Title
Amending RES 17-1065 and restoring the City of Saint Paul’s practice of honorary street co-naming.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has historically used honorary street co-naming to recognize residents and community leaders whose contributions have had a significant and lasting impact on the city; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, the City Council adopted RES 17-1065, discontinuing the practice of street co-naming until further notice, citing concerns regarding public confusion between honorary and official street names; and
WHEREAS, honorary street co-naming remains a meaningful way to preserve Saint Paul’s history, recognize significant civic and community contributions, and reflect the people and stories that have shaped the city; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the practice can be restored while establishing clear standards that distinguish honorary street names from official street names and provide for a consistent and transparent review process; and
WHEREAS, that the City Council commits to reviewing the City's honorary street co-naming policy through the appropriate Council policy committee and, in consultation with the Mayor’s Office, Department of Public Works, and other relevant City departments, developing recommended criteria and a streamlined process for future honorary street co-naming requests; and
WHEREAS, the policy review should consider eligibility and significance criteria, community support, geographic connection, application and review procedures, signage and public-safety standards, costs and funding responsibilities, and a process for making recommendations to the City Council for final consideration.
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that future requests would benefit from a standardized process for receiving, reviewing, and recommending honorary street co-naming proposals rather than relying solely upon individual Council-initiated requests;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby amends RES 17-1065 by restoring the practice of honorary street co-naming in the City of Saint Paul.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council will adopt a resolution approving a Standard Operating Procedures as outlined in this resolution before signage for any additional honorary street sign is manufactured or displayed, with an exception to RES 26-1543.