Parking issue resurfaces in Itasca

Two years after the debate fizzled in Itasca, village leaders again are considering how long residents can park recreational vehicles, boats and trailers in their driveways.

The village currently allows such vehicles to be parked in driveways from May 1 to Oct. 1. But residents Jeff and Karen Helmig this week asked the village board to extend that period from April 1 to Nov. 1.

The couple said many owners use RVs as vacation homes and lose out on their investment by storing the vehicles in faraway facilities, such as in Antioch or near Rockford, while the weather is still warm.

"It's not convenient to bring it there and put it back out again based on the current village schedule," said Jeff Helmig. "This is a great month to travel - we go apple picking, there are pumpkin fests, we look at fall colors and we can't do it due to the ordinance. We have to start winterizing it in September."

The couple added that April is also a popular month for RV owners to take spring break trips with their children.

Under the current ordinance, which has been in place for decades, owners can store RVs, boats and trailers in an enclosure on their property any time. But from Oct. 1 to May 1, owners are ticketed if the vehicles are in their driveways. Tickets start at $25 and increase with each violation.

Residents also can apply for two off-season permits that are valid for seven consecutive days.

Itasca officials released a survey to residents in 2007 when this issue came before the board, which garnered about 100 responses. A majority of respondents voted against extending the parking season.

"Because there wasn't overwhelming support or a majority, there was no public hearing scheduled where the ordinance was changed," said Nicole Aranas, Itasca director of community development.

But the Helmigs noted they gathered a petition in 2007 with roughly 1,000 signatures in favor of altering the ordinance.

Trustee Frank Madaras questioned if the village could adopt a punch-card system for the permits, allowing seven unconsecutive days per permit that would allow owners more travel flexibility.

Trustee Mike Latoria agreed changing the permitting rules might save the village money and time, rather than creating a new ordinance.

But to give a voice to residents who oppose extending the parking season, Trustee Jeff Aiani said Itasca should go through the full hearing process.

"In the interest of full disclosure and fair play, there are residents who don't want to look at it in October," Aiani said. "The whole idea of due process and having a public hearing is to let those people be heard. This request does not seem unreasonable ... but we're not trying to play the games of selective enforcement and skirting around the issue."

The Helmigs said they are willing to compromise and believe other RV owners are, too, and they hope a public hearing will help find a solution.

Village board members said they will revisit the issue in coming weeks.

"I don't want it in my driveway year-round either, I just want to extend the time we can use it," said Jeff Helmig.