Albia residents deliver petition as council tables proposed yard-parking ordinance

Mayor Richard Clark opened the meeting and moved to public comment on a proposed parking/yard ordinance, where residents delivered opposition to the measure.

Larry Anderson presented a petition of approximately 80 signatures opposing the ordinance and told the council he had heard from additional residents who objected but did not sign. Several public commenters urged the council to leave enforcement to the city's code enforcement officer, to avoid rules that would be unduly burdensome for some residents, and to prioritize other municipal problems.

Debbie Judge said she did not believe the ordinance was necessary and asked that the city allow the code enforcement officer “to do her job.” Gordon Larson told the council to “let common sense prevail,” saying not everyone can afford to landscape their yards with rock and that enforcement should focus on habitual violators. Sarah Fabor said there were more important problems in the city than cars parked on yards and asked that meeting minutes be published online for those who do not subscribe to the local paper. Jim Stern said the council risked overstepping its authority and described the proposed language as “too broad and too extreme.” Darwin Thomas said the ordinance would pose a hardship for residents with mobility issues who park in yards and asked about impacts on campers and others who would be affected.

In response, Mayor Clark noted a request from Councilwoman Leslie Hill that the item be tabled until she could be present. Councilman Brandon Williams said the citizens in attendance had the right to hear the discussion. Merle Regenold said the ordinance could be a hardship for some residents. Dennis Conley moved and Brandon Williams seconded to table the ordinance and revisit it later; the motion carried 5-0.

The council took no further action on the ordinance at the Nov. 16 meeting; the item will return for future consideration.