#3 Approve name change of portion of West Rotamer Road to West Rotamer Court
Community Development Department Memorandum
Date: May 14, 2012
TO: Janesville City Council
FROM: Duane Cherek, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT: Motion to approve an affidavit to change the name of a portion of West
Rotamer Road east of Whitney Way to West Rotamer Court.
_____________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY
The Community Development Department has received a request from the Janesville Fire
Department to rename a portion of West Rotamer Road. The street segment in question is
located between Whitney Street and the cul-de-sac that exists west of STH 26 along West
Rotamer Road (See Exhibit A). Due to delays in emergency service response to the
neighborhood, a change from West Rotamer “Road” to West Rotamer “Court” is proposed
to distinguish those properties that have driveway access and addresses along this
segment from the rest of West Rotamer Road (see Exhibit B).
BACKGROUND
Lt. Kent Shea contacted Community Development in early March and reported difficulties
in providing Fire Department response to emergency situations in the 4200 and 4300
blocks of West Rotamer Road. Earlier this year, there was a life-threatening 911 call to
the neighborhood and the responding ambulance was delayed approximately 4 to 5
minutes because the driver could not find the property. This was not the first occurrence of
service delay to the subject neighborhood observed over the past few years.
Prior to 1993, West Rotamer Road provided a direct connection to State Highway 26. This
connection was eliminated with the State’s reconstruction of the highway in the early 90’s
which left this section of West Rotamer Road as a dead-end street. Years later, homes
were built on the street’s north side and a cul-de-sac bulb was constructed (2004).
Community Development agrees with the Fire Department that action should be taken to
change the street name suffix from “Road” to “Court” in this location. This measure would
be consistent with street naming recognition typically applied to all other cul-de-sac streets
in the city and provide clarity and efficiency for emergency services response.
The process for street name changes requires a review by the City Council. As part of that
process, residents directly affected are contacted in advance for input into the decision.
Specific to this request, nine residential addresses would be impacted by the change. In
March, Staff sent letters requesting response from all property owners and tenants located
in the 4200 and 4300 blocks of the street. The letter outlined the emergency response
situation and need for a street name change. Of the 13 letters mailed, 3 of the letters were
returned due to the homes being vacant. Staff received 5 calls in response, all of whom
recognized the need for a street name change. 4 of the 5 calls enthusiastically supported
the suffix change to “court” and one neighbor stated, “It’s about time.” Staff attempted
unsuccessfully to contact the remaining residents by phone.
Although current policy does not require a public hearing for street name changes, a
mailed notification was sent to all owners/tenants informing them of Council’s scheduled
action this evening. If the request is approved, the suffix change would become official
through the recording of the attached affidavit.
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Community Development Department recommends that Council support a motion to
approve the attached affidavit renaming a portion of West Rotamer Road to West Rotamer
Court, and direct the City Clerk to file that affidavit with the Rock County Register of
Deeds.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Based on the neighborhood feedback, the City Manager concurs with the Community
Development Department recommendation.
SUGGESTION MOTION
A motion to approve the attached affidavit renaming a portion of West Rotamer Road to
West Rotamer Court, and direct the City Clerk to file that affidavit with the Rock County
Register of Deeds.
cc: Eric Levitt
Jay Winzenz
AFFIDAVIT TO CHANGE A STREET NAME
Carl Weber, being first duly sworn, on oath deposes and says that he is employed by the
City of Janesville as a City Engineer and Director of Public Works; he further provides the
following information based on records of the City of Janesville and the Register of Deeds
for Rock County.
1. The right-of-way for West Rotamer Road, located east of Whitney Street, was
established upon the recording of various instruments described as follows:
Certified Survey Map Document Number 1101404 as recorded in Volume 14, Pages
141 and 142, and Certified Survey Map Document Number 1403412, Volume 22,
Pages 92-95 of Certified Survey Maps of Rock County, Wisconsin.
2. The aforementioned documents show a street dedication identified as West
Rotamer Road; and
3. Due to public safety concerns, renaming the street portion of West Rotamer Road
east of Whitney Street is necessary; and
4. It has been determined that the street portion identified as West Rotamer Road east
of Whitney Street as provided in the above descriptions should be renamed to West
Rotamer Court; and
5. The Common Council by motion on May 14, 2012, approved the street name
change to West Rotamer Court.
Your affiant has prepared this affidavit to change said street name; thenceforth the street
shown on said certified survey or other City maps shall be identified as herein provided.
__________________________
Carl Weber
Director of Public Works
Subscribed and sworn before me_________day of_____________________, 2012.
__________________________
Notary Public
My Commission expires: ________________________
Drafted by: Community Development Department
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