Lenghty Discussion on Parking at Neillsville City Council Meeting
Friday, July 14th, 2017 -- 9:10 AM
-Parking proved to be a sticking point for the Neillsville City Council at their meeting on Thursday.A lengthy discussion was held about the 3 hour parking spots in the City of Neillsville. Specifically, the 3 hour parking spots by the Clark County Courthouse. The purpose of those spots is for people conducting business for brief periods of time in the courthouse. However, the Neillsville Police Department and the Parking Enforcement Officer have found that county employees are parking in those spots. Neillsville’s Police Chief stated that 95-98% of the county employees’ park in the designated county parking lots. But he’s having trouble with the remaining 3-5% that are parking in the 3 hours stalls all day. He’s also had troubles with enforcing the rule. According to the city ordinance, people can only park in the spot for a 3 hour period and if they go beyond that, they are cited. So, to work around that rule, county employees parking in those spots will move their vehicle to a new 3 hour stall or just move their car a couple inches, so they’re not in the exact same spot.
The Neillsville Police Department has heard multiple complaints about this. Some employees argue that the 3 hour spots are right next to their office. Others say they would have to walk too far if they parked in other lots. And some are now complaining about the chalk marks on their tires because of the department trying to enforce the parking. The city council was highly annoyed by this situation feeling those spots were made for people conducting business. One council member suggested going back to 90 minute parking around the courthouse. Another said that if courthouse employees didn’t want chalk marks on their tires, they shouldn’t park in those spots. They were also annoyed that the employees, who are paid by their taxes, are taking time out of their day just to move their vehicle. The police chief stated he’s going to approach the county board to see if something can’t be done on their end.
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