(A) Consideration of a commemorative street or public facility name shall be initiated by a written request from a person, organization, or other entity requesting the commemorative name. The written request shall include the requested commemorative name, the reason justifying the commemoration, the existing street or facility name, the range or length of the portion of the street if a requested commemorative street name, and any information regarding requested signage or plaques.
(B) For a commemorative street name, a written request must be accompanied by a petition signed by at least 50% of the recorded property owners who own structures on the street proposed for the commemoration.
(C) A request for a commemorative name must be accompanied by a fee of $150.
(D) The following preferences shall apply to the review and approval of any proposed commemorative name:
(1) A proposed name shall have a long-standing local or community identification with city residents and be understandable to a majority of those residents.
(2) Preference shall be given to any name which:
(a) Gives a sense of place, continuity, and belonging reflecting the geographic location, community, and neighborhood;
(b) Recognizes the historical significance of an area;
(c) Reflects any unique characteristics of the area; or
(d) Is consistent with any generally accepted or common theme.
(3) The name of a person, organization, corporation, foundation, or similar entity shall be considered only when such person or entity has a made a significant contribution to the city by enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the city and its citizens or contributing to the historical, cultural, or societal interests of the city, the region, the state, or the United States.
(E) The following limitations shall apply to the review and approval of any proposed commemorative street naming:
(1) A proposed commemorative street name must meet all applicable addressing standards established by the United States Postal Service, Caldwell County 911 Address Administrator, and any requirements or limitations imposed by applicable emergency services and public safety service providers. These requirements may not be waived.
(2) A proposed commemorative street name must not cause confusion or misunderstanding due to duplication of or similarity with the city or county;
(3) A proposed commemorative street name must not reflect the name of an entity or business associated with tobacco, alcohol, pornography, or subject to police regulation;
(4) A proposed commemorative street name must not be discriminatory of or derogatory towards any race, gender, creed, political affiliation, or similar consideration;
(5) A proposed commemorative street name must not consist of a logo or trade name for a commercially available product;
(6) Is any public facility donated to the city contingent upon assignment of a specific name to such public facility; or
(7) Is any public facility constructed from money or property donated to the city for the specific purpose of securing a particular name of such public facility?
(F) A petition for a commemorative street or public facility name shall be initially reviewed and considered for recommendation by the City Administrator, which shall review the proposal for compliance. The City Administrator also may request the review and recommendation of public safety service providers and county officials, where necessary. The City Administrator shall seek the review and recommendation of the petition by all relevant city boards and commissions with jurisdiction, such as the Parks Advisory Board and Historical Commission.
(G) The City Administrator shall provide a recommendation regarding the proposed commemorative name to the City Council.
(H) Upon determining that an application is complete and the applicant has made adequate provisions for the costs of processing and reviewing the application, the City Administrator will schedule the application for a public hearing and consideration by the City Council. The public hearing will be preceded by a notice published in a newspaper of general circulation in the city at least ten days before the date of the hearing.
(I) The City Council will hold a public hearing on the request for the proposed commemorative name before making a final decision.
(J) The review and final approval of any proposed commemorative street or public facility name shall be within the sole discretion of the City Council. A simple majority of the City Council is required to approve any proposed commemorative name.
(K) If the request is approved by the City Council, the City Administrator shall provide the appropriate information regarding the commemorative street or public facility name to the Caldwell County 911 Address Administrator for review and Geographic Information Systems Department (GIS) for input into its system.
(Ord. 2020-04-07, passed 4-7-2020)