The Danville City Commission is considering renaming Fackler Street, which runs between Second and Fourth Street, following a recommendation to name the street Micheal M. Smith Way, in honor of the late Michael M. Smith, owner of Smith-Jackson Funeral Home.

The funeral home sits between Bate Street and Roy Arnold Boulevard, formerly Fackler Street, west of Fourth Street in Danville. Roy Arnold Boulevard becomes Fackler between Fourth Street and Second Street.

According to City Attorney Stephen Dexter, a resolution was adopted “several commissions ago” regarding naming or renaming streets and city property.

“I thought it would be beneficial, primarily to look at the procedure for doing so,” he said, pointing to a copy of the resolution given to commissioners.

To rename something, the commission first has to vote to accept, in writing, and name suggestions; set a deadline for submissions; and consider those suggestions.

Dexter said the resolution asks the councils to review those suggestions regarding why the name is historically or culturally significant to the city and neighborhood in which the street is located and the preference of the neighborhood.

“One thing you want to consider, and I don’t know the answer to this, what is the significance of the current name, Fackler,” Dexter said. “I’m sure someone does.

“It’s often easier to name something that is new, as opposed to changing what is already named … this was developed some time go, so we would have something in writing that would guide commissions both now and in the future.”

Dexter told them when considering the name changes, they also had to look at things from a first responder standpoint, making sure there would be no confusion.

Commissioner J.H. Atkins started the process by making a motion to begin researching and accepting names.

“I don’t know the history behind the name Fackler, but I do support the significance of Michael M. Smith in this community. Not only Michael M. Smith, but Michael M. Smith’s family,” he said.

Commissioners voted to accept suggestions in writing for 30 days. During that time, research will be done by city officials into the significance of the name Fackler.

In other news, the city commission:

• proclaimed the week of Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week, with the theme of “Every Second Counts: Plan two ways out.”

Fire Chief Ken Pflug said that fire prevention and safety has made a difference in the lives of children and their parents.

“It really does work. There’s been numerous occasions where, ‘Hey, I learned that in fire prevention,’ and it saved a life,” he said.

• proclaimed Oct. 21 as Arbor Day. A celebration will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 21, at Weisiger Park. There will be a tree raffle, a birds of prey exhibit and family friendly activities. From 3-5 p.m., there will be a story time at the library, followed by a showing of “The Lorax” at Constitution Square State Historic Site that night.

• proclaimed Breast Cancer Awareness month, recognizing Burt Piper with Ephraim McDowell Health, and Pat Hill with the newly-opened Ephraim McDowell Women’s Breast and Health Center.