An ordinance eliminating parking along Elm Street in Wright City was debated again last week, but aldermen didn't reverse their earlier decision to impose the restriction. Resident Florence Hoeber joined two city officials who opposed the ordinance, questioning previous comments that allowing vehicles to be parked on both sides may hinder emergency vehicles trying to reach Ruge Park or residences in the area. She traded comments with Alderman Jim Schuchmann throughout the discussion at last Wednesday's board of aldermen meeting, which was pushed back a week due to the holiday. Aldermen voted 3-1 to amend the no parking ordinance on Elm Street, three weeks after making the decision to do so. Once again, Alderman Tom Black was the lone board member opposing the move. Parking already had been prohibited on Elm Street from the railroad tracks to Fourth Street but the revised ordinance extends that restriction all the way to Ruge Park. That small stretch was not included several years ago when the street was extended to the park. When asked why Elm Street was identified rather than other areas, particularly around the high school during football games, Schuchmann said the issue was brought to the board from residents concerned about Elm Street becoming crowded. He told Hoeber she was the first resident to speak out in opposition. "When they are in the park, they want to feel safe in the park," he remarked. "They want access to the park. They don't want to have to fight with vehicles being parked on the road. I have been down at the park when vehicles have been parked down on both sides, it's impossible to get down into the park safely." Hoeber questioned why vehicles couldn't be allowed to park on at least one side of Elm Street. "Parking on one side of the street, there is no handicap," she said. "It's not imposing anything on the people, on the fire truck, anything that needs to go down there. That leaves the rest of the street wide open." She argued that Ruge Park needed handicap parking more so than having parking spots eliminated. Mayor Roy White, who also was against extending the no parking area, suggested that the parking restriction be made only if 50 percent of the residents living in the Kerland subdivision are in favor of the change. He said his recommendation was similar to when Schuchmann asked trustees from the Spring Hill Meadows subdivision to gather signatures from residents there who were in favor of a lowered speed limit. He remarked previously he was concerned the city would be "plastered with no parking signs." At the Dec. 10 meeting concerns were raised about how the city was going to handle overflow parking at the park. Alderman Jamey Abercrombie said that was an issue that will be reviewed in the future if needed, but for now a safety concern needed to be dealt with first. In response to the parking concerns near the high school, it was noted a new parking lot is expected to be completed on the high school campus by the time next fall's football season begins.