COUNCIL Ban on front-yard parking gets nowhere

Council gave second reading to putting an income tax increase on the ballot.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- For the second time in a year, council is discussing a ban on parking vehicles in front yards.
Councilman Edward Palestro Sr., D-4th, said during a caucus before Monday night's council meeting that he has been receiving complaints from residents about the practice.
He called attention to one resident who has four vehicles parked on the lawn with a body shop in the rear yard.
Palestro was joined by Councilman Patton M. Gilliland, D-at large, who said Law Director Gary Gilmartin told him the parking ordinance only needs to be amended to create the ban.
But Palestro and Gilliland couldn't get any support. Last year, a similar discussion died after discussion.
Discussion
Councilman William Williams, D-at large, said he wouldn't support the ban because his wife parks their car on the yard while their children play in the driveway.
Councilman John Marshall, D-2nd, pointed out that some property owners have built parking areas in their front yards. Councilwoman Bonnie Viele, D-1st, said the issue needs more study.
On another issue, Gilliland couldn't get support to construct a salt bin.
"I think it would be worth it," Gilliland said, noting the $22,000 to $25,000 would save about $1,000 annually because a supply could be purchased in the summer when prices are lower than during the winter.
Council President John Darko said the city has other projects, such as sewer improvements, that have a higher priority.
Also, council moved to a second reading the placement of a 0.5-percent income tax increase on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.
If passed by voters, the tax would be increased from 1 percent to 1.5 percent and generate about $500,000 annually.
Road work
In addition, lawmakers authorized the city's board of control to advertise for bids for part of this year's street resurfacing program.
The city has about $80,000 for the first portion of resurfacing this year and will receive $68,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds later in the year.
Service Director Al Patrick said the administration wants to resurface 2.2 miles of streets this year.
Gilliland, chairman of the park and recreation committee, announced that Mattinate Park on Jones Street is now open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
He emphasized that the park is not a day-care center. Some parents are dropping off their children in the morning and not picking them up until the park closes.
In some cases, he said, the park staff has had to telephone children's parents telling them to pick up their children.
yovich@vindy.com