HomeMy Public PortalAbout19700624CCMeeting3
Savannah Beach, Georgia
June 24, 1970
The, regular meeting of City Council was called to order at 3:00
P. M. today with Mayor Michael J. Counihan presiding and the
following councilmen in attendance: John H. Daniels, Jr., Edward
Jung, Robert F. Cary, C. Louis Hohenstein, Milledge C. Jones.
Councilman George F. Schwarz was absent.
Also present were Bart E. Shea, City Attorney, Mr. Thomas M. Reed,
Superintendent of Public Works, and Mr. S. R. Kent, City Marshal
and Building Official.
Visitors at the meeting were Mr. Joseph Hutton, Mr. Jack Brady,
Mr. David K. Smith, Mr. Tommy Kirkland, Mr. Remer Lane, Mr. Jim
Parsons, Mrs. John R. Hunter, Mrs. Starke, Mr. & Mrs. Garrett,
Mrs. Berry and Mr. Charles Teeple.
Mr. Remer Lahe, newly appointed Chatham County Commissioner, was
introduced by Mayor Counihan. Mr. Lane stated that he wanted the
Mayor, City Council and the citizens of Savannah Beach to feel
free to call on him at any time they felt he could be of service
in his capacity of County Commissioner.
Mr. Jim Parsons, who is associated with L.E.P.A., and is presently
operating the Savannah Beach Family Campground, requested permission
to put a parking lot and concession stand in the area of the camp-
site and north of the Coast Guard Station. Council requested Mr.
Parsons to put his request in writing giving full particulars and
upon receipt of this, they would then give his request consideration.
Mrs. John Hunter, a resident of Fort Screven, presented a petition
to Council on behalf of thirty -nine other residents of this area,
protesting any contemplated change in the original zoning of a
commercial nature be allowed to go-into that area. Mrs. Berry, Mr.
Garrett and Mrs. Rose Thompson also spoke on- behalf of the petition.
Mr. David K. Smith appeared before Council requesting permission to
build a camper- trailer park on his land in Fort Screven. He stated
that he had not been given permission on two previous request and
that he now had plans of exactly what he proposed to build and that
he also had with him Mr. Thomas Kirkland, Field Director of the
National Campers and Hikers Association, who would explain the type
of camp he proposed to build. Mr. Kirkland stated that he had looked
over Mr. Smith's plans and he felt this camp would be something
that Savannah Beach would be proud of and-asked members of Council
to give favorable consideration to the proposal. Mr. Smith stated
further that he had already spent $12,000.00 for his plans and that
he also planned to spend another $50,000.00 within the next sixty
days. He said his plans call for a swimming pool, tennis courts and
parking areas that everyone would be proud of. Mr. Smith also stated
that since the City of Savannah Beach had been operating a campground,
he felt it only fair to htigiven the opportunity to do the same.
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City Attorney, Bart Shea, interrupted the discussion stating that
Mr. Smith's appearance before Council at this particular time was
highly irregular due to the fact that Mr. Smith has a suit pending
in court against the Mayor and Council at the present time and that
he felt Mr. SmithEbould not be here talking about it; especially
without his attorney. Mr. Shea also stated that if Mr. Smith wanted
Council to consider his petition, he should withdraw his suit. The
members of council were agreeable to recondisering his application.
provided he dismissed his suit.
Mr. Jack Brady stated that he was again appearing before Council for
permission to erect an apartment complex on Sixth Street. He stated
that he had Mr. Joseph Hutton with him to try to explain the engineer-
ing details of the project. Mr. Hutton stated that as an engineer
he' could prepare a' site plan but he could not say at this time what
the problems were or how much it would cost to'solve them; but' that
if a person had enough money, they could build anything, anywhere.
Sewage, the need of a lift station and zoning was also discussed.
The members of Council felt that since this proposal, if approved,
would become a non - conforming use in our new zoning ordinance,'
there should be more discussion on it and, therefore, declined to
give Mr. Brady an answer at this meeting.
