Evergreen Apartments seek temporary parking during lot snow removal; city says county permission required

Tabitha Johnson, representing Evergreen Apartments, told the committee she sought a temporary solution so apartment residents could park off the lot briefly while staff completed snow removal. Johnson said her intent was to protect safety and allow a full lot clean‑out and that the apartment complex has assigned resident parking spaces but lost an alternate area used in previous years.

Neighbors who came forward described Wendover Street as narrow, with bus pickups and safety risks for children and vehicles. Resident Dana Fairbanks urged a compromise—suggesting a 50‑foot buffer from an intersection rather than closing the whole street—and emphasized concern for mailboxes, bus safety and driveway access.

Staff clarified the legal point: County Road 5 is under county jurisdiction; the city cannot authorize parking there. Staff suggested the applicant contact the county engineer to request a temporary variance or conditional use/permit (similar to an exception previously granted for funeral parking), and staff offered to assist with that outreach. Council did not approve a city exception; instead members agreed to assist the applicant in pursuing county approval and to return any further city‑level options if needed.