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� <br /> The name "Spring Creek" has appeared on Federal maps since at least 1933. Mr. Peterson's <br /> research has found that the stream was referred to as Ward Branch in early county histories and <br /> in township records. The Ward family came to the area in 1824 and settled in several locations <br /> south of the Sangamon River. When Macon County was created in 1829, the home of James <br /> Ward was used for Commissioner Meetings and elections. The Wards migrated here from the <br /> Southern states of South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. <br /> Mark Sorensen, the Macon County Historian, has researched this item for the Macon County <br /> Board and has found mention of Ward Branch through 1910 in public records, newspapers and <br /> county histories. <br /> City Staff was alerted again of the multiple Spring Creeks during the development of the first <br /> phase of the Stormwater Master Plan. With two Spring Creeks within the corporate limits of <br /> Decatur, confusion occurs when discussing drainage within each of the associated watersheds. <br /> Changing the name of the southern Spring Creek to Ward Branch will eliminate this confusion. <br /> POTENTIAL OBJECTION: There are no known objections to this Resolution <br /> INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: Mr. Roger Peterson, a farmer in South Wheatland <br /> Township, supports the name change. Mark Sorenson, Macon County Historian, led Macon <br /> County's support for this name change. Mr. Steve John, Executive Director of the Agricultural <br /> Water Institute, supports the name change. <br /> STAFF REFERENCE: Richard Marley, Director of Engineering & Infrastructure and Matthew <br /> Newell, City Engineer. Richard Marley will be in attendance at the City Council meeting to <br /> answer any questions of the Council on this item. <br /> BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: <br /> Budget Impact: This Resolution has no budgetary impacts. <br /> Staffing Impact: Minimal staff time will be used to update current maps if the name change is <br /> approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names <br /> This memorandum was prepared by Mary E. Cave. <br /> Attach: 2 <br /> cc: John Smith, Assistant City Manager for Public Services <br /> Dick Borders, Municipal Services Manager <br /> Page � 2 <br />