Ordinance may limit parking near driveways
Staff reporter
The issue of vehicles blocking driveways is more than just a nuisance. In some cases, it limits homeowners' use of their own property.
That was the complaint heard July 1 at Hillsboro City Council meeting.
A complaint was filed with the city by a resident on South Adams Street, across from the Tabor College townhouses. The resident claims a vehicle sat in the street next to her driveway for a month in January. It wouldn't have been a big deal except the vehicle was parked so close to the resident's driveway, she had a difficult time seeing oncoming traffic when backing from her property.
A review of the city's standard traffic codes revealed that vehicles aren't allowed to block driveways but the restrictions do not apply when a vehicle obstructs or hinders the use of property.
Councilman Byron McCarty stated he has a similar situation in the block where he lives on South Madison Street. When there are events at the school gymnasium, people will park next to his driveway and directly across the street from his drive, making it difficult to negotiate the driveway.
City administrator Larry Paine said he and Hillsboro Police Chief Dan Kinning had talked about the situation and Paine said his suggestion was to paint the curb yellow on either side of the driveway in the area by the college where the complaint was filed.
Kinning said signs also would be a good idea with a painted curb but the city may need to go a step further and change the city's ordinance.
He also suggested that parking be restricted to six feet on either side of driveways.
The council instructed Paine to present a solution to the problem at the next council meeting.
In other business:
— A restaurant, shoe store, and a store that would appeal to women were among the list of companies selected for Buxton Consulting, the retail recruitment company, to pursue. A list of 10 will be presented to the council for final review.
— Street superintendent Dale Dalke has estimated a rotating chip and seal program for all city streets at a cost of $100,000 per year.
— Paine commended Kinning for meeting the challenge of losing 100 pounds. A wellness program is offered by the city which pays for cholesterol screening, colo-rectal exams, and other preventive testing.
— A new telephone system for city offices will be installed Monday.
— Professional Engineering Consultants will look at the former AMPI building. The proper transformer will be ordered for the building to accommodate Butler Community College welding school.
— Shawn Edwards was re-appointed to the Hillsboro Board of Zoning Appeals.
— A planning session between Hillsboro Planning Commission and the council will be 7 p.m. July 17 at city hall.
The next regular city council meeting is at 4 p.m. Tuesday at city ahll.
