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Harlan council advances snow-emergency ordinance, raising fines and clarifying towing authority
Summary
On first reading the council approved changes to snow-emergency enforcement that raise the first-offense fine from $25 to $50 and add explicit towing language; councilors discussed collection procedures and public notification methods.
The Harlan City Council on Nov. 18 advanced Ordinance 20-25-06 on its first reading, moving to increase fines for snow-emergency violations and to add explicit language authorizing towing for violations that interfere with snow removal.
Clerk staff introduced the ordinance as a technical amendment to existing snow-emergency enforcement provisions. “We’re primarily just increasing the fine amount,” the clerk said, referencing a proposed increase from $25 to $50 for a first violation. Councilors pressed staff on enforcement and collection mechanics: if a vehicle is towed, the towing company handles impoundment and release and the city only initiates the tow, staff said. Unpaid tickets are sent to the courthouse after several days and may affect vehicle registration until paid.
Council members discussed whether the higher fine will improve compliance and noted the city’s existing outreach methods for snow-emergency notices (social media, signboard, radio). A councilor suggested coordinating with the sheriff’s office to use county text alerts for registered users.
After questions and clarifications, Lindbergh moved and Kroger seconded approval of item 3b to proceed with the ordinance reading process; the council approved the motion by unanimous roll call. The council indicated they will schedule further readings (second and third) at future meetings to meet timing for winter enforcement.
The ordinance is at first-reading stage; no final adoption occurred on Nov. 18.
