TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 4:22 am

Considering parking options around the Courthouse Square was among several topics discussed by the Woodbury Planning Commission during its July meeting Tuesday (July 19) at City Hall.

No definitive laws were passed as the Commission would prefer to act in accordance with what the County Commission decides to do with parking on the inside of the Courthouse Square.

Chairman Jimmy Barrett and commission members Bill Jennings, Joe Hawkins, Sue Patrick, Mayor Harold Patrick and Dotty Duggin (City Council representatives), were present, along with planner Charles Brown.

The commission discussed any updates on parking regulations for the lots around the Courthouse Square outside the inner lots that surround the immediate Courthouse.

Time limits and no overnight parking were options tossed around but no final decisions were made. There is currently a 2-hour time limit for parking along Main Street.

"We will have a more definitive plan at our next meeting," Mayor Patrick said. "We want to work with the County (Commission) and see what they decide to do with parking regulations inside the Square. I know there has been discussion of no overnight parking in there."

Sue Patrick explained that banning overnight parking would not answer concerns to business owners around the Square.

"I don't think not allowing overnight parking will solve the problem of people parking in front of a business and leaving their vehicle there all day," Sue Patrick said. "That's one of the bigger problems for the business owners."

Mayor Patrick said he believes the completion of the renovation around the Square has improved parking and those benefits will be evident immediately.

"I can only think of three days during the year that parking is going to be a significant problem and that's the three days the Grand Jury meets," he said. "Our parking situation around the Square is very good now."

In other business, Mayor Patrick gave a report regarding the Town of Woodbury. He talked about Saturday's dedication of the Courthouse Square revitalization project.

"It is going to be a good day for us," Mayor Patrick said. "What started in December has finally come to fruition. We are expecting a big crowd and there will be activities planned throughout the day and into evening."

The Commission also re-visited street light regulations approved last January. The topic was who pays for the lights?

It was determined the County Commission pays for the lights around the Courthouse Square.

Prior to the Planning Commission meeting, the Board of Zoning Appeals met and unanimously approved a variance request allowing Woodbury United Methodist Church its request to extend out from the front part of the church in order to install a chairlift for handicap persons. The Church will be allowed to extend from 2.7 up to 5 feet.

The Municipal Floodplain Ordinance was also approved.