(a) The designation of honorary street names shall follow these guidelines:
(1) Proposal. A proposal to assign an honorary street name shall be submitted in writing (along with the fee) to the Clerk of Council who will refer the proposal to Council for final passage and will send notice to all property owners on street and street segment. Each proposal shall include:
A. The applicants name, representing business/organization, address, phone number, fax, website and email address.
B. The name of the sponsor of the application, i.e., member or Council or Mayor. Council members and the Mayor are restricted to no more than two (2) sponsorships during afour (4) year term in office.
C. The specific street segment being proposed for honorary street naming, including a scaled sketch showing its location. The sketch shall include a north arrow.
D. A rendering of the street sign with Honorary Street Name. The City will determine a standard size, color, dimensions, font, font size, insignia and materials proposed.
E. Current photographs of the areas in which signs are to be placed.
F. The full form of the name being proposed.
G. The origin or meaning of the proposed name.
H. If the proposed name refers to an individual, a brief biography of that individual.
I. The rational for assigning the honorary street name, including an explanation of how the name or individual has been associated with the area in which the street is located.
J. Letters from appropriate organizations or individuals which provide evidence of local support for the proposed honorary street name.
K. Signatures of no less than 75 % of owners on the street or portion of the street to be given Honorary Street Name. Each signature should include a printed name and address of the owner signing the application. If adequate signatures cannot be obtained, other evidence of support may be considered at the discretion of Council.
(2) Criteria. In reviewing a proposed honorary street name, the Council shall consider the proposed honorary street name using the following criteria:
A. An honorary name shall not duplicate any official street name.
B. When an honorary street name has been assigned, no other honorary naming proposal shall be considered for that segment of the street for a period of ten (10) years following the effective date of the honorary street naming. Should an applicant and sponsor seek to extend the designation for an additional ten (10) years, a new application and application fee is required following the same approval process.
C. Whether there is adequate support from the majority of property owners on the street to be renamed.
D. Names that could be considered derogatory to a particular person or organization or to any racial, religious or ethnic group or to disabled persons shall not be considered nor shall names that could be considered obscene, blasphemous, insulting or offensive.
E. The name of the individual shall not be given consideration unless the individual portrays a positive image.
F. Names of individuals who have made contributions in arts, entertainment, and business shall be considered along with the names of individuals known for outstanding careers of public service.
G. Names of individuals that have generously volunteered their time and efforts for the betterment of the world shall also be considered.
H. Names of individuals that have served the U.S. forces or community safety forces for the protection of the community and country shall also be considered.
I. The individual may be considered only if the individual is deceased or has attained the age of 70 years unless it is determined that it is in the public's interest to honor the individual or the individual's family for historical or commemorative purposes.
J. The honorary naming of streets is limited to one individual name and/or one organization per year once a street is designated in honor of that individual and/or organization, no other street in the City may be designated with the same or similar name.
(3) Street Sign. The honorary street name shall be indicated on a sign mounted at the intersection and shall meet the current edition of the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The City shall have the right to determine the locations, sizes, colors, dimensions, fonts, font sizes, insignia and materials used for signs. The City shall determine if signs may be attached to existing sign posts or whether it will be a standalone post with placard.
(4) Legality. Whenever an honorary street name is assigned to a street or street segment, by ordinance, the street or street segment shall retain its official name which shall be used for all official and legal purposes. Addresses using the honorary street name shall not be assigned.
(5) Honorary Street Sign Installation, Maintenance and Care. The City shall be responsible for the initial installation and maintenance of the honorary street name placards and appurtenances. If the sign becomes in disrepair and requires replacement, the City will replace the sign no more than two (2) times. The applicant may request that the City replace the sign additional times at the applicant's expense. The City shall not be liable for any sign damage, vandalism or environmental events affecting the sign.
(6) Fee. The fee at the time of proposal submission is fifty dollars ($50.00) for each proposal. Once approved, an additional payment of four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00) shall be paid within 45 days of approval.
(Ord. 150-2020. Passed 12-21-20.)