The Centralia City Council Monday night approved no parking zones along four narrow streets.
City Manager Scott Randall says the streets impacted are Washington Boulevard, Pullen Boulevard and Clinmar Place between Broadway and West Second and Melrose from Third to Frazier.
“Result of a fire or EMS call where the ambulance couldn’t get to the house because of the very narrow streets and the parking immediately adjacent to the corner. The police department, fire department and public works department looked at this and said there are 4 different streets within the community that are very narrow because of middle of the road boulevards. So we are recommending that modest no parking zones be created at each of the entrances to all four of those streets.”
The ordinance creates 20 foot no parking zones. Randall notes that still gives each resident room to park in front of their home. At the recommendation of the city council, each homeowner impacted will be sent a letter.
The City Council approved a $73,000 bid from Shore Builders in Centralia to replace failing panels of concrete pavement on Blackberry Run. The price was well under the engineer’s $104,700 estimate.
Over the objection of Councilman Spanky Smith, the council approved a $15,823 bid from Tate’s Plumbing for emergency replacement of the boiler at the old Evens Field. Smith wants to know why the expense is the city’s for the shared use facility. The council approved the purchase of a zero turn lawnmower for the public property division from the lowest bidder Molenhour Power Equipment for $12,432.
A forgivable loan agreement from TIF #3 was approved for the Salon Thairapy at 227 West Noleman.
The council approved a change in the liquor license ordinance to have the number of licenses in any category decrease when a license is turned in. That will require the council to approve an increase in number of licenses anytime there is a request for a new liquor license.
City Clerk Kim Emke announced Centralia city offices would be closed next Monday for President’s Day, but trash pickup would remain on the regular schedule next week.
The council heard a complaint from Shirlena Barnes who believed police had been unfairly treating members of her family.
