Minutes 07/23/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 23, 2024 “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM INCOME IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,218 AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2025 COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FUND BUDGET FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANNUAL ACTION PLAN.” Ayes: Barnes, Hugel, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Tillage, Whitaker, Glover Nays: None 24 - 211 - Adoption of a resolution adopting an Honorary Street Designation Policy to honor the contribution of individuals and groups. Background:  Portsmouth currently allows citizens to request a change to the official name of a city street, however the City Council may determine if the change is an honorary designation or a permanent name change. Sec. 33.1-55(c) of the Portsmouth City Codes states: “Names of existing streets or subdivisions shall not be changed except by approval of the governing body.” This is the only adopted and codified reference regarding the renaming of city streets.  The official renaming of a street can cause significant difficulties for residents because it results in address changes. Therefore, staff has drafted a proposed policy to authorize “honorary” street name designations that would not change the official name of the street. Discussion:  City Council requested that the draft Honorary Street Designation policy be placed rd on the agenda for consideration at the July 23 meeting.  The attached draft policy has been modified, per Council direction to provide for the perpetual maintenance of Honorary Street name signage by the City of Portsmouth. Financial Impact:  The City will be responsible for maintenance of signs after installation. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the policy. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The proposed policy if adopted can be implemented immediately by application of persons sponsoring candidates for Honorary Street name changes. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Lucas-Burke, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: “RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN HONORARY STREET DESIGNATION POLICY TO HONOR THE CONTRIBUTION OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS. WHEREAS, Section 33.1-55(c) of the City Code provides for changes to the names of streets upon the approval of City Council; and WHEREAS, changing the official name of a street can cause hardship for residents, because it results in a change to their addresses; and WHEREAS, City Council therefore requested that City staff prepare a policy authorizing Council to approve honorary street designations; and WHEREAS, the policy would serve as an alternative to official street name changes and allow applicants to petition City Council to honor the contributions of individuals and groups in a public setting, while minimizing the confusion a permanent street name change has on both emergency services and general travel; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: