operation of a working orchard for as long as possible. Initially, the City was going to construct its own, modern barn for that purpose, and in Fiscal Year 2001/2002, City Council approved a capital project to construct such a facility in the area just west of the newly named "Sunnyvale Heritage Center."

Before construction on this City project could get underway, however, Clara Bianchi, a San Jose resident, contacted the City to indicate that she would donate a barn constructed in 1918 and used by her family for many decades in the orchard business, relocate it at her own expense, and provide some dollars towards future maintenance.

Council’s Recognition and Plaque Policy establishes guidelines as to the use and layout of plaques and other appropriate recognition of donations on City property. (Please see Attachment A—Legislative Policy Manual, Council Policy 7.3.11.)

The City’s Recognition and Plaque Policy is depicted in Attachment A. Sections of the policy pertinent to Clara Bianchi’s donation of a barn and funds are as follows:

• "Dedication of Buildings"—one section of Council’s policy dictates a traditional plaque with specific wording be installed on buildings dedicated through the use of public funds. Although public funds will not be used to support the construction of this facility, the building will be constructed on City property, and staff recommends that a plaque be developed in accordance with this policy and be attached to the exterior of the barn. (Please see Attachment C, Traditional City Building Dedication Plaque.)

• Council policy also provides for the recognition of donations with a plaque or other appropriate permanent identification based on a tiered approach. The value of Clara Bianchi’s donation to the City falls into the largest tier identified in the Council’s current donation policy ($20,001 and above). Council’s policy dictates that "The citizen or group offering a donation of more than $20,000 will be recognized with a plaque or other suitable recognition in an appropriate location, if desired."

• It further indicates that "For those donations qualifying for plaques or recognition ($20,001 and above), staff would present a report to the Council suggesting the size, placement and wording of any commemorative plaque, with input from the relevant board or commission. The donor would be consulted as part of the staff recommendation. "Council will have the discretion to give additional appropriate recognition for extraordinarily large or serial donations."

• "The City Council has the final authority on all plaques or permanent recognition on public property valued at more than $20,000."

1. A bronze plaque recognizing Clara Bianchi’s donation to the City and telling the story of the Bianchi Barn and its relocation to Orchard Heritage Park. This plaque is proposed to be attached to the exterior of the barn and be worded in accordance with Attachment D, Bianchi Barn Recognition Plaque. The proposed plaque and wording are supported by both Clara Bianchi and the Sunnyvale Historical Society.

2. A display of old wooden fruit bins from the Bianchi farm, artistically arranged and permanently fixed outside the entrance to the barn. Please see Attachment E, Display of Bianchi Bros. Fruit Bins.

The estimated cost of each of the three recommended forms of dedication are as follows:

• Traditional City building dedication plaque--$800 - $1,000

• Bianchi Barn Recognition Plaque--$800 - $1,000

• Display of Bianchi Bros. Fruit Bins--$0 (minor labor only)

Copies of this report were distributed to Clara Bianchi and the Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association.

Public contact was made through publication and posting of this item for public hearing on the agenda for the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting held on April 23, 2003.

2. Other action as determined by Council

The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed this matter on April 23, 2003. Following staff’s report and public testimony in support of staff’s recommendation, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to recommend Alternative No. 1 to Council.