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Moratorium lifted, no more tractor-trailer parking

Staff reporter

The break is over.

Tractor-trailer drivers will have to find another place to park other than the streets of Marion.

When Marion Mayor Mary Olson asked if the council wanted to continue a moratorium that allowed semis to park on city streets, councilman Stacey Collett responded that he didn't know why this had turned into a city problem. He added that he didn't want city funds used for a truck lot.

Olson said she and city administrator David Mayfield had met with Marion truck driver Dwight Gooding about costs associated with the development of a lot. Mayfield called other cities and found that five out of the 11 cities offer lots, four charge lot rent.

An open work session will be planned, Olson said, between the council, city officials, and truck drivers to further discuss the issue.

When Olson asked Marion Police Chief Michel Soyez his opinion of the moratorium, Soyez said the moratorium had been on long enough. The ordinance was on the books, Soyez said, and the city needed to go back to it.

With that said, Collett made the motion to lift the moratorium, Jerry Kline seconded the motion, and the motion passed 4-1, with Bill Holdeman voting against.

Holdeman stated that if the city provides a lot, it shouldn't charge or provide a fence.

"If they want a secure area they need to go somewhere else."

Kline asked city economic development director Jami Williams if there was anyone interested in providing a lot as a business venture. Williams said the individual who was interested in doing this on the back row of the business park, now wants three lots instead of two.

Mayfield suggested the street superintendent and police chief prepare an ordinance regarding a designated city truck route.

Soyez said a truck route would assist his department in providing guidelines for enforcement.

Collett commented that the city's truck ordinance only addressed parking issues and should include other information including a truck route.

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