Willard council adopts ban on parking along 300 North to improve safety

The Willard City Council adopted ordinance 20-26-10 on a voice and roll-call vote, prohibiting parking on 300 North. The ordinance, introduced after a public hearing, aims to reduce safety risks created by parked vehicles on a narrow stretch of roadway used heavily during the 4th of July celebration.

During the public hearing, residents and council members described recurring crowding and parking that pushes vehicles into travel lanes. Chair (S2) said the city could later add adjacent streets to the restriction if necessary and recommended adopting the ordinance as written so staff could “tweak it from there.” Resident commenters flagged the potential for spillover parking on 100 North and 100 East and asked the council to consider temporary barricades for high-use days.

Council members discussed enforcement challenges for truck traffic and noted there is little shoulder space for parked vehicles. Several members identified nearby unpaved areas and south-side lots that could be improved for event parking; staff was directed to return with options for expanding parking and for a future agenda item to consider additional streets. A motion to adopt the ordinance was made and seconded; the chair called a roll call and the motion carried. The ordinance will take effect as provided in the code and staff will return with implementation details and recommended signage enforcement methods.