HUMBOLDT — The ordinance to restrict semi-trailers from parking along city streets has been on the books for decades, Humboldt Council members learned Monday night, but never enforced.
That willingness to turn a blind eye caught up with them when “just one guy,” turned into several parking their rigs in front of people’s homes, causing a problem for fellow residents.
Last month, Council members ordered City Attorney Fred Works to draft an ordinance banning the parking of large vehicles along city streets.
On Monday, the majority approved Works’s tweaks to the current ordinance, which now includes recreational vehicles.
Only Council member Jeff Bowman was opposed.
Bowman was sympathetic to the drivers’ plight.
“Not that I would like their vehicles parked in front of my house,” he said. “But we’re doing nothing to help them find a place to park.”
“I feel like we’re saying, ‘figure it out on your own.’”
The ordinance becomes effective Aug. 1
COUNCIL members voted to renew the city’s 93.746 mill levy rate on property for fiscal year 2024.
Because the city’s recently assessed property valuations have increased from $11.5 million to $13.1 million over the past year, the difference will mean an additional $150,000 to city coffers.
Of the increased valuation, $335,753 was due to either new construction or renovations on existing properties.
MAX RICKERSON introduced himself to Council members.
A native of Humboldt who has returned home, Rickerson said “I’d like to give back,” in the form of a museum to showcase his animal trophies accumulated over a lifetime of hunting.
Rickerson is building a facility in downtown Humboldt to showcase his collection. “I’ve hunted all over the world,” Rickerson said, including Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, as well as throughout the United States.
Rickerson said the “fruits of my work” as a Sonic Drive-in franchisee over the last 50 years has afforded him the ability to be generous.
The facility will also be used to teach animal conservation, he said.
TRACEY COOK, manager of Pete’s convenience stores in Humboldt, and Roberta Vink, deli manager for the store on South 9th Street, apprised Council members of the company’s fundraising efforts for CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, who help represent foster children in legal situations.
The corporation raised over $72,000 for CASA last year, Cook said, with Humboldt’s store on South 9th as the state’s top fundraiser, raising $5,600, and third among the company’s 56 stores across Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas.
Council members approved the duo’s request for a Sept. 9 fundraiser that will include a car show, activities for children and food booths on the downtown square.
IN OTHER news:
∙ Council members approved A Bolder Humboldt’s annual Water Wars for Saturday, Aug. 12. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
