Plymouth Common Council rejects lawn parking ordinance, forms committee to draft new proposal

In a close 4-3 vote Monday evening, the Plymouth Common Council denied an ordinance that would have restricted parking on residential lawn space, choosing instead to form a committee to craft a more carefully considered proposal — a process the mayor estimates could take two to four months.

The ordinance, presented to the council two weeks ago, would have limited all parking of vehicles in any front, side, or back lawn area in residential sections of Plymouth. The proposal had not gone through the city administration or the city attorney's office before being presented to the council.

Two weeks ago, Mayor Robert Listenberger recommended denying the ordinance and creating a committee to address what he described as a complicated issue. He estimated that crafting a new ordinance could take two to four months, after which it would be reviewed by the city attorney before being presented to the council for consideration.

Councilman Duane Culp brought the ordinance back to the floor, saying he felt the council should deny the current measure and place the parking issue on the agenda under Other Business to ensure it doesn't get lost again and to keep the public informed on the progress.

The council voted 4-3 to deny the ordinance and move forward with drafting a new one. Voting in favor of denial were Culp, Krathwohl, Milner, and Starr. Voting against the denial were Ecker, Longanecker, and Morrow.

A committee has since been formed, with Councilman Don Ecker serving as chair, to review and create a new ordinance for the council's consideration. Committee members include Councilmen Culp and Morrow, Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson, City Attorney Jeff Houin, City Engineer Dan Sellers, Building Inspector Dennis Manuwal and Police Chief John Weir. Citizen members include Bobbie Jo Milliser, John Carlton, Paul Wendel, and Paul Shumaker.