Resident group asks Cottonwood Heights to remove overnight towing rule at Hillside Plaza

Elaine Greaves, a District 1 resident, told the City Council on Jan. 21 that she was representing more than 300 people who signed a petition asking the city to remove a 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. no-parking and towing provision at Hillside Plaza. "It's really, targeted, we feel, against patrons of the Huddle," Greaves said, referring to a neighborhood sports bar she said was penalized by the new signs.

Greaves said the policy took effect without notice to business owners and that one resident whose car was towed faced a $500, cash-only fee to retrieve the vehicle from a Provo-based towing company. "They won't accept credit," she said, and questioned why a Provo firm was chosen for local enforcement and why mileage charges added to the burden of retrieving towed vehicles.

Mayor Mike Wickers apologized that city staff had not followed up with her after her Dec. 3 appearance and said he would ensure someone contacts her. The mayor did not provide an immediate policy response during the meeting but acknowledged the petition and the need for follow-up with staff.

The council did not take formal action on the towing provision during the meeting. Greaves asked for an explanation of who created the policy, why it was implemented and how residents or business owners could pursue a change if the current process is inappropriate; she said she turned in the petition to the city.

Next steps: Mayor Wickers committed to follow up with staff and the petitioner. The council did not set a hearing or a specific review date during the Jan. 21 meeting.