R2010-173 DESIGNATING HONORARY STREET

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DATE: September 15, 2010 TO: Honorable Mayor McElroy and City Council FROM: Ryan McCrady, City Manager Billy Tyus, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Officer Robin Vogel Honorary Street Sign Designation SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Decatur City Council approve the attached resolution authorizing an honorary street designation for the area in and around the intersection of North Main Street and Pershing Road in honor of former officer Robin Vogel as per terms of the City's Honorary Street Sign program. BACKGROUND: The city for some time now has been in contact with the family of officer Robin Vogel in an effort to meet the family's wishes of finding a way to honor Robin's life and service to the residents of Decatur as a member of the Decatur Police Department. Robin lost her life on October 3, 2005 at age 37 while on duty from injuries sustained when her squad car was hit by a drunk driver. She worked for the department for six-and-a-half years, serving as a third shift patrol officer, cultural diversity and field training officer and was described in published reports by police department leadership as being "energetic, upbeat and spirited" and by family as someone who "lived for her job." Hers was the first death of an officer on duty since 1912. The family has indicated that they would very much appreciate a street named for Robin as a tribute to her service as a police officer for the city of Decatur. A request will be made to the Decatur Police Department foundation by police department personnel to pay the $150 cost to make and install the sign. The Decatur City Council in August 2009 implemented a new honorary street sign program to formally honor residents who have made significant contributions to the Decatur community. An honorary street naming program does not actually change the names of the streets so there would be no changes for emergency personnel, dispatch or others seeking the actual address of a location. In addition, notification will be given to individuals and businesses near the proposed ' honorary designation in advance notifying them that an honorary designation has been proposed , for their area and that they should continue using the regular street name in all correspondence. ', POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: There are no known objections to this project. INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: We informally surveyed other cities about their honorary street sign programs and talked with individuals who have expressed an interest in an honorary designation. BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: None. STAFF REFERENCE: Billy Tyus at 424-2753 or btyus@decaturil.gov