The minutes of the regular council meeting of May 27, 1970 were
approved as written. 1 f ;
Councilman Daniels reported that he had received numerous complaints
regarding residents putting tree limbs and other debris in the
streets and this was being handled by the police department.
Councilman Daniels also reported that camper- trailers in our parking
lots and people sleeping in cars had also become a problem and that
our ordinances concerning these violations would'be enforced.
Councilman Daniels stated that another problems we were having was
with mini-bikes and recommended that the state laws concerning these
vehicles be enforced. The state law requires that the operators of
these vehicles must have a driver's license and a state tag. He
then put this recommendation in the form of a motion. It was
seconded and unanimously carried.
A report was given to Council on the purchase and installation
of new radios for the city police cars and ambulance by Police
Commissioner Daniels. He'stated that they were now tied in with
the City of Savannah frequency and dispatched by the Savannah
dispatcher. He also stated that most of the cost -of this equip-
ment would be funded by LEAA. He then made a motion that the
frequency of our old radios be changed and that they be installed
in some of the other city vehicles. This motion was seconded and
unanimously carried.
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Councilman Daniels asked Council to authorize the Police Committee
and the Department of Public Works Committee to work out the
details of changing the method of dispensing gas to city vehicle;.
This was so authorized by Council.
Councilman Hohenstein recommended that our lease arrangement with
Mr. Embrey for the fishing pier be terminated due to the fact
that it was in bad condition and apparently no attemlt has been
made to repair it. This was agreed to by Council.
Councilman Hohenstein stated that there was a great need for
two air conditioning units in the Museum. Mayor Counohan said
this would be looked into.
Councilman Hohenstein moved that the compensation for expenses
paid to the councilmen be increased to $25.00 per meeting
beginning with the July Meeting. The motion was seconded and
unanimously carried.
Councilman Cary stated that, as information the city owned a
nice piece of property on 18th Street and Chatham Avenue which
would be an ideal site for a new well which the City will be
needing in the not too distant future.
Bills for the various departments were approved for payment.
City Attorney Bart She outlined on second reading an Ordinance
amending Chapter 19 of our Code of Ordinances relating to traffic
within the City of Savannah Beach. Mr. Shea stated that this
Ordinance covered the entire picture in regard to regulating
traffic, speed limits, the flow of traffic, traffic signs,
parking regulations, pedestrian cross - walks, parking meters
and parking decals. Councilman Cary moved the adoption of this
Ordinance, as amended, on second reading. It was seconded by
Councilman Jones and unanimously passed.
O R D I N A N C E
Councilman Daniels outlined the new work schedule for the meter
maids. He stated that under the new set up we would have
coverage.from 8:00 A.M. to Midnight, seven days per week.
A letter from Mr. Bill Fleetwood was read by the Clerk, in which
he requested a permit to drill a shallow well on his property
near his home on Sixth Place. Mr. Fleetwood Enclosed $5.00 to
cover the cost of the permit. Councilman Daniels explained that
Section 20 -23 of our Code of Ordinances prohibited installing
these wells and even though the ordinance gave discretionary
ppwers to Council if it saw fit to allow them, he felt that due
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to the availability of water in this area and also due to the
fact that Chatham County no longer permitted them,. the City of
Savannah Beach should not allow tham. Council concurred with this
and rejected the application for the permit. The Clerk was
instructed to so adivse Mr. Fleetwood and return his check.
Before the close of the meeting, Dr. Hohenstein rose and stated
that he had occupied his council seat for a long, long time and
he hated to give it up. He said that since this was his last
council meeting - his last one to attend officially - he wanted
everyone to know how much he had enjoyed working with them.
Councilman Milledge Jones also expressed_ his thanks and appreciation
for the cooperation and help he had received from -all the members
of City Council in his efforts to further the progress of Savannah
Beach. Mayor Counihan thanked both of them for their hard work
and sincere efforts as members of Council and issued them a
special invitation to be with us at the inaugural ceremonies on
July 6th.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned subject
to the call of the Mayor.
