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Home My WebLink About235-17 RESOLUTION113 West Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 Resolution: 235-17 File Number: 2017-0609 L.D. 'ABBY" ABBIATTI BOAT RAMP: A RESOLUTION TO NAME THE BOAT RAMP AT LAKE FAYETTEVILLE THE "L.D. `ABBY' ABBIATTI BOAT RAMP" IN HONOR OF THE LATE L.D. ABBIATTI WHEREAS, L.D. "Abby" Abbiata was a fixture among the Lake Fayetteville fishing community, having made substantial contributions for over 50 years; and WHEREAS, his contributions as an unofficial ambassador to Lake Fayetteville included educating the community about Lake Fayetteville, volunteering his time and resources to build and repair boat docks, creating fish habitat, providing fishing forecasts and conditions to statewide print media, and assisting anglers of all ages; and WHEREAS, naming the boat ramp at Lake Fayetteville in honor of L.D. "Abby" Abbiata meets the requirements of Section 97.088(B)(2)(d) of the Fayetteville City Code, which provides that a facility may be named for an individual who has made a significant contribution to the City, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommends approval of the naming request. PASSED and APPROVED on 11/7/2017 Page 1 Attest: Sondra E. Smith, City Clerk Tre`stirrR lli , f AN a � r � •3 r orf �l7i•r• r r • •••SJ `do°'/ ire i 11 Printed on 11/8/17 City of Fayetteville, Arkansas 113 West Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 f_ F' (479) 575-8323 1 Text File File Number: 2017-0609 Agenda Date: 11/7/2017 Version: 1 Status: Passed In Control: City Council Meeting File Type: Resolution Agenda Number: A. 13 L.D. 'ABBY" ABBIATTI BOAT RAMP: A RESOLUTION TO NAME THE BOAT RAMP AT LAKE FAYETTEVILLE THE "L.D. `ABBY' ABBIATTI BOAT RAMP" IN HONOR OF THE LATE L.D. ABBIATTI WHEREAS, L.D. "Abby" Abbiata was a fixture among the Lake Fayetteville fishing community, having made substantial contributions for over 50 years; and WHEREAS, his contributions as an unofficial ambassador to Lake Fayetteville included educating the community about Lake Fayetteville, volunteering his time and resources to build and repair boat docks, creating fish habitat, providing fishing forecasts and conditions to statewide print media, and assisting anglers of all ages; and WHEREAS, naming the boat ramp at Lake Fayetteville in honor of L.D. "Abby" Abbiata meets the requirements of Section 97.088(B)(2)(d) of the Fayetteville City Code, which provides that a facility may be named for an individual who has made a significant contribution to the City, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommends approval of the naming request. City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 1 Printed on 111812017 City of Fayetteville Staff Review Form 2017-0609 Legistar File ID 11/7/2017 City Council Meeting Date - Agenda Item Only N/A for Non -Agenda Item Byron Humphry 10/18/2017 PARKS & RECREATION (520) Submitted By Submitted Date Division / Department Action Recommendation: City Council approval to name the boat ramp at Lake Fayetteville the "L.D. 'Abby' Abbiatti Boat Ramp" in honor of the late L.D. Abbiatti who was a fixture at Lake Fayetteville and among the fishing community for over 50 years. Budget Impact: 1010.520.5260.5212.00 General Account Number Fund 33051.1 Parks and Recreation Donation Project Number Project Title Budgeted Item? Yes Current Budget $ 680.00 Funds Obligated $ Current Balance $ 680.00 Does item have a cost? Yes Item Cost $ 680.00 Budget Adjustment Attached? No Budget Adjustment Remaining Budget $ - V20140710 Previous Ordinance or Resolution # Original Contract Number: Approval Date: Comments: CITY OF _ FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 7, 2017 TO: Mayor and City Council CITY COUNCIL MEMO THRU: Don Marr, Chief of Staff Connie Edmonston, Parks and Recreation Director FROM: Byron Humphry, Parks Maintenance Superintendent DATE: October 18, 2017 SUBJECT: L.D. Abbiatti naming request for Lake Fayetteville boat ramp RECOMMENDATION: Staff requests City Council approval to name the boat ramp at Lake Fayetteville in honor of L.D. (Abby) Abbiatti for historical significance at Lake Fayetteville. BACKGROUND: This summer, Parks staff was contacted by Mike Abbiatti with a request to honor his late father by naming the goat ramp at Lake Fayetteville the I.D. 