Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: SHANTAE DUREN, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
DATE: JANUARY 28, 2025
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF A COMMEMORATIVE BENCH DONATION FROM THE
KIWANIS CLUB OF DOWNEY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider accepting the donation of a commemorative bench from the Kiwanis Club of Downey for installation at the Downey Civic Center between Downey City Hall and the Downey City Library. The proposed bench will recognize the contributions of a long-standing community organization, marking the 100th anniversary of the Chapter’s founding.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Accept the donation of a bench from the Kiwanis Club of Downey commemorating the organization’s 100th anniversary of the Chapter’s founding.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, Kiwanis International is a global service organization whose mission is to improve the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis International aims to prioritize human values, encourage ethical living, promote higher standards, develop active citizenship, foster enduring friendships through service, and contribute to a just and ideal society. There are more than 8,300 Kiwanis clubs in 76 countries and geographic areas. In Downey, there are two Kiwanis Clubs: the Kiwanis Club of Downey and. the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club.
The Kiwanis Club of Downey, (Kiwanis Club) has a rich history of partnering with community organizations to support much needed services to Downey residents. A few recent examples include participating in the True Lasting Connections (TLC) Adopt-A- Family Thanksgiving and Christmas Programs and the participation in the Rancho Los Amigos/Downey Kiwanis Food Project.
ANALYSIS
ACCEPT COMMEMORATIVE BENCH DONATION BY KIWANIS CLUB OF DOWNEY JANUARY 28, 2025
PAGE 2
2 The Kiwanis Club of Downey celebrated its 100th anniversary of the Chapter’s founding on November 6, 2024. As part of this milestone, the Kiwanis Club of Downey proposes to donate a commemorative bench to the City of Downey for installation on the Downey Civic Center Campus. The bench will replace the bench currently located in front of the Tree of Kindness outside of the Downey City Library as shown in Attachment A.
City staff worked with the Kiwanis Club of Downey representatives regarding the design of the bench. The bench will feature two prominent logos: the Kiwanis Club of Downey 100-year commemorative logo, celebrating the Club's significant milestone and the official logo of Kiwanis International, acknowledging the global impact of the Kiwanis organization.
The bench will measure 6 feet wide and 36 inches deep, and will be finished in a "stardust silver" colored powder coat to seamlessly blend with the existing benches surrounding the installation site. As a security measure to deter loitering, a central armrest will be incorporated into the bench design. The design of the bench and armrest placement is shown in Attachment B.
Upon the acceptance of the commemorative bench donation, City Administrative staff will work closely with the Kiwanis Club of Downey and the City’s Public Works Department to facilitate the installation of the bench. Once the bench is installed, the City will invite the community to a dedication ceremony. The event will feature the unveiling of the bench, addresses from City Officials and Club representatives, and a group photo to commemorate the occasion. Furthermore, the City will ensure the bench's long-term preservation through ongoing maintenance, prioritizing safety and aesthetic appeal.
This generous contribution from the Kiwanis Club of Downey will not only enhance the City's public spaces but also serve as a lasting reminder of the club's dedication to community service for the past century.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Economic Vibrancy
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost for materials and Public Work staff time to complete the installation of the bench is approximately $500 from the Traffic and Street Maintenance Fund, Account No. 10-4-3145.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Installation Location
Attachment B: Bench Design
ATTACHMENT A
Kiwanis Club of Downey 100 Years Commemorative Bench Location
(Current bench to be replaced)
(Bench to be replaced shown with additional benches in the area)
ATTACHMENT B
Kiwanis Club of Downey 100 Years Commemorative Bench Design
(Bench design, logo placement, and color)
ATTACHMENT B
(Central armrest placement)