CCP 02-08-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. .. ~... . ~ . . . ~ " notice of its parking ordinances. I also spoke to the city's director of public works, who was very courteous and willing to allow me to raise the issue for you to consider, but expressed his personal view that signs are unattractive. He did stress that you (the Commission), and not he, has the authority to make fonnal recommendations to city government about signs. When I moved in to my house in Arden HiJls, no "Welcome Wagon" ever visited me. So I would ask you to consider whether that means of notification is a reliable one. In addition, a lot of people do not read the "community" newspapers; they throw them in the recycling for various reasons. Therefore, I question whether that method of notification, by itself, is adequate. It is not reasonable to expect that nonresidents would have any access to Arden Hills community newspapers, and all people are subject to this ordinance.Yet another example of unfairness to citizens in providing notice of the city's parking restrictions occurred when, at the beginning of December, I received a city newsletter which stated that the fall/winter weather parking restrictions were effective beginning in mid-October. I respectfully submit that a newsletter is not very effective notice if it is delivered six weeks after a parking restriction goes into effect. In sum, I do not feel that the methods used by the city to notify residents and the public about its parking restrictions has been very effective or fair, The simplest solution would be for the city to put up signs stating the parking restrictions; then everyone would have notice. Most other cities appear to have concluded that giving adequate notice of parking by means of signs outweighs any aesthetic concerns, I suppose you might have concerns about the additional cost of such signs, but given the large amount of property taxes we pay to the city and the county I would hope that you could find the resources for a one-time expenditure such as this. Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed that the Pioneer Press has started publishing a list of all the parking restrictions of many cities in Ramsey and Dakota counties, which certainly helps transmit that infonnation to the public, But I still do not feel that this is an adequate substitute for signs. Finally, I would appreciate it if the city would have some dialogue with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office about the possibility of initially giving a city resident a warning about the overnight parking ordinance, rather that going ahead and ticketing the vehicle. It would be very easy for the same patrol unit to check up later to see if the resident was keeping his car off the street. I understand the safety rationale behind the overnight parking ordinance, yet it doesn't really apply if the police officer is sure that the vehicle belongs to the homeowner. Thank you very much for your consideration of this issue. e e ~A;daA1. ~ M%L~e M. Owen 1428 Arden Oaks Court Arden Hills, MN 55112 e