Onalaska council declines to end alternate-side parking early after extended debate

By a 4–1 roll-call vote on Feb. 11 the Onalaska Common Council rejected a motion to suspend alternate-side parking early; the ordinance will remain in effect through March 1 under the council’s schedule.

Why it matters: alternate-side parking affects street-clearing efficiency and public safety during snow events. Councilors who opposed lifting the rule said predictable enforcement helps crews clear streets quickly and helps emergency vehicles. Those who favored more flexible enforcement urged discretion where consecutive snow-free days make tickets seem unfair.

Discussion and positions - Ald. Steven Knott said he would not support lifting the requirement now, citing forecasts for additional snow and the need for predictability to allow efficient plowing and safe passage for emergency vehicles. Knott argued irregular enforcement or an ad-hoc approach leads to longer-term clearing problems. - Ald. Dan Stevens said he favored keeping the policy in place as the default and relying on enforcement discretion in practice; he said removing or repeatedly changing the policy creates public confusion. - Amanda Jackson, a city staff member, said a practical compromise would be to give the police chief or the city administrator discretion not to enforce the ordinance during extended no-snow periods but noted staff currently believes they must enforce codified ordinances unless given explicit discretion. - Public Works Director Jared and Police Chief Ashback both said on-the-fly switching between enforcement and non-enforcement creates operational complexity for crews and officers. - Ald. Mike Milkey voted to end the season earlier; he was the sole yes vote. Other councilors voted no, meaning the ordinance remains effective until March 1.

Outcome and next steps The motion to suspend enforcement early failed on a roll call. Councilors asked staff to examine communication options—website banners, RAVE alerts, social media and press releases—if the council later chooses discretion or a different enforcement approach. No formal change to enforcement authority was approved; any change would require council action.

Provenance: discussion recorded during the agenda item on alternate-side parking and the roll call that followed (Feb. 11 Onalaska Common Council meeting).