The topic of street parking in two neighborhoods was a topic of discussion at Monday’s Guthrie Center City Council meeting. The Council and several residents discussed parking in the areas of 4th Street and South 12th Street. A conflict has arisen between residents in both neighborhoods about when and where it is proper to park. Councilman Randy Nickel pointed out a section in the Iowa Code which designates a no parking safety zone to exist within 10 feet on either side of a driveway. The zone also exists within ten feet of any intersection, crosswalk, stop sign and within five feet of a fire hydrant. As of Monday’s meeting, the policy is not currently being enforced in Guthrie Center.

The question of who would enforce parking laws and issue parking tickets was a topic of discussion. Mayor Denny Kunkle believes the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office would issue parking tickets as part of a 28E agreement that was passed in June. Councilman Nickel and City Clerk Laura Imerman believe the agreement obligates the Sheriff’s Office to issue parking tickets only during emergency situations and when a snow ordinance is in effect. The Council plans to invite Sheriff Marty Arganbright to their next meeting on September 28th to clarify. In the meantime, the Council voted unanimously to give Compliance Officer Wesley Clark the power to issue parking tickets.