HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD Citizen of the Year 2014; Hugo LandeckerCITY OF� Agenda Item No: 3.b
Meeting Date: February 18, 2014
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community Development
Prepared by: i, City Manager ApprovaO Kt*�
Paul Jensen, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Resolution of Appreciation to Recipient of the Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario
O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award - 2014; P13-012 (CD)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution.
BACKGROUND: In March 2001, J. Michael Mahoney established an endowment in honor of former
Planning Commissioners Richard O'Brien and his wife, Mary Ferrario O'Brien. The endowment funds an
annual "Citizen of the Year" award. The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual in the San
Rafael community who has made exceptional contributions to the City, making it a better place to live or
work. In addition to public recognition, the endowment provides a cash award to the recipient.
In September 2001, the City Council adopted procedures for the "Citizen of the Year" award program and
process. The procedures include the appointment of a Section Committee to review nominations from
the public and recommend an award recipient to the City Council. The Selection Committee includes two
City Council members, two Planning Commissioners, a member of the O'Brien family, a representative
from the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, and neighborhood community representatives (e.g.,
Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods).
The selection procedures call for nominations to be submitted at the beginning of the calendar year. This
year, the call for nominations was earlier. Once the current year nominations have been submitted, these
are reviewed collectively with the nominations submitted over the past three years (in this case 2012,
2013 and 2014). Last year's Citizen of the Year recipient (Patricia Kendall — 2013) was eliminated from
the pool of eligible candidates.
This year, a total of seven candidates were considered. Of this total, two nominations were submitted to
the City this year and five were carried over from the past three years. On January 27, 2014, the
Selection Committee met to review and consider the nominations. The Committee selected Hugo
Landecker as the thirteenth recipient of the award.
As summarized in the attached nomination materials, Hugo Landecker has been selected as Citizen of
the Year due to his 40+ years as an active community member and passionate neighborhood
representative. Hugo helped form the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association in 1973 and was
instrumental in initiating the City's preparation and adopting of the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Plan in the
late 1970's. As a neighborhood advocate, Hugo has taken on many issues that have surfaced in the
community over the years, all with the intent to resolve problems and maintain the quality of life in San
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.:� L
Council Meeting: �' f`�/a`4,
Disposition: �C�-an4 C� iia # l�v�Lr
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Rafael. Hugo's most recent efforts have focused on addressing homelessness in the community. Hugo
formed the "San Rafael Group," a discussion group comprised of residents and Downtown merchants to
participate in and contribute to the City's efforts to address homelessness. Hugo also served on the City
Council Homelessness Sub -Committee Stakeholders Group
Hugo is an enthusiastic and active protector of our open space lands that border the Gerstle Park
neighborhood. Over the past 20 years, Hugo has spent countless hours coordinating with the City's Open
Space Ranger in removing brush and debris, as well as clearing trails in the City -owned open space.
This continued work led Hugo to better organize this work through volunteers.
If approved by the Council, Hugo Landecker will be recognized at this year's State of the City Dinner,
which is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2014.
FISCAL IMPACT: As the Citizen of the Year Award program is privately funded, there is no financial
impact to the City of San Rafael.
