Council Approves Parking Ordinance

FARMINGTON -- Farmington City Council approved Ordinance 2015-05 to regulate on-street parking during its July 13 meeting.

The ordinance was on the agenda as third reading and a motion was made and granted to approve the ordinance by title only. Mayor Ernie Penn opened the floor for public comment but none was received. Alderwoman Diane Bryant questioned whether or not there is a designated bus stop for Ozark Regional Transport and if signs are needed. City attorney Steve Tennant advised the bus stops at the Farmington Public Library and no signs have been place.

"Do we need to put up signs?" Bryant asked, "I think a sign would be nice."

Tennant said this was not necessary and retraced the progression of the ordinance.

"This sort of got started because of [parking on] Blue Sky [Road], Tennant said, explaining language was inserted into the ordinance about the Chief of Police having authority to designate parking on roadways as a result of discussions with area residents. Tennant said some residents wanted to allow limited parking while others wanted to prevent all parking along the roadway depending upon how close they were to Cardinal Arena, which has vastly increased traffic flow in the vicinity during basketball games and other events such as graduation.

"I think this reaches the happy medium," Tennant said.

The ordinance regulates on-street parking on roadways within the city and repeals prior ordinances.

"Prohibited parking means prohibited parking," Tennant emphasized.

Mayor Penn said the city will mail out postcards outlining the new regulations referring residents to the city website where the full ordinance will be posted. The ordinance will take effect within 30 days of passing.

In other business the council approved the removal of two lawnmowers which were burned up in a fire at the ballfields. Penn reported a structural engineer has looked at the shed which burned and the city to date has received $27,000 insurance money to cover the building but has not yet received any money to cover the value of the two mowers. Penn said consideration is being given to increasing the size of the building by 300 or 400 additional square feet. He will bring a proposal back to the council.

General News on 07/22/2015