'Abby' Abbiatti boat ramp". Options for naming a facility were discussed with Mike based on the Parks naming policy. The policy makes two provisions for facility naming based on ether a significant monetary donation or "evidence of historical significance or contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department or City of Fayetteville". Mike provided a biographical sketch to Parks staff, detailing the historical significance and contributions made by his father. Parks Board considered and approved the naming request on October 2, 2017. DISCUSSION: Based on the biographical sketch provided by the Abbiatti family and letters of support, L.D. Abbiatti was a fixture among the fishing community at Lake Fayetteville for over 50 years. He provided fishing reports for the paper and some of his trophy catches are on display at the Lake Fayetteville bait shop. Staff and Parks Board concurred with the family that naming the boat ramp at Lake Fayetteville, an amenity primarily used and seen by the fishing community, would be a fitting memorial to the fisherman's legacy and contributions at the lake. If approved, a metal sign will be constructed at the City sign shop and placed near the two boat ramps at Lake Fayetteville that reads "L.D. "Abby" Abbiatti boat ramp". In the tenth year following the sign installation, Parks Staff at their sole discretion may remove the sign if such action is necessary, including, but not limited to park development and renovation, vandalism or interference with park operations. BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT: The Abbiatti family asked in memorial of their father, that any contributions be made to the Parks and Recreation Department for Lake Fayetteville. Staff received $680 in contributions in Mailing Address: 713 W. Mountain Street www.fayettevllle-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701 honor of Mr. Abbiatti which will cover the cost of the sign and installation. There are no other budget impacts of this request. Attachments: L.D. Abbiatti biographical sketch packet Park naming policy Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes October 2, 2017 Exhibit "B' NAMING PARK FACILITIES PURPOSE The purpose of this directive is to provide policies which will govern the naming of park facilities currently owned or acquired by the City of Fayetteville. This policy statement takes precedence over any previous policies and guidelines which may have governed the naming of these facilities - POLICY Upon acquisition of a new park, the Director of Parks and Recreation will assign a nondescript temporary working name or subdivision name for the park facility to be used until park development begins. Once park development begins, the Parks and Recreation Department will receive and forward park facility name suggestions to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for review. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will discuss and approve the recommendations at their monthly meeting. Once a recommended name has been selected, the Parks and Recreation staff will forward the name to the City Council for its final park name selection including a potentially different name. The following items should be considered when proposing names for any -park facilities: • Geographic location of the facility • Outstanding features of the facility • Commonly recognized historical event, group, or individual • Individual or group who contributed significantly to the acquisition or development of a facility • Individual who provided an exceptional service in the interest of the park system For an individual to be considered, the recommended name must be accompanied by a biographical sketch which provides evidence of historical significance or contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department or City of Fayetteville. The naming of plaques, markers, and memorials within park facilities must follow the policies as stated above. Note: A name recommendation from the Active Transportation Committee for trail facilities will be required prior to forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: GiTY OF Department Policies and Procedures Manual OPERATIONS