1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 11, 2025
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director VIA: Grace Coronado, Assistant Park, Recreation and Community Services Director
BY: Emin Yusufov, Administrative Analyst I
SUBJECT: Acceptance of a Donation to the City of Burbank of a Cast Bronze Bench With an Estimated Value of $88,441 from Ron and Cheryl Howard to be Installed at Johnny Carson Park
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the donation to the City of Burbank (City) of a Cast Bronze Bench (Bench) with an estimated value of $88,441 from Ron and Cheryl Howard (Donors) to be installed at Johnny Carson Park (Park).
BACKGROUND
Mr. Ron Howard is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor who moved to the City with his family in 1959 at the age of five. He grew up in Burbank and attended Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School, David Starr Jordan Middle School (now known as Dolores Huerta Middle School), and John Burroughs High School . During his high school years, Mr. Howard met Cheryl Alley, who lived in Burbank since the mid - 1960s. Cheryl attended Luther Burbank Middle School and graduated from John Burroughs High School.
Raised in Burbank, Mr. Howard has a deep appreciation for the City. Johnny Carson Park, formerly known as Buena Vista Park, holds many cherished memories for Mr. Howard, including celebrating his 11 th birthday, walking the Park grounds with his father , and spending countless hours there with his wife. For these reasons, the Park is of special significance to the Donors.
2 While living in Burbank, Mr. Howard gained recognition as a child actor, appearing in several television series. He rose to national fame for his role as young Opie Taylor on the sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show”, which aired from 1960 to 1968. He later became a household name for portraying Richie Cunningham on the popular sitcom “Happy Days.” As his career evolved, Mr. Howard transitioned into producing and directing, working on numerous film and television projects in Burbank. Over the years, he collaborated with major studios such as Warner Bros., NBC, and Disney.
The Donors, who have a strong connection to Burbank, wish to contribute to the City’s aesthetic quality through public art. It is their desire to donate a limited-edition artistic Bench to their beloved Johnny Carson Park as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation.
DISCUSSION
Inspired by a Victorian Courting Chair, the Bench features two seats arranged in an S - shape, allowing individuals to face each other for conversation while remaining within arm's reach. Additionally, the design includes a modest barrier between the seats, offering a sense of privacy.
Designed by world-renowned sculptor Andy Scott, the Bench celebrates the serenity of the City’s surrounding mountains and lush foliage. Due to its S-shaped design, the bench invites people to sit in pairs and enjoy one another’s company. The design also incorporates intricate details, including butterflies, hummingbirds, geckos, and over two dozen plant species, reflecting a harmonious connection with nature.
If accepted by the City, and as a limited edition functional public art piece, the Bench will become a part of a collection of over 130 public art installations under the City’s Art in Public Places (APP) Program. The Bench will further contribute to enhancing the City’s image by adding another high -quality public art piece, which will improve the landscape and enhance the quality of life for the community.
City-owned public art installations under the APP Program are maintained annually, with approximately five installations receiving maintenance each fiscal year. This is made possible with the support of the APP Committee. Each year, the Committee allocates funds from the APP fund to ensure professional maintenance and restoration of these public art pieces.
Consistent with the City’s Administrative Procedure VI -12, Contribution of Merchandise or Money to City Departments , items valued at $5,000 or more should be formally accepted by the City Council (Council) at a regularly scheduled meeting.
In collaboration and at the request of the Donors, staff identified the southwest portion of the Park as the ideal location for this installation. Located close to a large oak tree and a
3 popular park trail, the Bench will enhance the visual appeal of the Park while encouraging visitors to appreciate and engage with public art.
The Donors' responsibilities and obligations regarding the installation of the Bench on City property are detailed in an Agreement (Attachment 1). The Donors are responsible for:
• The design, fabrication, transportation, and installation of the Bench; • Obtaining necessary permits or approvals, and
• Providing documentation related to the Bench’s condition, provenance, and warranty.
The City’s obligations include:
• Accepting the donation and providing park space for the Bench installation; • Waiving permit fees;
• Maintaining the Bench; and
• Supplying documentation to the Donors for tax purposes.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed activity consists of minor alterations to existing City park land and facilities and the addition of a limited number of small structures and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 Cal. Code Regs § § 15303 and 15304.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is minimal fiscal impact associated with staff oversight in managing and coordinating installation efforts of the Bench at Johnny Carson Park. The Parks and Recreation Department will be responsible for t he ongoing maintenance and repair obligations. Initial maintenance will take place one year after installation and on an as - needed basis after that. The estimated cost for maintenance is $2,500 per occurrence, with sufficient funds available in the APP maintenance fund.
CONCLUSION
Pursuant to Administrative Procedure VI-12, staff requests Council formally accept the donation of the Bench, with an estimated value of $88,441, from the Donors. The addition of the Bench will further promote the City’s artistic image by introducing high-quality public art installations that enhance the City’s landscape . If approved, it is anticipated that the bench will be installed by June 2025.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – Agreement