At the September 20th Washington City Council meeting, the council approved the third and final reading for the newly implemented snow ban parking policy on a 5-1 vote.

The main concern surrounding this new legislation is about parking being made available in the downtown square during snow removal. Councilwoman Bethany Glinsmann was the only nay vote amongst the council, stating that people who relied on downtown parking needed a more feasible solution on where to park during snow clearing.

According to the legislation, no vehicles shall be allowed to park in the public square from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am when signs are posted at the northwest and southwest corners of Central Park. The legislation also states that during the normal business hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm on the weekdays, the ban will not apply.

Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien spoke with KCII about the concerns surrounding the new legislation and says he is giving it the benefit of the doubt. “I share those concerns regarding parking in the downtown area. But I believe that what our Police Chief said about how enforcement will take place will mitigate those concerns. So for me, I will give the benefit of the doubt until the benefit of the doubt no longer deserves to be given.”

The new snow ban parking ordinance is available online at the City of Washington’s website in the September 20th City Council packet on page 118. The next Washington City Council meeting will be Tuesday, October 4th at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.