POLICY FOR NAMING PARK FACILITIES Tay NUMBER REVISIONS, EFFECTIVE PAGE: e ARKANSAS R ANSA5 PRK- DATE: 1 OF 1 SUPERSEDES: APPROVED BY NAMING PARK FACILITIES PURPOSE The purpose of this directive is to provide policies which will govern the naming of park facilities currently owned or acquired by the City of Fayetteville. This policy statement takes precedence over any previous policies and guidelines which may have governed the naming of these facilities - POLICY Upon acquisition of a new park, the Director of Parks and Recreation will assign a nondescript temporary working name or subdivision name for the park facility to be used until park development begins. Once park development begins, the Parks and Recreation Department will receive and forward park facility name suggestions to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for review. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will discuss and approve the recommendations at their monthly meeting. Once a recommended name has been selected, the Parks and Recreation staff will forward the name to the City Council for its final park name selection including a potentially different name. The following items should be considered when proposing names for any -park facilities: • Geographic location of the facility • Outstanding features of the facility • Commonly recognized historical event, group, or individual • Individual or group who contributed significantly to the acquisition or development of a facility • Individual who provided an exceptional service in the interest of the park system For an individual to be considered, the recommended name must be accompanied by a biographical sketch which provides evidence of historical significance or contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department or City of Fayetteville. The naming of plaques, markers, and memorials within park facilities must follow the policies as stated above. Note: A name recommendation from the Active Transportation Committee for trail facilities will be required prior to forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Request to the Fayetteville City Council 2 October,2017 Presented By Mike Abbiatti, family members and supporters Request: The Abbiatti family respectfully requests authorization to purchase a sign, fully conforming to City of Fayetteville standards, to be placed adjacent to the concrete boat launch at Lake Fayetteville dedicating the boat launch in the name of Lake Fayetteville's most supporter, Lowell Dean Abbiatti, known to all as Abby. Governing Document: POLICY NUMBER 97 PARKS AND RECREATION, ARTICLE VI CONDUCT IN PARKS, Chapter 97.088 EXCEPTIONS TO PROHIBITED SIGNS, subparagraph B, item 2. Requirements per the Policy: The following items should be considered when proposing names for any park facilities: Geographic location of the facility: LAKE FAYETTEVILLE 1330 E. LAKE FAYETTEVILLE RD. FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72704. Boat launch is adjacent to the boat dock on the right hand side(east) of the boat dock as the observer faces the boat dock from the parking lot. Outstanding features of the facility — public fishing facility boat ramp, concrete appropriately slanted from the parking lot to the lake to allow ease of access for boats to be unloaded/loaded to /from boat trailers. Commonly recognized historical event, group, or individual: Lowell D. (Abby Abbiatti) Rr . �"s - Individual or group who contributed significantly to the acquisition or development of a facility: Lowell d.( Abby ) Abbiatti — please see Biographical Sketch to follow. Individual who provided an exceptional service in the interest of the park system - For an individual to be considered, the recommended name must be accompanied by a biographical sketch which provides evidence of historical significance or contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department or City of Fayetteville. Lowell D. (Abby) Abbiatti Biographical sketch- Lowell Dean Abbiatti Major Life Foci: Family and his passion forfishing exemplified by his love for Lake Fayetteville Life Philosophy: "Nothing has ever been built that can 't be improved" ( usually with duct tape and bungie cords) Life History: Lowell Dean Abbiatti aka Abby, was born in 1928 in