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Short-term parking request tabled
Council to address the need for 15-minute parking
tribune 15-minute parking
Shown is the site of a 15-minute parking stall requested by the Great Bend Tribune. However, the Great Bend City Council Monday night voted to eliminate all 15-minute parking stalls in the city. - photo by DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

The Great Bend City Council Tuesday night tabled until March 20 acting on a request from the Great Bend Tribune to establish a 15-minute parking spot in front of the newspaper’s office at 2012 Forest Ave. Members of the governing body hesitated making the change for fear of setting a precedent, and even questioned the need for such short-term parking citywide.

“I think we’re opening a can of worms,” said Mayor Cody Schmidt. He and the council directed Public Works Director Jason Cauley to track down how many such parking stalls there were in the city and their locations, and report back at the March 20 meeting. 

The Tribune sought to have the parking place just west of the ally in front of the front door be limited between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. so elderly customers could avoid parallel parking and be able to park closer.

There is one 15-minute parking spot across the street from the Tribune next to Equity Bank, and there are two in front of City Hall at 1209 Williams St.

In September 2021, the council approved a resolution designating a 15-minute parking zone in front of That One Groomer, 1011 Williams St. There were concerns at the time about a flood of similar requests and about how the limits would be policed.

As far as enforcement, Police Chief Steve Haulmark said his officers would address complaints of cars being parked in 15-minute spots for longer than 15 minutes. 

Ward 3 Councilman Cory Urban was the first to object to the change. He felt such designations flew in the face of efforts to grow the community’s downtown, such as the planned loft project and the development of new businesses.

It was noted that for the past couple of years, the Boot Doctor, 1306 Kansas Ave., has asked for a 15-minute spot to allow customers easier access, especially when they are toting such heavy items as saddles. This is especially a problem during downtown events when all available parking is taken.

As a work-around, the owner has placed an orange cone in one stall on busy days to reserve a spot.

In the end, the council tabled the matter so it could delve into the issue more.