Council discusses parking enforcement, abandoned vehicles and watch‑commander contact procedures

During council comments April 10, members and police officials discussed parking enforcement, an advertising trailer parked at the Dyke Levee adjacent lot, abandoned vehicles and the city’s process for reporting problems.

Councilmember Mackey outlined resident complaints in the Newberry area — overnight trailer parking at the levee lot, improper parking on streets, abandoned vehicles near Park Pizza and trash at neighborhood sites — and asked city staff and police for options. Planning/code staff said the trailer is in violation of the city’s zoning ordinance prohibiting off‑premise advertising; a notice was sent and staff gave the owner 48 hours to remove it. Staff explained that under the zoning process the owner can appeal within 30 days, and if an appeal is not filed the city may pursue fines of $500 per day for continuing violations.

Police leaders described the abandoned‑vehicle process and urged residents to use the department number with an option for abandoned‑vehicle reports: (570) 327‑7560. The department said an officer assigned to abandoned‑vehicle investigations triages and investigates reports; the process requires time to determine whether a vehicle is abandoned. The police also noted staffing constraints and said officers must prioritize emergency and person‑related calls over parking enforcement, but they will respond to complaints when possible.

Council members discussed exploring options such as targeted enforcement and the parking authority’s role for low‑level enforcement. Council requested follow‑up on signage and coordination with the county for enforcement on county‑owned property adjacent to the levee.