Fall River Kansas, on 30 Sept 1928. His parents were Francis and Ona Abbiatti, second generation Italian Americans. Francis and Ona had six children (four boys and two girls). Francis worked for the Frisco Railroad and called Carthage, Missouri home. All of Abby's brothers are/were avid fisherman. The Abbiatti family lived on a farm outside Carthage for many years; Abby attended a one -room schoolhouse until he enrolled in Carthage High School. Due to his age and his farming profession, Abby could not enlist for WWII. He always regretted this fact. During his time as an athlete, and ROTC student in high school. Abby met the love of his life, Betty Lou Treat while in school. He would walk across town every day from his job as a tire changer at the Goodyear Tire, and Rubber CO store in Carthage to see Betty before she went to work at a local movie theater. Abby and Betty were married for 69 years, have four grown children, seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Abby's intellect and strong work ethic added to his honesty, ability to earn the respect of everyone he met, led to his promotion within the Goodyear company. Abby earned the title of Credit Manager, and was transferred to other new stores to get the stores up and running properly. By the time he was posted in Fayetteville, he had three children, Mike, Patricia, and Larry. After opening the successful Fayetteville store, It didn't take him long to discover Lake Fayetteville and fall in love with the area. Abby was offered several promotions that would have required a move. He declined each opportunity because he knew he wanted his children to go to college and the University of Arkansas was his choice. He retired after 35 years with Goodyear a beloved friend to all of his customers, and well-respected mentor to all of the young managers he taught. Abby had the distinction of actually being retired more years than he worked. Almost every day of his life in Fayetteville was spent on Lake Fayetteville. He was a common fixture at the boat ramp. As Abby became unable to manage launching his boat by himself, the staff at Lake Fayetteville stepped up and helped him launch and recover his boat each day. When the bass boat he had become unmanageable, the Abbiatti family worked with the Al Parea and his team to secure a pontoon boat so Abbey could continue his passion. When Abbey was no longer able to manage the tasks requiring manual dexterity to fish, a volunteer at Lake Fayetteville took him out in the pontoon boat and did what need to be done to help Abbey realize his dreams. Not a wealthy man, Abby gave of himself for over 50 years to help inform the community about Lake Fayetteville, physically help build the docks, etc. and develop a wide range of fishing buddies to go with him and enjoy his love of the Lake and the thrill of fishing. Abby had parents asking him to take their sons fishing, a number of peers who joined him, physically disabled or elderly people he would bring to the Lake, and served as a true Ambassador for outdoor recreation. Abbey was a positive daily "fixture" in the life of Lake Fayetteville for over half a century. An interesting anecdote that speaks to Abbey's dedication and contribution to the success of Lake Fayetteville was that the family hosted his 88th birthday at Lake Fayetteville almost a year ago. The staff did a wonderful job of hosting the attendees and hung his trophy fish in the office and displayed his newspaper clippings from the time period Abby was basically the" Bill Dance of Lake Fayetteville" asked by the statewide print media to deliver fishing forecasts, conditions, and professional advice to anglers throughout the region.