The City of DeKalb monthly meeting in May saw a host of city residents take their turn at the podium during the public comments time on the agenda to voice their concerns over a new parking ordinance and issues with the city’s police force.
The recently passed parking ordinance restricts parking of vehicles, trailers or recreational vehicles at a residential dwelling in the city limits unless parked on a hard service, gravel driveway, or a required driveway that provides access to a garage, carport or off-street parking area; or in a fenced side yard.
Those who spoke to the council brought attention to the financial hardship that ordinance will bring to many within the city limits, and others noted that the city had more important needs than a parking ordinance. Still others called for the mayor’s resignation and the immediate termination of the police officers involved in a recent traffic stop.
It was noted during the meeting that the ordinance needed some clarification and council members and the mayor took the time to speak on that issue.
Mayor Pro-Tem David Meadows clarified after the meeting that those who had financial issues with the ordinance or other concerns could contact the city and request a variance.
Mayor Lowell Walker told the Tribune, “The city has been encouraged to pass the ordinance by business owners and concerned citizens about people storing automobiles on residential property. Passing the ordinance was in response to the many complaints the city has received. The ordinance will not affect much of the community.”
The ordinance will go into effect on June 2. Citizens are urged to see the full wording of the ordinance and ask any questions regarding it by going to City Hall during normal business hours.
The other issue during public comments centered on a recent traffic stop of a local resident who was attempting to get to her home for a medical emergency. A video of the incident on social media drew much attention to the traffic stop.
Haley Grammer, the resident involved in the traffic stop, spoke to the city leaders about the incident, noting that the officer could have let her drive the additional 396 feet to her residence and let her check on her husband. Grammer had been called to come home by one of her children after her husband had a medical concern.
More evidence on the actions that occurred during the traffic stop are expected to be presented during an upcoming trial that Grammer requested scheduled for June 10.
In other business, Mayor Walker told the council that the city was working on getting some financial assistance from TxDOT to address the rapidly deteriorating condition of Grizzly Drive. The road has seen a dramatic increase in heavy traffic due to the widening project on Hwy. 82.
