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Dardenne Prairie council postpones ordinance limiting school pickup parking on Expedition Court
Summary
The council postponed consideration of Bill 2520, an ordinance to prohibit parking for school drop‑off and pickup on Expedition Court, after members raised concerns the restriction is too narrowly written and county enforcement officials told staff the language must be specific to enable ticketing.
The City of Dardenne Prairie postponed action on Bill 2520, an ordinance that would ban parking, stopping or standing for dropping off or picking up schoolchildren on Expedition Court, to give staff time to draft clearer, more enforceable language.
Council members approved the meeting’s consent agenda and a separate resolution earlier in the session before turning to Bill 2520. The ordinance was read by title only at the request of the presiding officer; the text would amend Schedule 3 of Title 3 of the municipal code to prohibit drop‑off/pickup parking on Expedition Court.
During discussion, an alderperson identified in the transcript as Speaker 3 said the proposed restriction was too narrowly focused: "I'm wondering why we are letting it Expedition Court because we're going to have the same issue," and asked that the ordinance be broadened so it could apply to other courts or cul‑de‑sacs created by new development near the elementary school. The speaker cited planned development at Faizy and Hanley and said the issue affects residents when parents park in cul‑de‑sacs and block driveways or mailboxes.
A different council member (Speaker 4) noted that for an ordinance to be enforceable it must be specific enough that a violation is clear to the public and to officers. Another participant (Speaker 5) said they had spoken to a county traffic enforcement captain, who "indicated to me that it needed to be specific. Spell it out as specific as possible for them to issue tickets." That guidance prompted the council to opt for more drafting time.
Speaker 3 moved to postpone Bill 2520 until the next meeting so staff can work with police and craft enforceable language; the motion was seconded by the presiding officer and passed with no recorded opposition. The meeting then moved to communications and adjourned.
Next steps: staff will review statutory requirements and consult with county traffic enforcement and the city staff to propose revised ordinance language; the ordinance is expected to return to the council at a subsequent meeting for further consideration.
