Red Oak council considering change in parking along Reed Street

 The City of Red Oak is considering removing parking on a portion of the the north side of Reed Street. 

Red Oak Mayor Bill Billings advised the council that in the section of the street between Highland and Miller Avenue the parking and narrowness of the road has been causing problems for law enforcement. 

“Due to the narrowness of the street, both the police and fire department have recommended we look at this no parking motion. Both have noted it would be impossible to get an emergency vehicle down the roadway if they really needed to,” Billings said. 

City Administrator Brad Wright said that they received a letter from one of the residents of Reed Street who opposed the no parking change, but Wright said the details of the letter made a stronger case for no parking. 

“If you read all of his letter, he cites having a hard time getting into his driveway, that it’s hard to drive down the street, and that there have been four accidents on that street,” Wright said. 

He added that some residents have even parked halfway on the curb to make more room for traffic. 

The council approved a motion for Wright to draft an ordinance eliminating parking on Reed Street’s north side. 

In other business, the council:

• Approved the first reading of the ordinance amending flood plain regulations, per the new FEMA standards. The council waived the second and third readings, and the ordinance will be effective upon publication. 

• Renewed a liquor license for Red Oak Tap. 

• Approved a resolution authorizing Police Chief Justin Rhamy and City Administrator Brad Wright to execute reimbursements on police officers who have training paid for, but leave the department before a specified period of time. 

• Approved the purchase of an infrared asphalt heater/reclaimer, in the amount of $84,430. 

• Approved contracts with Carley Construction, LLC for work on the Red Oak Recreation Trail. A section of bike trail will be added along the west side of 4th Street beginning at Senate Avenue and running south to the Gold Fair Building. Cost of the project is $141,600.

• Approved a contract with Henningson Construction, Inc. for work on Summit and Oak Streets.