CITY CLERK
Am 0V duitavAid
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AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED, AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 19 RELATING TO TRAFFIC
WITHIN THE CITY OF SAVANNAH BEACH, TYBEE
IS LAND
BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Councilmen of the
City of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, in the council duly assem-
bled, and it is hereby ordained by the authority thereof:
SECTION. I. Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances,
City of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia, is hereby amended
in the following particulars:
Section 19 -4 is amended to read as follows:
(1) Fifth. Street shall be a one -way street from
east to west from Butler Avenue to Jones Avenue
during the school months of September through
May from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., during which
months appropriate one -way signs will be placed
at Fifth Street's intersections with Butler
Avenue and Jones Avenue.
(2) Inlet shall be a one -way street, northeast to
southwest from Butler Avenue to Seventeenth
Street. Inlet Avenue shall be a two -way street
from Seventeenth Street to Chatham Avenue.
(3) Eighteenth Street shall be a one -way street
from the Strand to Butler Avenue, east to
west, from March 1 through Labor Day of
each calendar year.
(4) Sixteenth Street shall be a one -way street
west to east from Butler Avenue to the
Strand.
(5) The Strand shall be a one -way street from
north to south from Sixteenth Street to
Eighteenth Street.
SECTION II. Section 19 -5 is amended as follows:
(1) All Streets within the City limits of
Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, shall be 15
miles per hour except for the following:
(a) The speed limit on First Street shall be
40 miles per hour from the City limits line
on U. S. Highway 80 to Chimney Creek Bridge
to First Street's intersection with the
northern boundary line of Jones Avenue;
30 miles per hour from the northern boundary
line of Jones Avenue to First Street's inter-
section with the northern boundary line of
Lovell Avenue; 20 miles per hour from the
northern boundary line of Lovell Avenue
through the curve intersection with Butler
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Avenue to the intersection with the northern
boundary line of Second Street on Butler Avenue.
(b) The speed limit on Butler Avenue from the
intersection of the northern boundary line of
Second Street shall be 30 miles per hour to the
northern boundary line of Third Street; 40 miles
per hour from the northern boundary line of Third
Street to the northern boundary line of Eighth
Street; from the northern boundary line of Eighth
Street to the northern boundary line of Thirteenth
Street, 35 miles per hour; 25 miles per hour from
the northern boundary line of Thirteenth Street to
Nineteenth Street around the curve intersection
with Chatham Avenue and shall continue 25 miles
per hour on Chatham Avenue to a point where the
western boundary line of Jones Avenue intersects
with the eastern boundary line of Chatham Avenue_
(c) The speed limit on Chatham Avenue beginning
with its intersection at Jones Avenue shall be
30 miles per hour, and shall continue to be 30
miles per hour after Chatham Avenue intersects
and merges with Venetian Drive, and shall remain
30 miles per hour on Venetian Drive after it
merges and intersects with Twelfth Street, and
shall continue 30 miles per hour on Twelfth
Street to its intersection with Jones Avenue.
(d) The speed limit on Jones Avenue shall be
30 miles per hour from First Street to Seventeenth
Street.
(e) The speed limit on Lovell Avenue and Second
Avenue from First Street to Fourth Street shall
be 25 miles per hour. The speed limit on Second
Avenue from Fifth Street to Seventeenth Street
shall be 25 miles per hour. The speed limit on
Lovell Avenue from Fifth Street to its inter-
section with the southern boundary line of
Fourteenth Street shall be 25 miles per hour.
The speed limit on Lovell Avenue from its inter-
section with the southern boundary line of Four-
teenth Street to its intersection with the North-
ern boundary line of Inlet Avenue shall be 15
miles per hour.
(f) The speed limit on all streets east of Butler
Avenue from Butler Avenue to the ocean or the
Strand from Second Street through Eighteenth
Street shall be 10 miles per hour.
