The Clearwater City Council is taking steps to deal with parking issues on Ash Street.
Earlier this summer, the city designated new bike lanes on Ash and Main Streets.
But despite numerous “No Parking” signs and the painted bike lane, vehicles often park on Ash Street between Co. Rd. 75 and Hwy. 24.
Administrator Kevin Kress said the biggest problems are tractor trailers parking at the curb near Burger King. Not only are they parking in the bike lane, but they obstruct visibility for vehicles pulling out of the Burger King parking lot.
“It’s getting to be a really big problem,” he said. “There’s supposed to be no parking on Ash (Street) this entire corridor, but they do it anyway.”
Although not as much as before, parking is also an issue with visitors near the Clearwater River Apartment building, even though the “No Parking” signs are clearly visible.
“Signs are not deterring them,” said Kress. “And sometimes a semi will park right on top of the No Parking signs.”
He said a cost-effective solution would be to paint the curbs yellow.
“I think painting will be more of a deterrent,” he said. “Painting the curb - that’s pretty obvious if people are parking on yellow. They’re not supposed to be there.”
Engineer Joe Pelawa from Bolton & Menk said it would be more effective than adding more “No Parking” signs.
“I’m not a proponent of putting up more signs. It just causes sign pollution,” he said.
Kress said the city’s maintenance crew can do the work, which involves removal of some grass and weeds, cleaning the surface and rolling the paint on. He said it doesn’t last because it’s just latex paint. So it might have to be done once a year.
“It sounds like a very inexpensive solution to paint the curbs,” said Council Member Andrea Lawrence. “I’m all for it.”
Kress said the painting should start soon.
Other Business
In other action the council:
• Approved a contract with Ken Yager to provide assessment services at a rate of $11.50 per parcel in 2017-18 and $12 per parcel in 2018-19;
• Approved staff step wage increases for Joni Larson to $19.90 per hour effective Aug. 5 and Robbie Kottke to $18.39 per hour effective Sept. 8;
• Approved a tax exempt temporary gambling permit for the Clearwater Masonic Lodge for raffles on June 30 and Oct. 28, 2018;
• Approved a three-year contract with AEM to provide financial management services for approximately $3,000 per month;
• Approved a budget of up to $70,000 each for upgrades and replacing playground equipment in Spring Street Park, Riverside Park and Sportsman’s Park;
• Passed a resolution adopting liens for unpaid utility charges on 38 properties.
