HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-7Resolution No. 21-7
RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING AN HONORARY STREET NAME OF
DONALD J. SLEEMAN AVENUE FOR THAT PORTION OF CHESTER AVENUE
BETWEEN DUNDEE AVENUE AND LIBERTY STREET
WHEREAS, a formal application to provide for the establishment of the honorary street
name of Donald J. Sleeman Avenue for the portion of Chester Avenue between Dundee Avenue
and Liberty Street was submitted to the City of Elgin, sponsored by Councilmember Toby Shaw;
and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Donald J. Sleeman was a Supply Sergeant, stationed in
Japan during the Korean War, specifically from February 1952 to June 1953; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman was awarded the Korean Service Medal and
the United Nations Medal; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman has been a member of the American Legion
Elgin Post 57 for 66 years; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman has been the only member to serve as
American Legion Post 57 Commander for three different terms; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman, as American Legion Post 57 Service Officer,
has ensured that disabled veterans have had accessible ramps installed at their homes and other
necessary repair work performed at their homes at no expense to the veteran or the veteran's
family; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman is often called "Mr. Elgin Post 57," a title he
carries proudly and humbly; and
WHEREAS, the American Legion Elgin Post 57 is located at 820 N. Liberty Street,
which is located at the southwest corner of Chester Avenue and Liberty Street; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman has been instrumental in assisting the City of
Elgin in the "Buy a Brick" program which helped save the Elgin History Museum building and
was a major participant in organizing the City's Sesquicentennial programs and parade; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman was the President of the Elgin Patriotic
Memorial Association for 10 plus years of his 60 plus years as a member, during which time he
coordinated Memorial Day events and instituted the Avenue of Flags at the Bluff City
Ceremony, which has been a draw to hundreds of visitors each year and a comfort to many
families of deceased veterans; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman has also worked closely with other civic and
veteran organizations and City employees in coordinating Veterans' Day, Flag Day, and New
Citizens Recognition programs by providing Rifle and Honor Guards; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman has been instrumental in ensuring the success
of the Post Poppy Day Program, Pearl Harbor Day Program, and the final honors at funerals of
area veterans, Post members, and non -Post members alike; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman was a long-time member and a Past President
of the Elgin United Civic Association; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Sleeman was born in Elgin in 1929 and has lived here
all his life; and
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is extremely proud to call Sergeant First Class Sleeman an
Elginite; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and members of the City Council wish to extend the appreciation
and esteem of all Elgin citizens for Sergeant First Class Sleeman's outstanding service to the
community; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and members of the City Council have determined that it is
appropriate to formally recognize Sergeant First Class Sleeman.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that there is hereby established the honorary street name of Donald J.
Sleeman Avenue along that portion of Chester Avenue between Dundee Avenue and Liberty
Street.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an honorary street sign shall be placed at the
southeast corner of Dundee Avenue and Chester Avenue and at the southeast corner of Liberty
Street and Chester Avenue designating that portion of Chester Avenue Street between Dundee
Avenue and Liberty Street as Donald J. Sleeman Avenue.
Presented: January 13, 2021
Adopted: January 13, 2021
Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/ Kimberly Dewis
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk
-2-
s/ David J. Kaptain
David J. Kaptain, Mayor