WEIRTON - With parking in residential areas an issue, Weirton City Council, on Monday, took measures to ban parking for commercial vehicles in residential areas and clearly define what can be considered a commercial vehicle.
The Weirton Traffic Commission recommended an addendum to an ordinance which prohibits parking commercial vehicles in residentially zoned areas of the city. The ordinance defined a commercial vehicle as a tractor-trailer, but Ward 4 Councilman George Ash felt the term "commercial vehicle" needed to be further defined to include several other large vehicles in order to allow police to enforce the ordinance.
Several large box trucks associated with certain businesses parking in the area of Wells Street and Brooke Street taking up parking spaces needed for residents sparked the inquiry, according to officials.
Police Chief Bruce Marshall said the ordinance needs to be black and white in order for officers to issue citations. He said all the vehicles described in the addendum either need to be in violation at all times or not at all.
The original addendum states that "all trucks in excess of 3/4 ton (dump trucks, box type trucks, stake body trucks, vans, etc), buses, wreckers, bucket trucks, cranes, motor homes, campers, all-terrain vehicles, boat trailers, work and tool trailers, lawn tractor trailers, horse trailers and livestock trailers will not be permitted to be parked, stored or otherwise left unattended on city property, streets or alleys in residential zoned neighborhoods."
It further states that any vehicle involved in active construction or repair work sites, lawn mowing activities and Dumpsters while the job activity lasts and due caution diligence and safety are being enforced will be exempt from the restrictions.
"If we are going to take these violations to court, it needs to be clear cut," Marshall said.
Council approved a change to the addendum on the floor Monday, changing the 3/4 ton trucks to one-ton trucks.
The ordinance will need to go through a second reading before it can into effect.
Also approved was a resolution to enter into mutual aid agreements with the Wellsburg Volunteer Fire Department and Hooverson Heights Volunteer Fire Department; an ordinance to amend the restriction on open burning in the city to include clear definitions and language meant for the original ordinance; authorization for financial support to the Weirton Area Community Foundation for the Wheeling Symphony and $5,000 to Weir High School for beautification of the new stadium.
The renewal of workers compensation insurance; an ordinance for the mayor to retain title as chairperson for the municipal police and fire pension and relief funds also passed their readings.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