(please see some of the framed newspaper clippings presented above ) It was not until after everyone had left that my mother told us that this was the first and only real birthday party that our father had ever had. He wanted to have this special event at Lake Fayetteville. Lowell Dean Abbiatti spent a major portion of this life as an active advocate of Lake Fayetteville. Abby had been fishing just 48 hours prior to his fatal heart attack on 7 August 2017. The Abbiatti family is forever grateful to the AI Parea, his family and staff, as well as the individuals who assisted Abbey in his golden years so he could pursue his love for Lake Fayetteville and fishing. I was most pleased to see the staff form Lake Fayetteville at my father's funeral. The Abbiatti family respectfully request that we be given authorization to purchase a sign, fully conforming to City of Fayetteville standards, to be placed adjacent to the concrete boat launch at Lake Fayetteville dedicating the boat launch in the name of Lake Fayetteville's most supporter. Our oldest daughter, a resident of Hot Springs, provided the picture below with a most appropriate caption: Grandpa is catching fish in Heaven now. He caught all of the fish in Lake Fayetteville! Further Administrative Requirements: The naming of plaques, markers, and memorials within park facilities must follow the policies as stated above. Note: A name recommendation from the Active Transportation Committee for trail facilities will be required prior to forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. (Code 1965, §17A-31; Ord. No. 3677, §2, 3-2-93; Code 1991, §97.088; Ord. No. 5335, 7-20-10; Ord-. No. 5778, 6-16-15; >Ord. No. 5828— § 1(Exh. A), 12-15-15) Please accept our appreciation for consideration of our request to establish a memorial for LD Abbiatti, dedicating the Lake Fayetteville boat launch in his name. While this may seem strange, the Lake played a significant role in Dads life, as well as his families for last 50 years. He fished there several days a week over the years, some 8000 times I would estimate. Fishing there was more than just catching fish. It was a place of solitude and reflection, a place of purpose, a place to teach his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren about sportsmanship and life. Each of us caught our first fish there as well as Dads fish stories about the one that got away. Fishing Lake Fayetteville allowed him to reach out to his friends, young and old, giving them the opportunity to catch a bass, crappie or catfish, an environmental experience that enriched their lives. This included doctors, lawyers, college professors, bankers, college students and senior citizens just like him. This experience often gave them a bright spot in otherwise difficult lives. If you were with him you would have seen a man with a purpose. He loved Lake Fayetteville. He spent hours building and repairing docks, creating fish habitat, worrying about allege blooms, water levels and pollution. Sometimes he would just drive by and look to make sure it looked OK. To me, Dad was the Lake Fayetteville Good Will Ambassador at large. He fished throughout -the United States, Canada and Mexico. Where ever he went he extoled the virtues of Northwest Arkansas centered on Lake Fayetteville. He was a different man there. He was at peace there. No matter how bad he felt he felt stronger. He may have struggled getting into his boat, but once in it he felt great. Dad passed away a few weeks ago. He caught his last fish there a couple of days before he died. The last picture we have is of him and his fishing buddy holding that fish. His legacy deserves to be remembered. Thank you, Larry W. Abbiatti, Senior Executive, Mercedes/Freightliner Corp. (Retired) Lake Stevens, WA J. W. "BILL" RAMSEY 1618 N. FOREST HEIGHTS FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 THE HONORABLE MAYOR, LIONELD JORDAN AND FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS SUBJECT: L. D. "ABBY" ABBIATTI RECOGNITION The children of L. D. "Abby" Abbiatti has requested that their Father be honored by dedicating the Boat Ramp at Lake Fayetteville in honor of their Dad, L. D. "Abby" Abbiatti. "Abby" was one of my dear friends who I first came to know in 1959 when I went to work at the Goodyear Service Store then located at 40 E. Center Street in Fayetteville, my first job after graduation from the U of A. I was Office Manager and he was Sales Manager. I worked with him a second time at the N. East Ave. store> I learned so much from him and we were friends right up to his passing on August 7, 2017. Abby loved Lake Fayetteville and spent virtually every available day fishing there during his 35 retirement years from Goodyear! I understand he was even fishing there on Thursday before his passing on the following Monday, August 71 1 have never known a more