Wright  City aldermen are considering prohibiting vehicles from being parked in the front yards of residences. 

In order to do so, Alderman Angie Reynolds said, the city needs to add the parking ordinance to the traffic code to allow the police department to begin enforcing the matter. 

She said there have been instances where cars fill a driveway and others are then parked in the front yard on the grass. 

“They need to park in the street or in the driveway,” Reynolds said.

A question was posed if the police department has the authority to enforce traffic laws on subdivision streets that have not been accepted by the city, such as Trotters Creek or Auburn Meadows. City officials indicated they had received past legal advice that enforcement was not allowed on those private streets.

Josh Payton, city attorney, said he would need to review the situation before confirming that or giving the board another recommendation.

“That will be something I have to look into,” he said.

Also at the Aug. 12 meeting, the board approved an ordinance amendment requiring all vehicles to be parked within 18 inches of the edge on a curbed street. In cases where no curb is present, the phrase “or edge of pavement” was added.

The vehicle also must be parked on the right-hand side of the street.

 “If everybody parked on the right side, it might look a little neater and cleaner in town,” Reynolds said.

In Other Action

• The board set the sewer connection fee for the next four years, agreeing to a $200 annual increase. The current rate is $2,700. Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, the fee will be $2,900 and go up $200 for every year thereafter. In 2014, the fee will be $3,500.

A public hearing will need to be held prior to the board approving an ordinance and finalizing the pricing structure.

• Aldermen unanimously approved a request from Karen Girondo, the city’s economic development director/treasurer, to purchase a cell phone capable of handling e-mails and other data. She told the board she has used her own personal phone for the last 10 years, but it doesn’t have the capability to communicate electronically with prospective developers when away from the office.

• Ervin Fackler of MoDOT attended the Aug. 12 meeting and said the state agency is interested in connecting to the city’s sewer system. MoDOT operates a lagoon off the North Service Road near the rest area. With MoDOT’s DNR permit set to expire in 2012 and the likelihood new requirements will have to be met, Fackler said options are being considered on how to proceed with dealing with the rest area.

Fackler said MoDOT wanted to get a cost estimate on connecting to the city’s system and compare that with an engineer’s estimate for lagoon improvements.

• Parks Director Curt Kehoe said the park board is considering implementing a policy that would require large groups renting a park pavilion or building to post a deposit if alcohol will be available.

He also said a late fee may be assessed to groups that stay beyond their scheduled time. 

• City Clerk Christine Martin and Girondo received approval to attend the annual Missouri Municipal League Conference on Sept. 13-14 in St. Charles. The expense will be at least $219.

• The board decided to meet last Tuesday to review applications for city prosecutor and code enforcement officer. The city received 26 requests for qualifications from parties interested in the prosecutor position.

• The board unanimously approved the hiring of part-time police officer John Ayers.