CCMinutes - 07/26/04 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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700, 2400, 2600, 2700, 2900, 3002 and Map 17-03-32-24 lots 1600, 1601, and 1700) for the improvements to the transportation infrastructure in the vicinity of the new federal courthouse passed, 5:2; Councilors Bettman and Taylor voting in opposition. 3. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Concerning Storage of Vehicles on Streets and Amending Section 5.135 of the Eugene Code, 1971 City Manager Dennis Taylor called this a straightforward amendment that provided vehicles a longer period of time to sit on a public street and identified specific ways the vehicles could be towed for failure to have proper registration. Mayor Torrey opened the public hearing. Seeing no one who wished to speak to the ordinance, Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing and called on the council for comments. Councilor Bettman said she was prepared to support the ordinance. In response to a question from Councilor Bettman, Parking Enforcement Program Manager Kay Kronholm stated that staff did not anticipate that the change would affect vehicle camping. She noted that such camping was specifically addressed in Eugene Code 4.815. Councilor Kelly supported the ordinance. He asked if staff had made a distinction between a car or pick-up truck and a semi-truck or large motor home. Ms. Kronholm responded that semi-trucks were not allowed to park on the street between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. She said there was usually a small increase in motor home parking during the summer and occasionally boats were parked on the street. She explained that the process began with a warning which was usually effective. Councilor Poling asked if obviously disabled vehicles were covered by the ordinance. Ms. Kronholm replied that they were not, but that there were internal policies in place which, when initiated, called for a 72-hour warning with the possibility of an extension for such a vehicle to be moved. Once a vehicle was processed and tagged, the vehicles were the highest priority to tow. Councilor Meisner noted that abandoned vehicles were not uncommon in his neighborhood. He commended the department for being very responsive. In response to a question from Councilor Meisner, Ms. Kronholm affirmed that the process would remain complaint-driven. She added, regarding a second question, that she was uncertain whether chronic violators who merely moved their vehicles a few feet would not continue to get away with this behavior. Councilor Meisner conveyed his support for the ordinance. Councilor Pap~ asked if the ordinance would help deter semi-truck parking in the Ferry Street Bridge area. Ms. Kronholm replied that she was uncertain whether it would provide such deterrence. Councilor Pap~ recommended that staff pay particular attention to Brewer Street in his ward as it was a popular place for semi-trucks to park overnight. Mayor Torrey asked if there was any objection to taking action at the present meeting. Councilors indicated that they had no objections.