Confusion on city parking ordinance raises questions

The Carrington City Ordinance on parking is vague and confusing, so one resident questioned the council about it at their last meeting.

During the meeting held on Monday, April 8, a resident attended the meeting to ask about parking on the street.

He said he is a home owner with a one-stall garage, but his family has more cars than his garage can accommodate so some have to be parked out on the street.

This is where it gets tricky: The city's parking ordinance states that residents may not leave parked cars on the street for longer than 48 hours.

The resident asked what would happen if he were to go on vacation or be gone for a weekend from Friday to Monday?

Carrington Police Chief Chris Bittmann responded to the question and said there are several city ordinances that he could enforce, but he chooses to only enforce two as far as parking goes.

He said they will look at that particular ordinance and see if changes can be made in the future.

In other business:

Committee Reports

FIRE:

• Carrington Fire Chief Ken Wangen reported that in the rural area of the county, the department responded to a bale fire which was a called-in controlled burn.

On the city-side the Cobblestone had a phantom alarm issue and they responded to a house fire.

• Wangen said they are looking at a 50/50 community foundation grant for new lighting in the fire hall which would cost the fire department $4,000.

• He said the spaghetti feed had more donations this year than any year in the past and hundreds of people attended.

FINANCE & LEGAL:

• The City is seeking hayland bids.

CCEDC:

• Mayor Tom Erdmann spoke to the council about a new program titled Uniting for Ukraine Sponsorship.

• A CCEDC funding application was received from Hollydazzle Salon, a new business start-up renting space from the Studio 5 Salon. She is seeking funds to assist in her start up.

A motion was passed to grant $2,000 in CCEDC funds to Hollydazzle Salon for start up expenses.

• Proof of payment for the Garden Gate expenses related to their Commercial Building Improvement Grant for updating electrical box and air conditioning (previously approved on September 5, 2023) have been received.

The Garden Gate is in the Main Street area that offers 40 percent reimbursement up to $50,000.00.

LIBRARY:

• The council heard from Carrington City Librarian Michele Seil who attended the meeting to present her annual report.

She said when she started as librarian in 2019 the library offered about 20 events annually. That number has increased to 202 events in 2023.

• Seil reported that they received a grant to install new security cameras.

POLICE

• It was reported that the Carrington Police Department received 221 calls in March including terrorizing, two drug busts and a sex offender who failed to register.

PUBLIC WORKS:

• Councilman Troy Roundy said the old city hall furniture will be offered to employees first and then will be offered up for bids.

• Roundy said the SIRN 20/20 lease and use agreement has been created, but no dollar amount has been decided on yet.

• Thursday, May 30, Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 are designated as Clean-up week for city residents.

• In a discussion about what to do about the Carrington Armory, Roundy said they are going to try and keep it open on week days and see how it goes, but they are also discussing getting parents to supervise like they did several years ago.

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

• Public Works Director Jason Wolsky reported that the city received one application for a building permit in the month of March.

NO MEETING:

• Organization Review

• Airport

• Tree Board