Council questions short term parking

The second reading of the amended ordinance governing vehicles and/or campers parked on municipal streets and alleys was accepted by the Moorcroft Town Council at last Monday night’s meeting. However, the verbiage has been questioned and reservations expressed by members of the council.

The issue to which at least one member of the body has taken exception is the five day out of every seven limit as “short term parking” written into the ordinance saying the vehicle is not allowed to sit for more than five consecutive days without being moved.

Mayor Dick Claar later shared his observation about the apparently controversial verbiage: “There are some councilmen who aren’t very comfortable with that short period of time.”

Councilman Ben Glenn advocated the time limit, saying, “We’ve had several things parked on the streets for four or five years and they just relicense it and it’s parked; whether it’s operational or not, it is still there. There is a problem with this.”

Police Chief Bill Bryant spoke to the problem, “At what time did we allow people to use the town streets as their storage unit?”

Speaking for himself, Claar opined, “I can see where five days [limit] could be a problem. If somebody leaves their vehicle parked for [more than] five days, I don’t see where that’s a big issue.”

As for the future of this amended ordinance as written, Claar said the council may advocate the removal of the “five days” at the third reading. “As long as they’re legally licensed, just leave them alone.” He noted, though, the exception of snow routes during winter months.

Bryant is expected to return to the next meeting “with a more simplified ordinance that will be approved”, according to the mayor.

This law, with final reading, will impact all motorized conveyance on town roadways.