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(g) The speed limit within all parking lots
and on the Strand shall be 10 miles per hour.
(h) The speed limit on all streets within Fort
Screven area shall be 20 miles per hour.
SECTION III. By adding a new section designated
Section 19 -6. Through Streets - Designated.
A. The following streets in the city are hereby
designated as through streets and all vehicles are required to
stop before entering or crossing the same:
(1) Butler Avenue from First Street through
Nineteenth Street.
(2) Jones Avenue from Second Street through
Seventeenth Street.
(3) Venetian Drive from Twelfth Street through
Fourteenth Street.
(4) Chatham Avenue from Fourteenth Street to
Seventeenth Street.
(5) Chatham Avenue from Seventeenth Street through
Nineteenth Street.
(6) First Street from Butler Avenue to the City
limits on U. S. Highway 80.
(7) Lovell Avenue from Second Street to Fourth Street.
(8) Second Avenue from Second Street to Fourth
Street.
(9) Lovell Avenue from Fifth Street to Inlet Avenue.
(10) Second Avenue from Fifth Street to Seventeenth
Street.
(11) Sixteenth Street from Jones Avenue to Chatham
Avenue.
(12) The Strand from Sixteenth Street to Eighteenth
Street.
(13) Twelfth Street from Venetian Drive to Jones
Avenue.
(14) Thirteenth Street from Venetian Drive to Jones
Avenue.
(15) Fourteenth Street from Chatham Avenue to Jones
Avenue.
(16) Van Horn Street from First Street to its northern-
most point past and including Pulaski Street.
(17) Campbell Avenue from First Street to Van Horn
Street.
(18) Meddin Drive from Van Horn Street to Taylor Street.
(19) Taylor Street from Van Horn Street to Meddin Street.
B. No person shall operate or drive any vehicle across
or into any street designated as a through street by this title or
any other ordinance of the City from a street intersecting such
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through street, without first bringing the vehicle to a complete
stop; provided, however, that this section shall not apply_to
intersections where traffic is being directed by an officer of
the police department or where traffic is directed by a traffic -
control device or sign, in both of which cases the traffic officer
or control device shall be obeyed.
SECTION IV. By the addition of a new section desig-
nated Section 19 -7. Yield- Right -of -Way Signs.
The following intersections are designated as "Yield-
Right-of-Way" intersections, and vehicles facing a "Yield- Right -of-
Way" sign are required to yield the right -of -way to other vehicles:
(1) Campbell Avenue traffic shall yield for Van
Horn Street traffic.
(2) Parking lot traffic within the Municipal
Parking lot east of the Strand between Sixteenth
and Eighteenth Streets shall yield for the Strand
traffic when exiting from said parking lot at
Eighteenth Street exit.
(3) Eastbound traffic on Cedarwood Street shall
yield for Van Horn Street traffic.
SECTION V. By adding a new section designated Section
19 -8, Parking Regulations.
A. It shall be unlawful to park any vehicle as follows:
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(1) Nineteenth Street, both north and south sides.
(2) Butler Avenue a distance of 30 feet north . of
its intersection with Nineteenth Street both
east and west sides.
(3) Chatham Avenue a distance of 30 feet north of
its intersection with Nineteenth St `eet, both
east and west sides.
(4) Sixteenth Street, Butler Avenue to Lovell Avenue,
south side.
(5) Sixteenth Street a distance of 90 feet west of
its intersection with Butler Avenue, north side.
(6) Campbell Avenue, First Street to Van Horn, both
east and west sides.
(7) Memorial Park.
(8) In front of any fire hydrant.
B, In the following designated "Yellow- Line" or "No
Parking" areas:
(1) Butler Avenue - Second Street to Sixteenth Street -
at the intersections of streets, both eastern and
western sides of Butler Avenue, a distance of 10
feet north and 10 feet south of said intersections.
(2) Butler Avenue and First Street intersection - a
distance of 30 feet south and on Butler from said
curve.
