HUMBOLDT — The ordinance to restrict semi-trailers from parking along city streets has been on the books for decades, Humboldt Council members learned Monday night, but never enforced.
That willingness to turn a blind eye caught up with them when “just one guy,” turned into several parking their rigs in front of people’s homes, causing a problem for fellow residents.
Last month, Council members ordered City Attorney Fred Works to draft an ordinance banning the parking of large vehicles along city streets.
On Monday, the majority approved Works’s tweaks to the current ordinance, which now includes recreational vehicles.
Only Council member Jeff Bowman was opposed.
Bowman was sympathetic to the drivers’ plight.
“Not that I would like their vehicles parked in front of my house,” he said. “But we’re doing nothing to help them find a place to park.”
“I feel like we’re saying, ‘figure it out on your own.’”
The ordinance becomes effective Aug. 1
COUNCIL members voted to renew the city’s 93.746 mill levy rate on property for fiscal year 2024.
Because the city’s recently assessed property valuations have increased from $11.5 million to $13.1 million over the past year, the difference will mean an additional $150,000 to city coffers.
Of the increased valuation, $335,753 was due to either new construction or renovations on existing properties.
MAX RICKERSON introduced himself to Council members.
A native of Humboldt who has returned home, Rickerson said “I’d like to give back,” in the form of a museum to showcase his animal trophies accumulated over a lifetime of hunting.
Rickerson is building a facility in downtown Humboldt to showcase his collection. “I’ve hunted all over the world,” Rickerson said, including Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, as well as throughout the United States.
