Valley residents press council for visible parking permits, administration outlines pilot for electronic enforcement

During public comment, Joy Bernett told the council that neighbors “would like to have stickers as the other residents have because we will not know who’s supposed to be there and who’s not,” arguing an electronic‑only system left residents unable to identify unauthorized cars. Bernett said the parking situation has persisted “for over a decade” and demanded a timeline for action.

Several other residents and council members pushed for immediate, visible solutions. Councilwoman Ruden said a short‑term measure — issuing paper or sticker permits to neighborhood residents — could be implemented quickly while a longer pilot is developed. “Five minutes and the will,” Ruden said, urging that issuing stickers take priority.

Administration position: Town staff told the council they are working on a measured, data‑driven pilot to avoid problems other municipalities encountered when rushing into permit programs. The director said consultants are preparing a temporary study and a presentation intended for the council within about three to four weeks; staff emphasized legal checks (state/DOT rules) and coordination with the police department are needed before rolling any system out.

On enforcement: Administration described a strategy that could rely on license‑plate recognition (LPR) for on‑street checks; staff said LPR would allow officers to detect non‑permitted cars automatically rather than relying on residents to identify vehicles.

What’s next: Staff said they would present a pilot plan (timing, zones, permit rules and technology options) to council within weeks for legislative consideration. Multiple council members asked staff to explore immediate sticker issuance for people who can demonstrate residency while the pilot is finalized.

Quotes from the meeting appear in the public record and staff promised to return with a formal proposal.