Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: {{section.number}}E
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: February 6, 2024
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Samantha Holland, Parks & Recreation Director
PREPARED BY: Samantha Holland, Parks & Recreation Director
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Number 24-4248 Approving the Placement of a Memorial Tree and Plaque in Yountville Community Park for Miljenjko "Mike" Grgich
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
As part of the Town’s Memorial and Naming Program, staff has received an application from Heidi Kuhn, Founder of Roots of Peace to place a memorial tree and plaque in Yountville Community Park in memory of Miljenko “Mike” Grgich.
Roots of Peace wished to place a ‘Tree of Life’ dedicated to Miljenko “Mike” Grgich’s vision to MINES TO VINES in his beloved homeland of Croatia and worldwide. The nomination is a tribute to his humanitarian efforts in supporting the vision of turning MINES TO VINES – replacing minefields and vineyards and orchards worldwide.
Along with being a resident of Yountville, Mike Grgich was a legendary Napa Valley Vintner who won Paris Tasting and supported the efforts of Roots of Peace. In May 2000, Mike joined Heidi Kuhn on a mission to his beloved homeland of Croatia to remove an estimated 1.2 million landmines. Through their efforts, Croatia is now one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Due to the timeline to install and hold a public event on what would have been Mr. Grgich’s 101st birthday on April 1, 2024, the application is coming before Council today for approval and will not go before the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission first as is typical due to their meeting schedule.
If approved, Town staff will work with the applicant to choose a tree and site that is appropriate within the park.
Staff will also work with the applicant on the public event for April 1, 2024. The applicant will be responsible for all costs of the tree, plaque, and event.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? Yes
Is it Currently Budgeted? No
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? No
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. N/A
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. N/A