Streets recently approved for “No Parking” signs near the high school may end up with an added permit system.
At its Nov. 12 meeting, Hutchinson City Council approved the restriction during school hours so more students at Hutchinson High School would use the school’s parking lot. Tuesday, however, the council yielded to a petition and passed a resolution to not install signs along Kay Street Southwest, from Roberts Road to Lea Avenue Southwest. This led to discussions about using a permit system for the signed streets.
When asked the easiest way Hutchinson police officers would be able to enforce the new parking restrictions, Hutchinson Police Chief Dan Hatten suggested a permit system for the area would only convolute enforcement.
“The majority of people responding (to a survey) wanted those parking signs,” he said, “so that’s what we as a city will go forward with ... The issue with parking permits, in my viewpoint, (is that they would be) problematic.”
Hatten said the system would be difficult to manage, as officers would not be able to keep a constant eye on permit enforcement in that area. Moreover, the permits may create undue problems for guests of residents in the area.
“Another reason is if a resident has a friend come over, and for whatever reason their friend forgets to put a permit on that car, here comes Hutch PD, and then someone gets cited (and) calls to complain,” he said. “If (the council) wants us to enforce, let the parking restrictions and availability stand as it is today, and let us continue enforcing blocked driveways and fire hydrants.”
Hatten stressed that the city’s and police department’s philosophy has always been that streets are public and welcome for public use.
Members of the council, however, suggested a permit system or another method of managing the area’s street parking may be necessary. In a previous meeting, the council mentioned the permits may be free to acquire.
“It’s like beer in state parks,” said Council Member Chad Czmowski. “It only gets enforced if you get rowdy.”
“One thing I heard from one of our citizens was ... it will be much safer with the signs,” said Council Member Mary Christensen. “The kids run off and dart between the (parked) cars. (My friend) said it’s a safety issue.”
High school students are reportedly parking on the streets partly due to a $50 parking permit for the school parking lot. Residents in the area have raised issue as some of the parked cars limit mobility and disrupt city services.
In a step toward regulating who will be allowed to park on the streets during school hours, City Administrator Matt Jaunich said the city will likely draft a permit system plan that will be discussed in a future meeting.
“This is one of those beautiful council scenarios where it’s not going to end with a happy solution for everyone,” Czmowski said.
“I’m not a big fan of permitting on a number of different levels,” Hatten said. “Enforcement would be problematic and frustrating if that’s the way we chose to go. But if that is the (chosen option), we’re going to put our best foot forward.”
