T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY Signs along Center Street like this one demonstrate the new back-in angle parking system implemented after the road reconstruction project. During Monday night’s meeting, the Marshalltown city council unanimously passed the second reading of an ordinance change to amend the parking rules in Chapter 72 of the city code.

Two weeks after the inaugural reading passed by a unanimous vote, the Marshalltown city council approved the second reading of an ordinance change pertaining to on-street parking and, specifically, the new back-in angle parking system downtown.

Public Works Director Heather Thomas again introduced the topic and opened the floor up for questions, letting Councilor Melisa Fonseca know that flyers are still being used to inform those who have parked incorrectly downtown of the new back-in system and that warnings will continue at least until the third reading passes and is published. At that time, Thomas said she will convene with law enforcement and parking enforcement officers on whether they would like to continue with handing out the brochures or begin to issue tickets.

Councilor Mark Mitchell asked if it would be easier to set up an all back-in parking system as opposed to a hybrid configuration, and she said there would be a mix as they don’t want people backing in to stalls that are designated for pull-in angle stalls.

“We will, though, as we look downtown, try to standardize it there along Main Street as additional phases continue and also including the east side of the courthouse when that gets repainted next year,” she said.

Councilor Gary Thompson asked how upset Thomas would be if he proposed an amendment to put signs on all streets that don’t currently have alternate parking, and she said she would ultimately defer to the council’s wish. Thompson wondered how many streets in town currently have no signage and allow parking on both sides of the street at all times, and she said she did not know the number offhand.

During the public comment period, Tim Bradbury suggested putting the new information in water bills to help people understand the changes because every resident gets one and making it “plain and simple.” Linda Clark commented that the changes are causing confusion as many drivers are not aware of the new back-in rules.

“We have to make it easier for people, not harder. We want people coming to Marshalltown. We don’t want a conglomeration of all different kinds of things. You’ve gotta park head in this day, back in next day, so let’s get it down so it’s easy for everyone to understand,” she said. “We have accidents. We have people getting hit by vehicles. We’ve got to look out for people here in Marshalltown.”

The motion to pass the second reading passed by a unanimous 7-0 vote.

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Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or

rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.