Resident seeks clarity in parking regulations

A downtown Brainerd resident's concern could lead to a clarification of Brainerd's parking regulations.

Gary West approached the Brainerd City Council Monday to offer his concerns about angle parking in the city, specifically if backing into a angled parking space is allowed.

West cited the city's parking regulations on angle parking, which states: "On any such street every vehicle shall be parked with the front of such vehicle facing the curb or the edge of the traveled portion of the street at an angle of approximately 45 degree and facing between the painted marking on the curb or street indicating the parking space."

It was the phrase "or the edge of the traveled portion of the street" that concerned West. He said in reading that section, it appeared people were allowed to back into angle parking spaces. However, he noted people were still being issued parking tickets for it.

"I'm not here to raise a stink about it or anything, but people here need to be aware," said West.

Council president Jim Dehen said it was his belief the section dealt with the absence of a curb. At the Brainerd Personnel and Finance Committee meeting earlier Monday, a similar ticket appeal was presented. Brainerd Police Chief John Bolduc said there is a safety concern when people back into angled parking spaces because when they pull out of the space, they are pulling out into oncoming traffic lanes.

The city council unanimously approved sending the issue to the Parking Commission and the Planning Commission for a decision.

In other action, the council:

Opened their meeting with a moment of silence for Jim Alderman, the longtime Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority board member who died Saturday.

Learned that Mike Brethorst, city planner/economic development coordinator, would return to work with the city next week. Brethorst had been on leave while serving with the Minnesota Army National Guard in Bosnia.

Adjourned to a closed session for a union negotiating strategy session.

Presented City Administrator Dan Vogt with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. It is the 10th consecutive year the city has received the award.

Accepted a bid of $12,300 from Herzog Roofing, of Little Falls, for repairs to the city hall roof.

Accepted a bid of $15,575 to Thelen Heating and Roofing to move the heating and air conditioning units out of city council chambers.

Adopted an ordinance adopting the Minnesota State Building Code.

Adopted an ordinance providing for new building permit fees and cigarette license fees.

Adopted an ordinance amendment rezoning the Nick Dumbeck property from rural residential to urban residential.

Approved $600 for advertising of the comprehensive planning meetings.

Approved to pay up to $3,000 each for the Southeast Brainerd Resident's Association, the Northeast Brainerd Resident's Association and the Brainerd Northside Neighborhood Association, cleanup efforts.

Approved $1,600 for the Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

Accepted the retirement of Beth Mundem, accounts payable administrative specialist. The city will advertise to fill the vacancy.

Approved the hiring of three temporary engineering aids for the summer at $8-$9.50 per hour, and a temporary global information system specialist at $9 per hour.

Accepted a bid of $77,555 from Tom's Backhoe Service for street projects on Hawkins Drive, Fifth Avenue Northeast and Gillis Avenue by a 6-1 vote, with council member Bob Olson voting against using Tom's Backhoe.

Adopted a resolution for improvements to Highways 18 and 25, near Jack's House, and set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. April 5.

Approved the purchase of 2.4 acres of land at a cost of $42,000 from Harriet Piehl for a McKay Road realignment.

Appointed Howard Blanck to a five-year term on the Parks and Recreation Board.

Appointed Jan Lambert to a one-year term on the Transportation Committee.

Called for applicants for two six-year terms on the Library Board, a two-year term on the Library Board, a one-year term on the Planning Commission, a three-year term on the Public Utilities Commission and a one-year term on the Transportation Committee.