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Ashland parking fines could more than double City considers consolidation regulations, getting in line with other's fines Comment By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 19, 2016 at 2:54 PM Updated Feb 19, 2016 at 2:55 PM By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 19, 2016 at 2:54 PM Updated Feb 19, 2016 at 2:55 PM » Social News Parking fines may double in downtown Ashland, and City Council plans to take action on other vehicle-related headaches, including idling delivery vehicles and abandoned cars. On the table is more than a doubling of the cost of parking tickets, which would go from $11 to $26 under a proposal before the council. The city is also considering raising fees at the Hargadine parking lot from $1 to $2 per day. “It’s awful,” said Ashland resident and Southern Oregon University employee Jessica Valenzuela, who recalled getting a parking ticket when she did not see a two-hour parking sign obscured by a tree. “It was 11 bucks, so I just paid it. But if it was $26, I would probably take a picture of the tree and fight it more.” “It’s more in line with other city’s parking fees," said City Administrator David Kanner. "Medford is $25, Phoenix and Talent are in the same range. Ashland is just getting in line with the going rate.” Also in the proposed plan is towing or using a boot on any car with unpaid parking fines of $150 dollars or more. The rate that gets you booted now is $240. “That will discourage me from parking downtown, especially if I have a function that lasts more than two hours,” said Ashland resident Victoria Vannice. “I think it’s not justified. Other cities don’t depend on tourists the way Ashland does. I don’t think the tourists will like it.” Other tougher rules would include a ticket for cars left idling, including small delivery trucks. “It can’t be justified based on emissions,” said Kanner. The council will also discuss towing vehicles left in the same spot for more than 72 hours under an abandoned vehicle rule the city is considering adopting. The purpose of the changes, beyond matching the fees of surrounding cities, is to make the rules more understandable and to consolidate them in one section of the municipal code, according to city Attorney Dave Lohman. They're currently scattered in several different parts of the code. In addition, the changes would give City Council direct oversight of parking ticket fees. The council voted Tuesday to approve going forward with the discussion at its next meeting, and the public will have a chance to weigh in. The next meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 1175 E. Main St. The council meets the first and third Tuesday of every month. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ @julieakins. By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 19, 2016 at 2:54 PM Updated Feb 19, 2016 at 2:55 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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