Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Streetscape And Parking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews new welcome signs and hears downtown businesses' parking complaints
Summary
A presentation proposed two new 'Welcome to Ainsworth' signs (east and west approaches) with estimated costs around $14,000–$15,000 each; downtown business owners raised concerns about long-term parking on Third Street obstructing deliveries and snow-route access, and council discussed striping and enforcement options.
Council heard a presentation from Linda on new welcome signs for the east and west approaches to Ainsworth. Linda said the project is close to moving forward pending permits and noted the west sign sits near the water tower and the east sign near the landfill turn. She said a down payment of $14,000 had been made and estimated each sign would cost around $15,000.
Council members discussed maintenance (trimming nearby trees), whether signs should be illuminated (solar vs. electrical) and permit status with the state Department of Roads. Linda said the group had worked with the Chamber of Commerce and was exploring lighting and landscaping details.
Separately, a downtown business owner raised concerns about parking and deliveries on Third Street where vehicles have been parked for several days, blocking delivery doors and creating problems during snow events because Third is an emergency snow route on those blocks. The business owner asked the council to consider either repainting former parking stripes, designating a short-term loading zone, or increasing enforcement. Council members discussed repainting stripes and possible short-term (15-minute) spaces but cautioned about setting a precedent for other businesses. Enforcement challenges and possible language barriers with some drivers were also discussed.
Next steps: Council asked staff to monitor parking patterns, consider repainting stripes in the spring and work on enforcement strategies for chronic offenders. Planning/staff will continue permitting work on the welcome signs.
