Elgin considers test driving proposed parking schedule

In an effort to make snow removal, leaf collection and street sweeping more efficient and predictable, Elgin officials are considering an even/odd parking schedule all year for the entire city.

But first, the city should try it out in four neighborhoods -- Randall Ridge, the southern part of Cobblers Crossing, the Gifford and Summit park area, and Southwest Area Neighbors Association region up to Gertrude Street -- from September through March 2009 before any decision is made to expand it.

RuthAnne Hall, a management analyst for the city, said there are 432 parking restrictions across the city.

"The whole point (of a uniform schedule) is public works services will become more predictable," she said.

The proposal came from city staff members Wednesday during a city council retreat.

No final action was taken; the earliest the council will revisit the proposal is May 14.

In the meantime, city officials will reach out to get feedback from the four neighborhoods.

Assistant City Manager Sean Stegall said the staff looked at five parking restrictions and decided the even/odd schedule had the most upside. Others were unenforceable or didn't make the job of public works easier.

"There is no magic bullet with parking," Stegall said, adding "Our goal was to do no harm first."

Council member Mike Powers said an even/odd parking schedule would improve city services, but he warned: "We really have to be clear on this because in the end you can't have it both ways."

He said that at least 15 percent of people in the given neighborhoods would be angry about a new parking schedule.

"I would hate to see us abandon a successful program," he said.

City officials came under fire last year for poor snow removal during large storms and late leaf pickup service because of an early snowfall.

"We can't control Mother Nature, but what we can control is the process and make it better," said David Lawry, the city's general services manager.