In honor of his contributions to the city, the plaza fronting the new Santa Maria Public Library will be known as “Lavagnino Plaza” in honor of Mayor Larry Lavagnino.

The naming was approved by the Santa Maria City Council Tuesday night with council members Leo Trujillo, Alice Patino and Hilda Zacarias in favor. Lavagnino recused himself from the item and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Orach was absent.

Upon returning to the Council Chambers, Lavagnino thanked his colleagues for the recognition that was “maybe undeserved but very appreciated.”

The naming was recommended by the Library Board of Trustees at the library's opening Aug. 23.

Lavagnino said he was caught by surprise by the proposal for the plaza at the grand opening.

“I didn't know it was going to happen,” he said.

His tearful reaction stemmed from thoughts of his late parents and their name being on the plaza, he said.

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A commemorative plaque, at a cost of $1,200, according to the agenda report, will be placed near the plaza.

In the only regular business item on the agenda, the council received a Growth Mitigation Annual Compliance Report for fiscal year 2007-08 from city staff.

The accounting report of fees collected from developers to cover the costs of providing services to new residents is required under state law. The fees are based on a building's square footage.

The 2007 Growth Mitigation Fee Program was adopted in May 2007, and became effective that July.

Julian J. Ramos can be reached at 739-2219 or at jramos@santamariatimes.com.

September 3, 2008