OPTIONS:
• Adopt the Resolution of Appreciation conferring the Citizen of the Year Award to Hugo Landecker
• Return the recommendation to the Selection Committee for reconsideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
Nomination materials for Hugo Landecker
ccrpt_2-18-14.Citizen_of_Year 2014
B
City of San Rafael
Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien
Citizen of the Year Award
Presented to
Hugo Landecker
WHEREAS, Hugo Landecker is a 45 -year resident of San Rafael that is well known for his community
activism and passion for protecting San Rafael neighborhoods. As a long-standing resident of
Gerstle Park, in 1973, Hugo helped form the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association so that
neighbors could work in a unified way with the City of San Rafael to preserve the character of
the neighborhood and collectively address issues of concern. In more recent years, Hugo has
been an active member and contributor to the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, in the late 1970's, Hugo was instrumental in initiating the preparation of the Gerstle Park
Neighborhood Plan, which was the first neighborhood plan prepared and adopted by the City
of San Rafael. With Hugo's direct involvement in this effort, the neighborhood plan resulted in
a number of zoning and municipal code changes intended to protect the historic character of the
Gerstle Park neighborhood and address other issues such as inadequate parking and over
development, and
WHEREAS, as a neighborhood advocate, Hugo has taken on many issues that have surfaced in the
community over the years, all with the intent to resolve problems and maintain the quality of
life in San Rafael. Hugo's most recent efforts have focused on addressing homelessness in the
community. Hugo formed the "San Rafael Group," a discussion group comprised of residents
and Downtown merchants to participate in and contribute to the City's efforts to address
homelessness. Hugo also served on the City Council Homelessness Sub -Committee
Stakeholders Group; and
WHEREAS, Hugo is an enthusiastic and active protector of our open space lands that border the Gerstle Park
neighborhood. Over the past 20 years, Hugo has spent countless hours coordinating with the
City's Open Space Ranger in removing brush and debris, as well as clearing trails in the City -
owned open space. This continued work led Hugo to better organize this work through
volunteers; and
WHEREAS, lastly, Hugo is well known for his passion of historic preservation. Hugo formed the "San
Rafael Heritage Group," a discussion group comprised of residents devoted to historic
preservation in San Rafael.
NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council expresses its appreciation to Hugo
l,andeck 's efforts on behalf of her community and hereby awards him the Richard O"Brien and the Mary Feaario
O'Br'tizen oft ' Year Award.
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Councilmembers
City Manager
Attested by my hand this 19 rN c
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City Clerk
Richard P. O'Brien Citizen of thq Year Auyucol
Nomination Form
Nominee
Name: �4 cu yl l - &,rJ C.rk-ov�
Address: i�7 eS� I��"� ki��R�. RECEIVED
-5ct4a. r -r� o r�l�- Nov 2 8 2012
Phone: Cl �)-- { PLANNING
Dominator
Name:
Address: 514 C ,o r.h n. va-r � _
Phone:
Selection Criteria:
On an attached sheet, please answer as many of the questions below which
apply to the candidate you are nominating:
1. What contributions has this individual made to the community that are
beyond the scope of normal civic responsibilities?
2. What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How
has this person made a difference?
3. Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects
or efforts.
4. Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
5. To what e)tent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the
community?
Nominations must be returned to the Community Development Department
(P.O. Doc 151560, Sail Rafael, CA 94915-1560 or FAX: 485-3184) no later
than Monday. December 3, 2012 by 5:OOom. Questions may be directed to the
Community Development Director at (415) 485-5064.
Nomination for P. O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award
Nominee: Hugo Landecker
1. Khat contributions has this individual made to the community that are beyond the scope of normal
civic responsibilities?
When Hugo noticed an increase in problems on San Rafael streets and in San Rafael's parks coming,
from a small segment of the homeless population, rather than just complaining he started doing research
to find solutions. He formed an email discussion group called San Rafael Group comprised of both
downtown merchants and residents, attended and contributed to myriad meetings where homelessness
was being discussed, found out how other towns deal with homelessness, and researched the systems
already in place to address homelessness. He drafted a long report presenting the findings of his group
and distributed it. He also served on the City's ad hoc subcommittee on homelessness. He, probably
more than any other person in San Rafael, has gotten a large number of people to think deeply about a
very complex problem and gotten a wide spectrum to engage in finding solutions.
2. What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How has this person made a
difference?
Hugo's efforts have helped to form consensus on how to improve the quality of life and level of civility
in San Rafael. He has focused on solutions rather than just talk. His work has done a lot to promote
meaningful dialogue and practical solutions for a very complex situation. Although there is still much
work to be done, Hugo's efforts have already resulted in curtailing the theft of alcohol, which will help
prevent additional damage to the health of chronic inebriates.
3. Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects or efforts.
