COSTA MESA : City Will Address Gift Acceptance Policy
After a resident’s recent offer to make a donation to the city in honor of AIDS victims stirred controversy, the City Council said Monday that it will draw up a policy on accepting gifts from the public and under what conditions.
“If you are going to allow donations, you have to look at whether you have to accept the political statement that comes with them,” City Atty. Thomas Kathe said.
The council will also consider placing limits on the type, size and location of all plaques and memorials on city property.
The issue arose when a resident proposed donating a grove of trees in Canyon Park, on the west side of Costa Mesa, with a stipulation that the project include a plaque in memory of people who have died of AIDS.
That project was rejected by the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee.
In the past, the city has allowed people to place memorials in public parks recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the city.
Mayor Joe Erickson said he was concerned that allowing an AIDS memorial would open the door for every group wishing to honor victims of disease.
“I received a letter from someone who was concerned about the city’s parks to turn into cemeteries,” Erickson said.
The council will take up the issue at its meeting next Monday.
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