Residents Criticize Enforcement of New Belgrade Parking Ordinance; City Says Rules Longstanding

Several Belgrade residents used the council's public forum to criticize how the city's recently enforced parking ordinance is being applied and to ask for clearer, fairer procedures.

The complaints centered on tickets for vehicles and trailers parked near private driveways and in right-of-ways. "I very seriously do not like the new parking system," resident Dennis Krause said, recounting tickets for his motor home and fifth wheel and saying police responses were unhelpful. Carrie Clawson said she received a $40 ticket after briefly stopping with her car running in a driveway area; she said her dispute was denied and described the review as "heavy handed." Roy Kraus said enforcement created hardship for disabled residents who cannot move large vehicles far from their property. Business owner Adam Axelson told the council the ordinance threatens home-based enterprises that rely on cargo trailers and said he wants the city to review how the rule affects work vehicles. Erin Howard spoke in support of the ordinance, saying sidewalks have often been obstructed.

Why it matters: speakers said the policy change is affecting everyday parking choices and the operation of small businesses, and they asked whether the council will revisit the ordinance or how enforcement will proceed. Several asked whether disputes are reviewed impartially and cited the fine schedule: a $40 ticket with a $60 penalty for nonpayment.

Council and staff responses: the mayor and city staff declined to debate individual disputes during public forum but said staff had heard the comments and invited follow-up. The city manager later told the council that the parking rules "have been illegal for decades," and that the council had authorized officers and code enforcement "more tools in the toolbox" to enforce existing law; he asked the public to give the city time to work through outcomes before making changes. Staff said the council may place ordinance review on a future agenda or workshop for further discussion.

Discussion vs. decision: public comments were discussion-only; no council motion or formal action on the parking ordinance occurred at the meeting. The city manager and staff indicated there may be education and review, and the council can elect to reopen or amend the ordinance in a future meeting or workshop.

Clarifying details and next steps: speakers cited a $40 fine that can become $100 if additional penalties apply (ticket plus late fee was described in public comments as $40 then an additional $60 if unpaid). City staff said enforcement reflects existing code, now enforced with additional tools; staff encouraged residents to follow up with city staff or the city manager and suggested the ordinance could be revisited at a council meeting or workshop.

Ending: Council members and staff urged residents to use the city's channels (website agenda alerts and staff follow-up) to request formal review; no formal change was made at the meeting.