Council adopts ordinance banning parking on 300 North after safety, event concerns

Willard City Council on a unanimous voice vote adopted ordinance 20 26-10, which amends the city code (chapter 18, section 18.12) to prohibit parking on 300 North.

At a public hearing, residents and councilors warned that a ban on 300 North could shift parking to nearby streets — notably 100 North and 100 East — and create congestion during peak events such as the July 4 fireworks. A resident pointed to an unpaved area north of the pump/well house and ball fields as a possible overflow site; the council discussed whether that area could be prepared to handle roughly 40 additional cars.

"It's a mixed bag," Mayor Rex said during the hearing, noting the road is narrow and that heavy truck traffic makes ad hoc parking unsafe. Chair recommended adopting the ordinance as written and watching how it affects neighboring streets. "I would recommend that we pass this ordinance the way it is," the Chair said during final discussion.

Councilors flagged enforcement as a key issue: speakers said commercial hauling schedules are irregular, so a blanket no-parking rule would be easier to enforce than time- or event-limited exceptions. One councilor suggested widening a section of North Hollow Road and adding a short trail as a longer-term solution to provide formal overflow parking and a safer pedestrian connection.

The ordinance was moved, seconded and approved; the council recorded the affirmative votes and declared the motion carried. Council members said they may return to amend the ordinance to add additional streets if monitoring shows that is needed.

The council also directed staff to include parking impacts on future agendas and to explore temporary barricades and signage for event days.

The ordinance takes effect as stated in the council vote; any subsequent amendments would require separate hearings.