Committee debates seasonal odd/even overnight parking change; no motion made

The Building and Grounds Committee discussed a proposal to modify city ordinance 7.04.6.D so odd/even overnight parking would be enforced only from Nov. 1 through April 1, but members did not move the item forward.

Alderman Van Trieste said residents in his district reported that the year-round rule leaves no curb space for single-family homes on some blocks and that a seasonal enforcement window would be more convenient. "It's actually people in my district," he said, explaining the referral.

City engineering staff told the committee a citywide review would be necessary if the ordinance were changed, because engineering, fire, police, Park & Rec and transit would need to evaluate street-width exemptions and signage. Staff reported a Police estimate of about a 10% decrease in citation revenue, roughly $12,000 based on the most recent calendar-year figures.

Several committee members expressed concern about the operational complexity and public confusion that could follow a seasonal change. One member noted street-sweeping route planning could be disrupted and the fire chief had expressed opposition. Others argued that recent permitting changes (seven-day permitting) might offset some revenue effects but said a comprehensive evaluation would be required before altering the ordinance.

Committee members asked procedural questions; staff said the appropriate path is Building & Grounds review, then O&L, then Common Council. Van Trieste said he had not yet consulted the city attorney. Without a motion, the item failed for lack of motion and no referral to O&L was made that night.

The committee did not adopt any changes; members asked staff to consider the broader operational implications if the item returns for further study.