Politics & Government
City Council To Decide on Plaque for Mark Ryan
Community Services Commission previously voted on recommendation to deny a plaque to the late Glendora resident.
Whether or not Glendora fixture Mark Ryan receives a plaque will rest in the hands of the City Council as they will make a decision at their first council meeting of the year, Tuesday night.
The Community Services Commission in November 2012 voted 3-1-1 to recommend that the City Council deny the plaque, stating that it would be "impractical if the highest form of recognition were given to every friendly person that touched our lives," officials said.
The Glendora Historical Society would like to place the Pride Marker at Finkbiner Park near the Larry R. Glenn Bandshell, according to city documents.
Mark Ryan, nicknamed "Mark of the Park," died in May 2012 at age 64. Ryan was known around Glendora for his friendly nature, riding around town on his bike, visiting local businesses and getting to know every person he met. Ryan would often perform odd jobs for some businesses.
The Historical Pride Marker being proposed by the Historical Society also does not meet the design and size requirements administered to all plaques and would need to be redesigned if the City Council Approves the plaque, city officials said.
There are two other options the City Council may consider:
The Community Services Department has a program that allows individuals or groups to purchase benches and play equipment and have the item installed with a plaque to honor a living or deceased individual.
The Glendora Historical Society also has the option of placing their Historical Pride Marker for Ryan on the museum property. City approval would not be required, officials said.
Administrative Policy No. 1.36, which governs the bestowing on permanent plaques states "that such action should be done with careful thought and consideration so that past or future naming actions are not diminished or lessened," adding that the individual receiving the plaque "shall have served the Glendora community in truly exceptional ways to the welfare of the city."
The City Council meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 116 East Foothill Boulevard, Jan. 14.
