Liberty Town Council reviewed a draft ordinance to bring two-hour parking restrictions back to the courthouse square at its April 18 meeting.

Liberty clerk-treasurer Melissa Shepler, presented an ordinance she had drafted based on discussion in council meetings, feedback from the Union County Development Corporation (UCDC) and local merchants, as well as parking ordinances from other Indiana towns. LTC member Ross Keasling drew attention to an incremental fee structure, which would increase the fine if not paid within a certain time frame, concerned over the additional work required to track infractions. LTC vice-president Keith Bias suggested a flat $10 fine; Keasling agreed, noting $10 is enough to make motorists take notice, but not so much to create a hardship.

UCDC executive assistant Dawnn Ripberger inquired about a concern by merchants over customers that are patronizing a business for longer than two hours. Shepler replied the ordinance only specifies the hours and zone of enforcement; if someone were to contact her office about a ticket and explained they were at a local business for an extended length of time, it could be dealt with. Bias noted council had discussed the issue with police chief Andrew Jordan.

“It's kind of the nuisance ordinance and the weeds and all that, we're always open to discuss that,” said Bias.

Shepler agreed to revise the ordinance with the $10 fine and bring it back to council at its next meeting on May 2. Council member Dereck Tipton asked if the restriction is seven days a week or just Monday through Friday; council agreed to set two-hour parking for Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LTC president Matt Barnhizer suggested disseminating the ordinance to the community prior to the May 2 vote to ensure the community is aware of the new policy and able to give any feedback. Bias agreed. 

Also discussed:
-Council reviewed and approved the town's proposed budget for use of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Shepler explained the federal treasury requires recipients to submit an informal general budget for the municipality's plan to spend the funding. Council has already chosen to use some of the ARPA funding to complete the transition to updated radio-read water meters and plan to upgrade the town's unmetered water station. Once those projects are completed, Shepler suggested council consider rehabilitating the town's water towers once those projects are completed, based on feedback from utility super intendent Matt Reuss. Council voted to approve the ARPA budget as presented.

-Council reviewed a resolution declaring the council opposed plans by the Indiana Department of Transportation to establish a turn lane on West Union Street in front of Bertch & Son Hardware. Barnhizer explained the resolution is a result of concerns raised by council members and Union Street merchants over how the turn lane would impact parking spaces on the square. Council voted to approve the resolution.

-Steven DeLorenzo, member of the UCDC board of directors and Whitewater State Park property manager, presented a quarterly update on UCDC's operations to LTC. Planning efforts for summer events have been a big priority for the quarter, as well as business outreach and the establishment of regular, monthly meetings for UCDC members, which was spurred into existence as a result of the two-hour parking discussion. 

-Council reviewed and approved the town's participation in a water and wastewater assistance program offered through the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA). Any residents experiencing difficulty paying their water and wastewater bills can apply for assistance through the IHCDA, which will review and vet the application.