Marion considers trailer parking in residential areas
Truck driver and property owner Kevin Steele was left hanging again Monday when Marion City Council did not make a decision regarding an ordinance that would allow truck trailers to be parked in residential areas that meet specific requirements.
The council reviewed an ordinance drafted by city attorney Dan Baldwin but wanted it tweaked just a bit to address the type of trailer that would be allowed and cost of a permit.
No indication was given to Steele if the council would approve the ordinance with those changes.
Steele had addressed the council at the Sept. 24 council meeting wanting permission to park his tractor and trailer at his residence on the west edge of town.
Baldwin presented an ordinance at Monday's meeting that would allow trailer parking in residential-zoned areas if there was an appropriate street and property entrance and property owners within 200 feet of the trailer were in agreement. A permit could be issued by the city that would require a city official to review the request and location. The permit also could require approval from the council.
"There probably aren't too many properties, besides Kevin's, that would qualify," Baldwin said.
Mayor Mary Olson said she would not be in favor of cattle trailers and similar carriers in neighborhoods. Councilman Jerry Kline said it would be a case-by-case permit.
"What happens when property sells?" councilman Stacey Collett asked. Baldwin responded the permit would be "grandfathered in." Collett asked if the permits should be reviewed on an annual basis.
Baldwin said he would make some changes to the proposed ordinance and present it at the next council meeting. In the meantime, Steele would continue to park his truck and trailer elsewhere.
In other business:
— Volunteer firefighter Travis Schafers asked the council to approve a fire cadet program to attract youth to volunteer with the department.
The program would be tailored after the Florence Fire Department's cadet program which did not increase the City of Florence insurance, Schafers said.
The cadets, ages 14-18, would have to meet certain qualifications before allowed on fire runs. They will not be allowed to enter burning structures or be on the front line of grass fires, etc. They will be allowed to use hoses and be trained in other aspects under the close supervision of the fire department.
The council approved the proposal.
— Josh Bryant was introduced as a new Marion police officer. Bryant will serve as a school resource officer and fill in the night shift.
— Margo Yates presented tourism and recreation reports.
Rhino tour maps are being updated as are web sites. Promotion continues of Christmas parade and home tours.
Yates reported on completed and future programs sponsored by Marion Recreation Commission.
Collett asked Yates if REC had any suggestions about the use of Marion City Auditorium after the new school auditorium is constructed. Yates said the city auditorium would continue to be used for children's theatre and other events.
— A 15-minute executive session was held to discuss personnel issues with city administrator David Mayfield, police chief Josh Whitwell, and the council. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
