8/12/14 - Parking problems and enforcement around the City of Howell dominated Monday nightâs council meeting. A motion to amend current ordinance and allow off-street parking was proposed by Councilman Doug Heins, who presented photos demonstrating what he feels are problems around the city. Heins commented it was the "crappy" street project that created problems like ruts, divots and the erosion of road shoulders. Council voted against the removal of any language from the ordinance, with the exception of Heins. They felt it would only exasperate problems in the short term with people parking in swales while others commented the ordinance should be enforced as written by the police department o ensure consistency. Parking remains permitted only on hard surface areas and it was previously stated there is no confusion with interpretation of the ordinance by police officers. Mayor Phil Campbell says everyone recognizes the problems pointed out by Heins exist and he also drove around taking photos. Campbell said he wasnât convinced the ordinance should be changed, adding he never viewed the problem as a matter of two classes of citizens or roads. Councilman Scott Niblock commented that Heins made a fair point but felt the application of his solution was faulty. He agreed the parking ordinance is not being enforced and felt itâs confusing but said the change would have basically given people a free pass to park in the swales, leaving more ruts in them and further breaking down the shoulders. Councilman Heins raised further issues with people putting up stakes and big boulders next to the street to prohibit people from parking in swale areas, saying âit looks like crapâ. Although illegal under the ordinance, itâs not something rigorously enforced and Heins says the hard objects are obstructions that do not provide for safe streets. Councilman Steve Manor said he has admiration for those taking it upon themselves protect the swales and suggested additional signage on streets with them to help guide parking decisions. Others felt some problems could be solved by adding curbing or doing milling work. (JM)
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