Fairfield staff address parking regulations

FAIRFIELD – The Fairfield City Council discussed snow emergencies and parking regulations during its meeting Monday, Dec. 15.

Fairfield City Attorney John Morrissey began the discussion by noting that he was aware of some complaints about the city’s regulations pertaining to parking during snow emergencies, particularly tickets that were issued to “immobile” vehicles. Fairfield City Engineer and Public Works Director Melanie Carlson clarified that the city had not declared a “snow emergency” during the few recent bouts of snowfall, and that the tickets residents received would have been for violating the city’s normal parking rules.

For instance, cars parked on city streets are required to be moved every 24 hours. Fairfield Police Chief David Thomas said the cars are considered abandoned after 48 hours. Carlson noted that the cars she was aware of that had recently been towed had not moved in five days.

“City streets are not for parking but for traveling,” Thomas said, adding that vehicles left on the street for long periods complicate things for emergency vehicles. He said he actually receives compliments from citizens who are glad when police enforce parking ordinances and get abandoned vehicles off the street.

Morrissey said that residents who are unhappy about their parking ticket can fight it in court, though this can result in additional charges like a $55 clerk of court fee and other court costs if they lose the case.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com