Hugo has spent countless hours doing research. He has attended countless meetings and made
significant contributions to problem solving. He has presented clear, well thought out ideas at City
meetings. He spent a great deal of time writing a long report presenting the findings of his San Rafael
Group. He also sends out almost daily emails to his group providing them with his findings and sharing
thoughts and ideas that group members have sent in as well as experiences they want to share.
4. Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
Hugo has persevered with thoroughness and good humor even though some have assumed that he
simply wanted to persecute homeless people and some have, even at public meetings, said negative
things about him personally. He has been calm and rational and has consistently shown respect for
others even when there is disagreement. His focus always has been on creating an atmosphere where all
are treated with respect and all are expected to show civility toward others. He has focused on better'
quality of life for both the housed and the homeless.
5. To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the community?
Hugo is heavily engaged in contributing to our San Rafael community. To mention just a few of his
contributions: He has been active in his Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association and in the Federation of
Neighborhoods. He works daily to protect the environment pulling invasive broom plants on the
hillside. These contributions, which are beyond the normal range of civic contribution, have been
maintained over an extended period and I do not know if he has received formal recognition by the
community for any of them. However, what I am nominating him for his ongoing work on
homelessness issues an area in which he has spent an extraordinary amount of time, has done in-depth
research, and has shown a high degree of organizing ability and consensus building skill. Overall he has
made a unique and very significant contribution toward solving a complex problem.
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Richard P. O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award
Nomination Form
Nominee
Name: LAI E
Address:
5+A R4:FAFI- 941
Phone: *5" -- 7--,/
Nominator ,
Name: U h IT-ft
Address: l05 15A q I/f
_ 1—
Phone: Ll! 5 ® %,,V- 7— ee® s
Selection Criteria:
On an attached sheet, please answer as many of the questions below which
apply to the candidate you are nominating:
1. What contributions has this individual made to the community that are
beyond the scope of normal civic responsibilities?
2. What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How
has this person made a difference?
3. Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects
or efforts.
4. Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
5. To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the
community?
Nominations must be returned to the Community Development Department
(P.O. Box 151560, San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 or FAX: 485-3184) no later
than Mondav, December 3, 2012 by 5:00pm. Questions may be directed to the
Community Development Director at (415) 485-5064.
Richard Pe O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award
Nomination Form
Nominator �A
Name: ��U� Urbkv\
Address: (0l4\ii �t
Phone: 41T� - 747 -PA C��
Selection Criteria:
On an attached sheet, please answer as many of the questions below which
apply to the candidate you are nominating:
1. What contributions has this individual made to the community that are
beyond the scope of normal civic responsibilities?
2. What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How
has this person made a difference?
3. Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects
or efforts.
4. Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
5. To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the
community?
Nominations must be returned to the Community Development Department
(P.O. Box 151560, San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 or FAX: 485-3184) no later
than Mondav, December 3, 2012 by 5:00pm. Questions may be directed to the
Community Development Director at (415) 485-5064.
30 November, 2012
Reasons for nominating Hugo Landecker
1. Hugo is an enthusiastic and active protector of our open space lands in San
Rafael. He maintains trails, spends much time removing invasive French
Broom, organizes and supervises volunteers who remove Broom, and patrols
the open space to discourage homeless encampment. He cleans the areas
where encampments have been vacated. Hugo is also a tireless participant in
our neighborhood association (GPNA) and has been for many years. Indeed,
Hugo was an original organizer of the association, and, I believe, its first
president.
2. Hugo's impact on the community can be appreciated by a visit to the open
space area above Gerstle Park, where one can enjoy clean, well-maintained
trails and hillsides covered with native flora. He serves as a voice for our
neighborhood in government and civic meetings and has been an advocate
for safe driving rules on busy D Street.
3. Hugo is retired and spends a great deal of time on the activities described
above. I can't be specific, but I know that he spends significant time on open
space projects daily. He attends and consistently participates in meetings
mentioned above, including the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association (of
which he is an officer), the Federation of Neighborhood Associations, City
Hall and County Center meetings that relate to his interests.
