ITEM 4.8
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT
OCTOBER 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
ITEM: APPROVE THE NAMING OF NEW CITY PARK
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a Resolution Naming the New Acres Community Neighborhood Park after
Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton
SUMMARY:
The Parks and Recreation Commission typically reviews and makes recommendations on approving the names of City parks; however, the October 5, 2023 Commission meeting was canceled due to lack quorum. In order to move forward with the proposed naming of one of the city' s newest neighborhood parks, staff requests that the City Council adopt a resolution to name the neighborhood park within the New Acres Community Neighborhood as Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton Park.
BACKGROUND:
In the early 1940' s, Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton and her late husband, Reverend Maurice Cotton Sr., were one of the first African American families to set roots in Lathrop. Upon their arrival in Lathrop, diversity was almost nonexistent; however, they immediately began working to improve their new community. Along with her husband, Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton played a pivotal role in opening both the first and second African- American churches in the City. Serving as the Assistant State Supervisor for the Church of God in Christ for many years, her efforts brought recognition to Lathrop, as Highlight Church was the first nationally recognized church in Lathrop within the Church of God in Christ organization.
Through their ministries, several community outreach programs where established.
Such examples include the 4th Sunday Community Feedings, Work Placement Programs, Clothing Giveaways, and the most popular this day, the Holiday Turkey Basket Drive. Through her dedication, hard work, love for others, and giving her all to the Ministry, a pathway was established for many of the African Americans who now call Lathrop home.
Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton is a mother of nine children, six girls and three boys.
To date, six of the nine children are still Lathrop residents. She is a grandmother to 28 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, which, two live in Lathrop and see her daily. Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton is amazed at all the great work and diversity now within the Lathrop community.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT PAGE 2
OCTOBER 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution Approving the Naming the New Acres Community Neighborhood Park after Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.
ATTACH M ENTS:
A. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lathrop approving the Naming New Acres Community Neighborhood Park after Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton.
B. Park Location Map
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT PAGE 3
OCTOBER 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
APP OVALS:
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Todd Sebastian Date
Director of Parks, Recreation, and Maintenance
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Cari James Date
Director of Finance
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Michael King Date
Assistant City Manager
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Salvador Navarrete Date
City Attorney
23 Stephen J. Salvatore Date
City Manager
RESOLUTION NO. 23-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LATHROP TO
APPROVE THE NAMING OF THE NEW ACRES COMMUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK AFTER MISSIONARY MINNIE LEE COTTON
WHEREAS, at the October 11, 2021 City of Lathrop City Council meeting, City Council approved the creation of Capital Improvement Project ( CIP) PK 22- 34 Shilling Avenue Park Project; and
WHEREAS, at the October 10, 2022 City of Lathrop City Council meeting, City Council approved the conceptual design of Shilling Avenue Park Project and related budget amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Commission typically reviews and makes recommendations on approving the names of City parks; however, the October 5, 2023 Commission meeting was canceled due to lack quorum WHEREAS, the proposed named Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton Park located is an approximate 1- acre park site; and
WHEREAS, for 80 years Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton has been focused on making a difference in the Lathrop community; and
WHEREAS, Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton has established several community outreach programs including the 4t" Sunday Community Feedings, Work Placement Programs, Clothing Giveaways, and the Holiday Turkey Basket Drive; and WHEREAS, Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton is both supportive and excited at the proposal of the Shilling Avenue Park Project in the New Acres neighborhood being named in her honor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Lathrop does hereby approve the naming of the Shilling Avenue Park Project in the New Acres neighborhood as Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton Park, as detailed in the park location map attached to the staff report.
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 9th day of October, 2023, by the following vote of the City Council, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Sonny Dhaliwal, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Teresa Vargas, City Clerk Salvador Navarrete, City Attorney Attachment B
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