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Ordinance would make booting rules, penalties clearer, mayor says
By Jen Feinstein
Logan
Mayor Doug Thompson tells USU students he's trying to resolve the city's
conflict with students over the practice of "booting" cars
that are parked illegally. Thompson, who answered questions Thursday
in the Taggart Sunburst lounge, said some students have complained that
the fees to remove the immobilizing boot from their cars are too high,
and that they have to pay cash. At Thompson's left is a diagram of a
proposed outdoor pool that could be built at Willow Park. / Photo
by the USU communication department Mayor Doug Thompson told USU students that a proposed ordinance regulating the booting of illegally parked cars would ensure that the rules and penalties are clear. Thompson met with students Thursday in the Taggart Student Center to discuss student concerns and possible solutions. Students raised questions about a variety of issues and listened to the mayor's ideas for resolving them. Thompson said that because both students and apartment owners have concerns about booting that are of equal importance and since it doesn't seem likely that this issue can be resolved by discussion, an ordinance has been presented to the Logan City Council. The ordinance would continue to allow booting, but would require that rules for booting be well known. This would be done by posting clearly visible signs in areas where booting occurred. The booter would also be required to make sure information on how he could be reached was available. As for the cost of getting the boot removed, Thompson said that there is a possibility that a standard fee of $40 will be set. Thompson said that while no timeline for discussion had been set by the council, his guess was that it would be addressed by the end of the semester. Students also raised concerns about the city's policy of ticketing vehicles parked on the street during winter months regardless of whether there is snow. Thompson said that the policy will remain in place for the remainder of the winter but that it will be given a close look this summer. Thompson explained that the dilemma consisted of public safety on the one hand and the inconvenience the policy poses for those who need to park in the street on the other hand. He said, "Right now we don't have a solution that makes us feel warm and fuzzy." The policy aims to keep streets clear for snow-removal equipment. When asked why tickets were given whether there was snow on the ground, Thompson said that it's part of the policy, and that it is common knowledge that the weather can change unexpectedly in Cache Valley. The bike trail on 600 West Street was also discussed. Thompson said of the trail, "It's not perfect to say the least." However he said that many of the complaints that he has received have been from commuter cyclists and that the trail was not designed for serious bikers. "The trail was designed for recreational use, slow use, and it's not a perfect design for that. On the other hand, walkers and women pushing babies in carriages have really enjoyed it," he stated. The forum, in the Sunburst lounge, was arranged as a part of the Neighborhood
Council Program. Thompson said he was excited that USU was a part of
the meetings and looked forward to coming back to the campus sometime
within the year. He also encouraged anyone with questions or concerns
to call his 24-hour hotline at 750-7144. Messages are checked two or
three times daily. |
Archived Months:
September
1998 |
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