4. Hugo's challenge is the indifference of most neighborhood residents to the
activities that make San Rafael a good place to live. He overcomes this
challenge with his own tireless participation in neighborhood affairs.
5. 1 don't believe he has been recognized in the past.
RECEIVED
Judy Gallegos & Robert Urban DEC Q 3 2012
Richard P. O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award
Nomination Form
Nominee l
Name:
Address: L. %��
Phone: �f �' c? 2 -
Nominator -
Nominator / �
Name: `,�� �� �/i')ev /10�
Address:`f
Phone: 72-/
Selection Criteria:
RECEIVED
DEC 03 2012
PLANNING
On an attached sheet, please answer as many of the questions below which
apply to the candidate you are nominating:
1. What contributions has this individual made to the community that are
beyond the scope of normal civic responsibilities?
2. What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How
has this person made a difference?
3. Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects
or efforts.
4. Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
5. To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the
community?
Nominations must be returned to the Community Development Department
(P.O. Box 151560, San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 or FAX: 485-3184) no later
than Mondav, December 3, 2012 by 5:00pm. Questions may be directed to the
Community Development Director at (415) 485-5064.
Citizen of the Year Award Nomination December 1, 2012
Nominee: Hugo Landecker
127 San Rafael Av.
San Rafael, Ca. 94901
415-456-0221
Nominator: Jim Dowling
Gerstle Park Inn
34 Grove St.
San Rafael, Ca. 94901
415-721-7611
To summarize Hugo is to say that he is the watch dog for the Gerstle Park neighborhood
and the betterment of San Rafael. A number of years ago, the S.F. Cronical identified the
Gerstle Park Neighborhood as one of the ten best neighborhoods in all the Bay area.
Hugo's contribution to this recognition is from his many years as President and also a
member of the neighborhood association board of directors. When there is any legislation
that affects the city Hugo does his homework and contributes at the hearings and with
those involved.
This year Hugo became very involved with the Ritter House expansion and the homeless
occupying downtown San Rafael. His efforts have resulted in the business and political
community communicating with each other. In addition to going to every meeting on the
subject, Hugo sends a email, on almost a daily basis, to over 60 businesses and
individuals, providing updates on these meetings and on his interaction with local
merchants. This has brought so many people together that are affected by this common
problem. He understands the problem and is open-minded in fmding a solution that can
best meet the needs the homeless. As a result, the police and merchants are working
together. If it weren't for Hugo this would be a hidden. problem.
In the winter, Hugo has an interesting exercise program. He goes up into the woods and
pulls Scotch Broom. He has been doing this for most of the 17 years we have had the
Gerstle Park Inn; I see him walk past our kitchen window on his way to the woods. He
has organized volunteer groups to tackle the Scotch Broom. The result is that the woods
have been dramatically opened up with the departure of the broom. While he is up there,
he is monitoring the homeless encampments and keeping the authorities informed.
In conclusion, Hugo spends countless hours for the improvement of the neighborhood
and the city and deserves recognition for his many contributions.
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CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM
INSTRUCTIONS: USE THIS FORM WITH EACH SUBMITTAL OF A CONTRACT, AGREEMENT,
ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION BEFORE APPROVAL BY COUNCIL / AGENCY.
SRRA / SRCC AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.b
DATE OF MEETING: FEBRUARY 18, 2014
FROM: PAUL JENSEN
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DATE: February 7, 2014
TITLE OF DOCUMENT:
Resolution of Appreciation to Recipient of the Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien Citizen of the
Year Award - 2014
?..Gtr. �•
4
Department Head (signature)
(LOWER HALF OF FORM FOR APPROVALS ONLY)
APPROVED AS COUNCIL / AGENCY
AGENDA ITEM:
7`�ea to
City Manager (sigUure)
NOT APPROVED
REMARKS:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_
�-i A.'a t��
City Attorney (signature) j