Council Discusses Parking Situation

The city of Bourbon’s parking ordinances became a hot topic again Tuesday when two different situations were brought before the council.

James and Carma Naquin addressed board members over street parking. 

Carma Naquin said she was visited by police in May and June over parking the opposite way on the street. 

Now, she said she is being told not to park on the street anymore due to the roadway being less than 30 feet across.

“That is true,” said Mayor Danny Skaggs, adding that he was unsure where the ordinance came from but it is on the books. Skaggs said he has read “snide comments” being made on social media and the city will be posting signs to make residents aware.

All narrow streets will have that signage.

“It is the law of our city,” Skaggs said. “Parking the right way — we do not have anything on that.”

Mary Lewis and her son Elliott Lewis addressed the board over parking on improved surfaces. 

Elliott Lewis was approached by the police department and told his cars, which he admitted he owns many of, needed to be parked on an improved surface.

Elliott Lewis said he purchased gravel and oak boards to increase the size of his driveway. All of his vehicles were kept off the grass.

Later, he was cited for having a derelict vehicle. Elliott Lewis told the board he has an off-road vehicle that is not licensed or insured since he does not use it for any other purpose.

“It is not a source of transportation,” Lewis said. “It is a hobby.”

Elliott Lewis wanted clarification.

Skaggs told Lewis that, according to the city’s law, his vehicle is considered derelict. Lewis, who had the complaint filed against him, called it “petty.”

“I do not have trash, car parts or debris in my yard,” he said. I keep it decent.”

The matter was turned over to City Attorney Robert Davis for further review.