Board of Honor Meeting: Street Naming and Sign Removal Discussions - May 7, 2026

The Board of Honor met on May 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM in City Council Chambers, chaired by Barbara Floyd. The board considered three agenda items: two street-naming requests (recommendations to city council) and a request to remove an existing honorary street sign. The meeting included public testimony, board deliberation, and votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ranshea Allison (sponsor of Kimani Latig designation) testified that she was inspired by God to advocate for honoring Kimani Latig, a 13-year-old girl who was murdered. Allison described Kimani as an honor student, basketball player, and an "old soul," and emphasized remembering her "triumph" not the tragedy. She noted that a community memorial exists on Wilmot Street.
• Stephanie Russia (Fremont, Ohio) spoke in support of the Kimani Latig designation, stating that honoring young lives could help address suicide and show that children matter.
• Lee Paul (nephew of Sister Margaret Ann Paul) requested removal of the Monsignor Jerome Schmidt sign. He described his aunt's accomplishments as a nun and hospital administrator, and her 1980 murder by Father Gerald Robinson. He testified that Deputy Chief Ray Vetter and Monsignor Schmidt delayed justice for 26 years, based on sworn testimony from the 2006 trial.
• Claudia Versalati (advocate) detailed the investigation, alleging Monsignor Schmidt intervened in the interrogation of Father Robinson, causing the case to stall. She stated that the sign was dedicated on the anniversary of the murder and that its presence emboldens wrong behavior.
• Tom Antonini (General Counsel, Diocese of Toledo) read a statement asserting that Monsignor Schmidt is an honored citizen and that no competent authority has suggested any wrongdoing.
• Jim Vetter (son of Deputy Chief Ray Vetter) argued that Monsignor Schmidt was brought in to help obtain a confession, not to cover up the murder. He cited a 1986 Blade article where his father expressed disappointment in not solving the case.
• Andrea Luna (retired Lucas County Sheriff's Office) supported removal, stating that two sworn law enforcement officers testified that Monsignor Schmidt interfered, and that DNA was destroyed. She noted that another sign (for Monsignor Doyle, at a Catholic charity building) was removed based on unsworn allegations.

Discussion Items

• Street Naming for Kimani Latig (Wilmot Street): Board members discussed whether a 13-year-old victim of tragedy meets the criteria for honorary street naming, which typically requires community contribution. Some members argued that even a short life can have impact and that honoring her sends a message to young people. The board voted 5–0 (all present) to recommend approval to city council. Chair Floyd clarified that the board's decision is a recommendation, not final.
• Street Naming for Lee Liddell and Vernon Liddell (Junction Avenue and Indiana Avenue): Councilwoman Sandra McPherson presented the request, noting that Lee Liddell Sr. opened a barber shop in the 1960s, later moved to Junction Avenue, and that his nephew Vernon Liddell continued the business. The barbershop is the last surviving African American business from the Dor Street area. Discussion focused on sign placement; it was agreed to rename one street sign at the intersection. The board voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Request to Remove Monsignor Jerome Schmidt Street Sign: The board heard extensive testimony for and against removal. Board members expressed concerns about adjudicating a 26-year-old case, the need for procedural clarity for removal requests, and the lack of institutional knowledge about prior repeals. Councilwoman McPherson suggested further investigation into whether the city has ever removed an honorary name. A motion to defer the vote for 30 days to allow additional research (including the original 2002 ordinance and city policy on removals) was made and seconded.

Key Outcomes

• Kimani Latig street designation: Recommended to city council (unanimous).
• Lee and Vernon Liddell street designation: Recommended to city council (unanimous).
• Monsignor Jerome Schmidt sign removal: Vote deferred for 30 days (motion carried 3–1; Spitler, Collins, Stooky in favor; Floyd opposed). The clerk will schedule a new meeting within 30 days and notify all parties. The board will research the original ordinance and any prior removal processes.