Resident submits petition to rename 4th Street for longtime park employee, requests fee waiver

Rose Walker, a Meridian resident, asked the council to rename Fourth Street (the two blocks in front of the park formerly called Magnolia Park, now Bellamy Young Park) "Billy Joe Jones Way" in honor of Billy Joe Jones, who Walker said served many years as the park's assistant director. Walker presented a completed application, said she had obtained signed approval from the New Era church that faces the street, and submitted a petition with more than 220 signatures. Walker said Mr. Jones is still living and she hopes action can be taken during his lifetime. Walker also requested the council waive the $250 street-renaming application fee because she said she is a senior citizen on a fixed income. Councilmembers told Walker they would set aside a work session so she could present further details without worrying about the meeting clock; the staff proposed Oct. 14 (morning) or Oct. 28 (5 p.m.) as possible dates for that session. No formal vote to rename the street or to waive the application fee was recorded in the meeting; the council indicated it would take up the petition and fee-waiver request at the work session. Walker said she began attending the park at age 6 and that Billy Joe Jones was remembered fondly by the community for his long service; she provided a copy of an old staff directory that included his name and asked the council to consider the application.