Othello limits street parking

Plans for yard parking to be debated in February

OTHELLO —The Othello City Council wants to get idle cars and trucks off of city streets, and voted Monday to limit the amount of time those cars can go unmoved.

The council unanimously approved a plan, which would require the relocation of any car parked in any spot on city streets after 25 days. At least one councilman hopes the measure is a step toward limiting parking in places like front and side yards, but already faces opposition from at least one other member of the council.

The parking ordinance passed by the city council Monday restricts parking on any city street to 25 days, followed by a five-day notification period before the city tows the vehicle. Not moving your car or truck within the month long period could result in an $80 ticket, in addition to the cost of a vehicle tow, for a first offense.

The council has discussed the plan at previous meetings, and Councilman Marc Spohr said Monday he had received nothing but positive feedback about the city's proposal.

"I think we just want to set a precedent that we want our town looking nice," Spohr said following the meeting.

Spohr cited aesthetics in his reasoning for supporting on-street parking limits, also mentioning safety and the access of emergency vehicles.

Spohr has hopes the proposal is the first parking regulation plan at the city that could soon limit vehicle parking in front yards as well, where he said neighbors don't want to look at those vehicles.

But Councilwoman Eleanor Brodahl said limiting parking on city streets is as far as she wants to take city regulations. Brodahl said after Monday's meeting that she completely disagrees with Spohr's proposal, and said her private property is just that.

"It's a private property issue," Brodahl said after the meeting, adding that if a car is parked in her front yard, that's her business as a property owner.

Limiting parking in front yards is tentatively scheduled as a topic of discussion at the council's February workshop on Feb. 6.

Also at Monday's meeting:

? The city authorized the use of Lions Park on Saturday, May 13 for a Mother's Day festival.

? City council members approved the expenditure of $3,000 for support of the Othello Literacy council.

? Council members approved an agreement with Ritzville/Othello Pet Rescue for the agency to assist with the feeding and cleaning of animals placed in the city pound, at a cost of $250 per month for 2006.