Council hears pitch for naming rights at Campana Park, votes to send the proposal to committee

Council members heard from representatives of a private firm proposing to negotiate naming rights for Campana Park and related facilities. The ordinance on the agenda would authorize the director of safety‑service to solicit and negotiate naming rights agreements with the Superlative Group Inc. Council suspended reading rules to allow a presentation, but several council members urged the matter be sent to committee to secure public input and clarify accounting and naming‑policy questions.

Councilmember Riley pointed out an incorrect account number listed in the whereas clauses; members moved to strike the account reference and later moved to send the entire matter to committee. Concerns cited included how long a park could be named for a sponsor, whether the city would rename parks previously named for local benefactors, and the need for public hearings because parks are community assets. The motion to send the matter to committee carried with two dissenting votes.

Representatives from the Superlative Group were allowed to speak after council granted a point of privilege; councilmembers asked questions about naming duration, community engagement and whether the proposal might affect existing commemorations. The committee referral means the city will hold a deeper review and public outreach before any final contract authorization.