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Council tables unlawful‑parking ordinance amid concerns about enforceability and penalties
Summary
Council members and staff debated proposed changes to the unlawful‑parking code, including seasonal restrictions, fire‑lane red curbing, and overnight parking hours. City Attorney Justin Wayment and Police Chief Jackson Ames urged clearer language; the council voted to table the ordinance until June 17 for refinements.
City Manager Ryan Robinson introduced proposed amendments to the unlawful parking code to address safety and on‑street parking, including allowing on‑street parking only when snow is not present and requiring red curbs and signage to protect fire lanes and building entrances. The proposal called for clearer seasonal or event‑driven restrictions rather than blanket prohibitions.
Council Member Jacob Miner raised enforcement concerns with a fixed overnight prohibition (proposed 10 p.m.–5 a.m.), noting many residents routinely park at curbs. City Attorney Justin Wayment advised that ordinance language must provide fair notice to citizens and cautioned that vague phrasing (for example, "when parking impedes city functions") could be legally problematic. Wayment also suggested changing a provision that carried a Class B misdemeanor penalty to an infraction. Police Chief Jackson Ames emphasized the importance of aligning ordinance language with actual enforcement practices to avoid neighbor‑against‑neighbor disputes.
After extended discussion, Council Member David Harris moved to table Ordinance No. 2026‑06‑03‑A to allow the city attorney and manager to refine language; Council Member Jacob Miner seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Council directed staff to return with clarified seasonal definitions and enforcement language at the June 17 meeting.
