Guidelines on naming town property after individuals may not be just a solution in search of a problem, but the proposal still needs work, according to a Bayfield Town Board discussion on June 3.

Trustee Ed Morlan was sharply critical of the idea when Town Manager Chris La May proposed it on May 20. Does every potential situation need written guidelines? he asked.

He and other trustees continued discussion on the proposed resolution last week. It lists criteria for naming or re-naming town facilities.

Mayor Rick Smith cited a request to change the name of Eagle Park to memorialize Dylan Redwine, a former resident of Bayfield. "It was very emotional," he said. "I kind of pushed for this after that, because we had no way to defend ourselves."

Trustee Rachel Davenport agreed it would be good to have guidelines in place "so we aren't caught in an emotional situation."

One of the issues is how long a person has to be dead before something is named after him or her, and how long before someone can request a name change to something else. The resolution says at least five years after a person has died. It says changing an existing name "should occur on an exceptional basis only."

Morlan said he would vote against the proposal in resolution form. He called it a crutch to protect trustees from having to make decisions. "We can't cover every conceivable alternative," he said.

Smith countered, "I don't want staff to not have a tool to use. If we don't like the way it's written, fine. But I think we need a tool, to take emotion out of the situation."

Davenport suggested "a process for the people who want a change instead of saying, 'If you meet these criteria, we'll do it.'"

Morlan persisted, "What are we here for? We're here to make decisions. This is abdicating our responsibility."

Trustee Matt Nyberg agreed. "I can't vote for it the way it's written," he said.

La May said Parks & Rec staff would use the guidelines to make a recommendation, but trustees would be the deciders.

Nelson and Matt Salka said they were "on the fence" about the proposal. Trustee J.J. Sanders said he would vote no.

Davenport said, "I think we need some guidelines, but this needs more work."

Morlan said, "Guidelines are fine, but not a resolution."

Smith turned it back to the town manager.