dedicated fisherman, than "Abby" Abbiatti! I cannot attend the Council Meeting as my wife and I will be in Gulf Shores for a much anticipated and I think, overdue, vacation! I respectfully ask for your positive vote for this well-deserved recognition, honoring my friend and Lake Fayetteville's most passionate supporter! Thanks for your consideration! J. W "BILL" RAMSEY Big bass A couple c:f warns d:t�S 0$,e the werkend hrnught -Several fishermen to Lake Fu►'et- tet•ille. tnetuding L.D. b- biatti and Charles Utzilen. R4bbiattl raughf and re[euaed 41114 six•[anund bass• which hit a vralekbuit. Abbiatti and Mullen, who regularly fish Luke F'apetlrvttleR eaugilt A do OR kacs sunday mog rnilig. 1 �l R�'F.RpR%dlI '9t0a.uwf.t�+airtha. t<ar w+s 3i rr hr a.fR�lrwRr �1..lrvrtt;�tw.•: x1d Greg, iaie Crlir'tah LAKE'' fishitig itas 1 to Jarnes V mally lilniks i hke Mcbri Ne, M} limits 9' res b crappie is tree, nows. The fib% deep. RO'S LANDP inrg up, ac',*Y' Crappie are hit hroughf in their were usi% mionl thiek brush. In fA ing such thick cov r es ght a crappie l Other angllces har ar depihs up to 20 Chxk arra Aims fxr ductive tar trTppie eaughf a 244-puurrc Blue SprLop area. t shiner for bait A c sulper5 t vrr CauRilI fags in the fart w WMR F..3GLi AMHL atm the lest bel, irut A fair at best, accordin t Stuns crappie have bm anglers WdQe jl0_4 in thiel uv(ev clanty M gcod i F.uglaAres. ttiCKORY CREEK AL Sovrrzl fiAhera)dn a7va af. bur tri• had Any hick, arc SwuW Andrews. OaAplc an revxr r es rrist of e 0 116W O-Ap tom! t� t� ��tli �tpalwHlN � ++suhv H t H+t+atlwhl 6y,y.4 Ns IyuLy aPL<wl li.villq loc tai lust northn . P d f y� ttazrl \yR .trLza+n. 'aAu d`..«,.n..,N•wn a. w tan. k"'TM'�,a. R „ax„rnt�r.4 k� '� +rar,c 'z-ttx ,di Nan Jnlyk tlir• v �py•i4"+r>y, ��w � �' na6d�tmdyn;EM.ti pyre �-.Y�Y� � nb[,s uy I Y..mt ut rn nlreru ro In�nr h!. .1s:KaA� t.m P»a! � d' kM`ri V¢��'y'r nor 9e+ti re�.,�Rr L,1�,,Ax sle.rif �i! ij'Rm lr. ��^S r htlLiattl sn.. h... "a"'nloa,.t�"`' wY.r"e ""' p'°;^tt}•-�n�uc.m.,r, �yn�bliwu } I. r. P � ayh tr,ww �X'^��`•''t leas tl. •.•i rr.ln }ryWn:illSa �'"RnlYlb leapIrrl'# b.,l,r4P,Yr�.rp.Skdr�attd�X Ytw. Rv S'1rR Mr- em IWC`• na 4kl.h, „ ten,. pry t a. •r arh 1 ,-rim "b'tu Mw r:.nyTh di Lakes Fayetteville ---- payct- tal-rille residem L.D. Abbiatti caught a 40-pound Mississip- pi blue catfish whim trailing for crappie according to Do] lie Black. CleonGentry from Springdale caught some nice blue gill using crickets. Bass fishing is ,good on spinner- baits, buzzbaits and tapwater lures. CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS Parks and Recreation Advisory Board October 2, 2017 6 PM City Administration Building Room 326 113 West Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR MEETING MINUTES Members: Richie Lamb, Wade Colwell, JL Jennings, Chuck Maxwell, Kyle McHan, Phillip McKnight, David Profitt, Bill Putman, Dana Smith City Staff: Connie Edmonston, Director; Byron Humphry, Maintenance Superintendent; John Crow, Recreation Superintendent; Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent, Ken Eastin, Park Planner, Chanel Pennington, Operations Assistant 1. Call to Order Lamb called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. Roll Call Members Present: Lamb, Colwell, Jennings, Maxwell, McHan, McKnight, Proffitt, Putman, and Smith. 3. Approval of Minutes PRAB Motion: Maxwell motioned to approve the meeting minutes, Smith seconded the motion. Motioned passed, 9-0-0. 4. Abbiatti_Park Naming Request: Byron Humphry, Park Maintenance Superintendent Mike Abiatti, son of Lowell Dean "Abi" Abitatti, and other family members were present to request the naming of the boat ramp at Lake Fayetteville be after their late father. Mike Abiatti detailed his father's love for the lake, as well as contributions, and said the family would purchase a sign for the boat ramp to honor their father's memory. Al Perera, Lake Fayetteville Marina Operator, offered his support for the request. Humphry noted it was staff's recommendation for the family to purchase the sign that would be placed next to boat ramp. PRAB Motion: Lamb motioned to accept staff's recommendation, Colwell seconded the motion. Motion passed, 9-0-0. Mailing Address: 713 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701