Nicky Boyette – Fire Marshal Jimmy Kelley gave council his assessment of whether a section of Washington Street should be a No Parking zone because of the difficulty fire crews have turning onto Point Street when cars are parked near the intersection with Washington.
Nearby residents had voiced opinions for and against painting the curbs red on either side of the entrance to Point Street. Apartment house owner Bill King had insisted the red curbs would create a hardship for his renters by taking away parking. Other residents said the red curbs would alleviate congestion.
Kelley said his job as fire marshal was to evaluate every situation to determine what’s in the best interest of citizens, and he thought fire trucks should be able to access Point Street from both directions on Washington. He said he watched as a firefighter tried to drive a fire truck onto Point Street, but couldn’t when approaching from the south. The driver tried approaching from the north and was able to make the turn with assistance from Kelley. However, no vehicles were parked in the vicinity at the time, and Kelley’s opinion was the fire truck could not have made the turn if cars had been there.
“It will be my recommendation… that we do require no parking on the west side of Washington Street directly across from Point Street and for 60 feet in either direction to the North and South from the center of Point Street to allow fire engine access,” Kelley’s report stated.
Alderman Mickey Schneider asked Kelley how many streets in town were similar, and he replied several. She asked if it were possible to identify them so the city could begin preparing to rectify tight situations, and Kelley said ESFD could, but he didn’t know when they would have time.
Alderman David Mitchell replied, however, the issue before council was this one street. He said the city has even widened streets in the past when necessary, and other issues related to fire department access have been addressed when identified, and that Kelley established the difficulty in providing fire protection for three houses on Point Street, and another house being planned. In addition, Point Street is only 18 ft. wide, and 20 feet is mandated for access by fire trucks. He also pointed out where additional parking could be created, so loss of parking was not necessarily a major concern. Mitchell contended council had been apprised of a safety concern, so it was incumbent upon them to resolve it.
Schneider asked Kelley if the curbs at the intersection could be moved back, and he replied it was possible.
Alderman Terry McClung told council the Fire Department has a first responder mini-pumper truck that can make the turn onto Point Street, and has for years. He remarked painting curbs red in that neighborhood would open a can of worms for the city because similar situations exist all around town.
“I’m with leaving things as they are,” he said.
Mitchell stated, “History is nice, but history is history.” He reiterated council had before it a recommendation from the fire marshal plus there was a possible solution to loss of parking.
“We’re addressing the facts before us,” Mitchell proclaimed as he moved for council to proceed with amending a city ordinance to include Kelley’s recommendations. There was no second, so the motion died.