Sign outside of the Portage County Courthouse and Stevens Point's City Hall. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A Stevens Point Committee will consider a proposal to eliminate the three dollar per night fee for on-street, overnight parking on some city streets.
During a regular meeting of the Public Works Committee on Monday, members heard a presentation from Police Chief Tom Zenner that outlines the proposal. Gone would be the requirement for vehicle owners to purchase the $3 permits for each night their vehicle will be parked on the street. Instead, they would just need to follow the current restrictions as they are written.
“You’re not going to have your vehicle parked on the street consistently or continuously for a week. Obviously, You’ll still need to follow the odd/even recommendation,” said Zenner. “It’s imperative that we have vehicles, and people, follow the ordinance.”
To offset the loss of the parking revenue, the proposal would see the cost of a citation for violating overnight parking rules increase from $15 to $25.
During the presentation, Zenner emphasized that this wouldn’t create a parking free-for-all. Any vehicle that accumulates three or more citations would be treated as abandoned, vehicles parked on the street would still require current registrations, and boats and trailers would still not be allowed on streets overnight.
The proposal would not change the hours that are considered “overnight,” those would remain from 2:30 AM to 6 AM.
Zenner added that parking rules and regulations are there as a matter of safety; both for drivers and pedestrians. Streets with cars parked on both sides can become crowded and impassable. Vehicles parked on the street can also get in the way of street sweepers and snow removal, the latter of which can create dangerous street conditions during winter.
Alder Mary Kneebone praised the proposal, saying it would help residents of her district. “This gives a lot of relief to a lot of people in my district that have an issue with not enough parking where they live and property size restrictions which make it unable for them to have a parking area.”
Mayor Mike Wiza added that parking violations can always be reported to police by calling either 911 or the non-emergency number. If a problem persists, city Alderpersons can also be notified who can then bring the matter to the city level for possible action.
The presentation to the committee came with no action. Mayor Wiza said it will now be brought back to next month’s Public Works meeting in the form of an ordinance where it will be considered for approval.
Comments