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(3) First Street and Butler Avenue intersection
at the curve - a distance of 30 feet west
on First Street from said curve.
(4) First Street - Lovell Avenue to the City
limits on U. S. Highway 80 - a distance of
10 feet east and 10 feet west at all inter-
sections, exclusive of the intersections of
Campbell Avenue and South Campbell Avenue.
(5) Campbell Avenue, northwest corner of inter-
section with First Street, a distance of 10
feet westwardly on the north side of First
Street, and a distance of 10 feet northwardly
on the west side of Campbell Avenue; a distance
of 79 feet on the north side of First Street
eastwardly from Campbell Avenue, a distance
of the entire length of the building on the
east side of Campbell Avenue northwardly from
First Street. At the intersection of South
Campbell Avenue and First Street a distance
of 10 feet proceeding westwardly on the south
side of First Street, and a distance of 10
feet proceeding eastwardly on the south side
of First Street.
(6) Sixteenth and Butler, southeastern corner, 20
feet south on Butler and 10 feet east on Six-
teenth Street.
C. Impoundment of Illegally Parked Vehicles.
In the event any vehicle is parked in.vilolation of
this title, or any other ordinance of the City at a fire
hydrant or in a prohibited area or in such a manner as to
obstruct or impede or interfere with pedestrian or vehicular
traffic or to become a hazard, the police authorities, at
their discretion, shall have the right, in addition to placing
a docket case against the defendant, to cause the vehicle to be
removed and towed to a garage in the City selected by the police
authorities, and to remain there until the defendant shall have
appeared in police court and paid the fine prescribed for the
violation and produced proof of such fact to the garage owner.
SECTION VI. By the addition of a new section
designated Section 19 -9, Reckless Driving.
The term reckless shall be defined to include the
following:
(a) The operation of an automobile at a speed in
excess of that fixed by the municipal author-
ities of the Mayor and Councilmen of the Town
of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia.
(b) The failure to bring said motor vehicle to a
full stop before crossing any boulevard or
designated through street where there is a
stop sign.
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(c) The failure to observe traffic signals and
to cross or attempt to cross where the red
stop light is on at the time or to cross
on any street in face of a stop sign before
having brought said automobile to a full and
complete stop.
(d) The weaving and driving of an automobile
from one traffic lane into another, except
where it is necessary to pass an automobile
in the same direction and where the same
can be done without endangering the safety
of other vehicles or pedestrians in said
street at said time.
(e) The failure to observe the rules of the road.
(f) The unnecessary and loud blowing of horns
and sirens, except where it is necessary
for the safety and security of the persons
driving said automobile.
(g) Driving on a wrong side of the street.
(h) Backing into a parking space or driving
out of a parking space in a negligent
manner where under the circumstances the
lives and property of other persons or
vehicles in said street are endangered.
(i)
Crossing a yellow line in the center of the
street where the same is prohibited by traffic
regulations or ordinances of the Municipal
authorities of the Town of Savannah Beach,
Tybee Island, Georgia.
(j) Racing or driving fast in a negligent manner
on any street in the Town of Savannah Beach,
Tybee Island, Georgia, even within the speed
limits where traffic conditions at said time
require a lower rate of speed.
(k) Driving an automobile in a grossly and negligent
manner, or at a speed greater than fixed by
municipal ordinances when passing in a school
or hospital zone, and where such acts tend to
endanger the lives of persons or the security
of property at said time and place.
(1) Any driving of any automobile on any of the
streets of the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee
Island, Georgia, in a wanton, willful or
negligent manner without having said car under
control at a time when traffic conditions warrant
and require a lower rate of speed and greater
precaution to insure the safety of others lawfully
in said street.
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(m) Taking away the right -of -way of an approaching
vehicle.
(n) Driving on a street in a direction other
than that fixed by the municipal ordinances
of the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island,
Georgia.
