The City of Sausalito
Memorial Bench Program Policy
Responsibility of City:
The Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department along with the Public Works Department are responsible for the location of memorial benches. The City shall be responsible for bench and plaque installation. The City reserves the right to determine the level of general care depending on budget availability. General care is defined as the mowing, raking, pruning, and general cleaning of the grounds around the memorial bench as determined by the City. The City distinctly disclaims all responsibility for loss or damage from causes beyond its reasonable control, and especially from damage caused by the elements, an act of God, common enemy, thieves, vandals, strikers, malicious mischief makers, explosions, unavoidable accidents, invasions, insurrections, riots, or order of any military or civil authority, whether the damage be direct or collateral, other than as herein provided. The City reserves the right to determine if the bench is damaged beyond usability. If a bench is damaged or destroyed, the City will attempt to contact the donor, as they have the option to purchase a new bench. It is the donor’s responsibility to update their contact information with the City Memorial Bench Program.
Process for Review:
Review of memorial benches involves at least one site meeting. A representative from the Parks and Recreation Department will meet with the donor to identify a specific location. Staff then reviews the site with Public Works for approval.
Bench and Plaque Design and Message:
Benches and plaques will be of the type and color selected by the City. The message that is placed on the memorial plaque affixed to the bench must not include constitutionally prohibited speech, including without limitation "fighting words," defamatory statements, obscenity or messages that constitute a "clear and present danger." The size of the message is also restricted by the capabilities of the plaque manufacturer. Plaques may include the name of the individual being memorialized as well as important dates and a saying or poem. Any special requests such as including a photograph on the plaque are at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Department. Any additional fees will be charged to the applicant.
Fees:
The fee for memorial benches is established each year by the Master Fee Resolution.
Payment:
Once a location is agreed upon, the donor needs to complete the Memorial Bench Application and submit payment in accordance with the City fee ordinance.
Installation of the Bench and Plaque:
Once location has been agreed upon and an application and payment have been received, the City will order materials necessary to complete the project. Lead times vary depending on the time of year, equipment ordered and supplier inventory.
Life Span of Bench and Plaque:
The bench and plaque remain the property of the City. The City will maintain the bench and plaque in proper working order for a period of five years. If after five years the bench and/or plaque become inoperable or unsafe, the City, at its discretion, may remove or replace the bench and/or plaque. Donors will have the option of purchasing a new bench and/or plaque at that time. The City accepts no replacement liability for the bench or plaque after a period of five years. The City reserves the right to relocate the bench if unforeseen circumstances arise due to its location or setting such as Park renovation.
