A Clarion City Council meeting was held on Tuesday, March 23. Though the regular meeting typically would have been the previous week, a special meeting was held instead to coincide with publication requirements for the city’s budget hearing. A public hearing for the budget was held. No comments were made at that time or had been received previously. The budget passed. (See the story elsewhere on our website for city budget highlights).
In other council business, the group talked extensively about revisions to city Ordinance 605. The ordinance pertains largely to zoning regulations of accessory structures on properties (like sheds or detached garages.) The council discussed height requirements for the structures and what they must look like. Accessory structures cannot be used as living quarters and cannot occupy more than 1/3 of the property. They eventually passed the first reading of the ordinance, though City Attorney Zach Chizek subsequently made the suggested changes to it. The revised ordinance can be accessed through the city’s Facebook page. It will also come before the council again at the next meeting for a second reading.
New Clarion Chamber Director Lydia Schroeder addressed the council pertaining to the planned Festival in the Park. The Festival is scheduled June 11-13. Schroeder asked the council’s permission for the festival to include a beer and wine tasting. She explained that it will take place in a separated area and full drinks will not be sold. The council gave their approval.
Officer Ted Knutson reminded everyone that the city will begin enforcing ordinances about vehicles parked on lawns starting in April. By code, it is “unlawful for any person to park a vehicle, recreational vehicle, machinery or equipment, or trailer in the front yard of any residential lot, unless said property is parked completely upon a driveway or driveway extension.” Additionally, the code states “It shall be unlawful … to park a vehicle, recreational vehicle, machinery or equipment, or trailer in the side or rear yard of any residential lot unless it is on an improved surface consisting of solid concrete, asphalt, solid bricks, crushed stone or gravel.” For the full ordinance, see section 69.19 in the city’s Code of Ordinances, which can be accessed on the city’s website.
