LISBON Council forms traffic bureau

Council says it's OK to park downtown for free during the holiday season, but you can do so for only two hours.
By SUE DROTLEFF
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LISBON -- Council established a village traffic bureau and authorized Police Chief John Higgins to hire two part-time meter readers.
All this is in response to the village's decision last month to terminate the parking meter contract with Ampco Parking of Cleveland.
Mayor Jeff Snyder said the village contracted with Ampco for $2,300 per month for monitoring parking meters, handling meter collections and repairs, and writing parking violations. Last month, the village received $1,200 in parking meter revenue, Snyder said.
Village Administrator Kevin Brooks had first broached the subject several months ago, saying he believed Lisbon could take over the process and generate more revenue for the village.
Council authorized Higgins to hire two part-time meter readers, each for 24 hours per week. Brooks noted he estimated that even with the two part-time employees, the village would see a savings of about $8,000 a year.
Same fines
All parking violations will have the same penalties as before, with a $6 fine for an expired meter. Other violations, such as blocking the street, parking by a fire hydrant, improper parking, and parking in a no-parking zone, will result in fines of $10 per violation. If the ticket is not paid within 48 hours, the fine increases to $20.
Parking in a handicap spot without a proper permit is a $50 fine.
In a related matter, council will allow free parking downtown for the holiday season from now until Jan. 10. The two-hour limit for parking will be enforced, however.
Property transfer
Council also authorized Snyder to sign the necessary paperwork to transfer property at High and Market streets from the village to the school district.
The property had been the site of the former Lincoln school and owned by the school district, but it was transferred to the village at no cost many years ago.
The property is now to be given back to the school district, Snyder said. School officials requested the property be returned for use as the site of the new school administration building to be built next year.
Scott Washam, village solicitor, said the school district will pay all costs associated with the transfer.