09-26-05 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETINGSEPTEMBER 26, 2005 that provision then it is to go and park legally at another appropriate designated place. Following discussions with Councilmember Puzzello, Lynn Coleman, Members of the Neighborhood Task Force and people affected by the congested parking in their neighborhood, particularly on the dates of Notre Dame home games. The proposed fined would increase that violation to $100.00. Which is certainly a little more expensive than the parking that is legal. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Councilmember Puzzello advised that this bill has come about because in several areas of the northeast side of the City, particularly those that the situation may exist in some other areas also. The University of Notre Dame has cut way back on their parking. So it is necessary for people who attend the football games have to park on City streets. The Wooded Estates Subdivision and Harter Heights Subdivision have a lot of parking on their streets on games days. The streets are narrow and winding, so when parking exists on both side of the street it virtually impossible for any emergency vehicle to get down the street. Therefore, one side of the street was declared no parking on home Notre Dame games. People often violated that declaration, because the $10.00 fine does not mean very much when it costs so much to park anywhere else. The reason for this ordinance is to make people aware of where they are parking in the northeast area on home game days and park where it is legal for them to do so. Councilmember Dieter asked when will the police be able to enforce it. Ann-Carol Nash, answered that as soon as it is effective, which would be after the bill is passed, signed and legally advertised. Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated that the ordinance would take effect after the legal publication and be in effect before the next home game. Councilmember Al “Buddy” Kirsits advised that he has had many a complaints from the Captain’s at Engine #3, that have actually had medical calls to those subdivisions and could not get the fire truck through the streets. Hopefully, this bill will go far enough to solve the problem, but he do think that if it does not go far enough, we may have to tighten up the bill more, designating certain areas immediate tow zones. He stated that makes the City look like we are unfriendly, but the Council is taking these actions, not because we don’t want people parking in the neighborhood, but because there is a serious public safety issue here. If they continue to park there and get the ticket and if there from out of state and don’t care whether they pay it or not, then we are going to have to take the next step and go to an enforceable immediate tow zone on those days. Councilmember Kirsits stated that this is a good step and in the right direction. Councilmember Rouse asked if the City agreed to change the signs and have them posted before the next home game. Ann-Carol Nash stated that in conversation with Marcia Qualls, Customer Service Representative in the City Engineer’s Office, that the City can provide that information on the sign and it would be a note added to the existing sign that would show the $100.00 fine would be imposed. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Rouse made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as substituted. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Varner made a motion to rise and report to the full Council. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 9