Council committee to amend ordinance so Simpson Avenue receives 'Isaac Matthew Moore Way' memorial sign, not a full renaming

The Rules & Public Policy Committee on Nov. 5 discussed changes to Ordinance 7‑2025 and agreed to amend the third reading so the measure creates a memorial street sign rather than renaming the street.

Madam Chair read the ordinance language and said the intent was to add "the addition of a memorial street sign on the Simpson Avenue sign in the southwest quadrant reading Isaac Moore Way," but she and members concluded that the text as written would effect a renaming rather than a memorial plaque. She proposed an amendment to change the legislation to add a brown-and-white commemorative sign beneath the Simpson Avenue plate at the corner of Galbraith and Simpson that would read "Isaac Matthew Moore Way." She said, "I'll make that amendment before we have the third reading on the next council meeting."

Members also discussed exact placement — options included Simpson & Catalpa or Simpson & Galbraith — and decided on the corner of Galbraith & Simpson to place the memorial sign. Members asked whether the memorial sign would change residents’ addresses; the chair confirmed it would not and that it would apply only to the intersection section indicated.

Committee members asked staff to verify the exact spelling and formatting with family members prior to the amendment. The chair said she will update the ordinance body and title so the legislation will read: "Addition of a Memorial Street sign on the Simpson Avenue sign located at the corner of Galbraith and Simpson, reading Isaac Matthew Moore Way," and bring the amended language to council for third reading.