(o) Driving or operating an automobile upon
the sidewalks of the Town of Savannah Beach,
Tybee Island, Georgia, or through a park or
square except that the same shall not apply
to fire engines, police vehicles or ambu-
lances in the performance of their duty.
(p) Driving or operating an automobile upon the
streets of the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee
Island, Georgia, without proper lights or
brakes.
(q) Driving or operating a motor vehicle upon
any of the beaches of the municipality.
(r) The failure to yield a motor vehicle when
required to do so by a yield right -of -way sign.
SECTION VII. By the addition of a new section
designated Section 19 -10, "Pedestrian Cross Walks."
Pedestrian cross walks shall be located as follows
and pedestrian traffic therein shall have the right of way over
vehicular traffic:
(1) Butler Avenue - Second through Fifteenth Streets,
immediately south of the intersection of said
streets with Butler Avenue. Pedestrian cross
walks are established therein in an eastwardly -
westwardly direction from the east side of Butler
Avenue to the west side thereof.
(2) Butler Avenue and Sixteenth Streets. There shall
be established four (4) pedestrian cross walks,
one from the northeast corner to the northwest
corner, northwest corner to the southwest
corner, southwest corner to the southeast corner,
and southeast corner to the northeast corner.
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(3) Sixteenth and Strand. Southwest corner proceeding
eastwardly across the Strand to the northern
end of the Police Station located on the southern
part of the Strand.
SECTION VIII. Section 19 -21 is hereby amended as follows:
By the addition of a new subsection thereunder
designated Subsection (e) "Parking Violations and Fines."
(1) Parking overtime on meter in the Strant
Parking Lot from 16th Street to 18th Street - -$2.00
(2) Parking overtime on meter other than on
meters within Strand Parking Lot
(3) Parking by fire hydrant
(4) Improperly parked
1.00
4.00
2.00
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(5) Parking in lane 2.00
(6) Parking in "No Parking Zone"
(7) Parking on wrong side of street
(8) Blocking
(9) Parking on Yellow Line
(10) Any other specific parking violation as
determined by the Police Committee
SECTION IX. That Section 19 -16 "Parking Meters"
of the Code of Ordinances, City of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island,
Georgia, is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Congested traffic area: On the Strand from
Fourteenth Street to Fifteenth Street and from
Sixteenth Street to Eighteenth Street; east of
Butler Avenue on the following streets: Third
Street, Center Street, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth,
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth,
Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth
and Eighteenth Streets; the westernmost boundary
of Memorial Park on Jones Street, and the south-
ernmost boundary on Fourth Street; Butler Avenue,
eastern and western sides Second thxough Eighteenth
Street.
SECTION X. Section 19 -28 is amended as follows:
By striking the present section in its entirety
and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
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2.00
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Each such police officer shall attach to a vehicle
illegally parked under the provisions of this article a notice
to the owner or operator thereof that such vehicle has been
parked in violation of a provision of this article and instructing
such owner or operator to report to any police officer on duty
or the city clerk, in regard to such violation. Each such owner
or operator may, within 5 days of the time when such notice was
attached to such vehicle, pay to any police officer on duty the
'amount of the fine as specified on the parking violation ticket
in return for which such person shall receive a receipt, the
form of which is designated by the Police Committee. The
failure of such owner or operator to make such payment within
5 days shall result in a $2.00 penalty being added to the
parking violation fine. In the event that said parking violation
is not paid by the owner or operator thereof within 30 days after
the date of the violation, a $5.00 penalty shall be added to the
parking violation fine, and the owner or operator thereof shall
also be subject to the penalties provided by Section 1 -8 of this
Code.
SECTION XI. By adding a new section designated Section
19 -34, "Misuse of Decal - Forfeiture of Free Parking."
Should any person or family who has been issued an
automobile decal permitting free parking in accordance with
provisions of this code fail to attach same to the automobile
as required by Section 19 -32 of said code or only temporarily
attach same to their vehicle whereby it is transferable to the
rear window of other vehicles, or in any other way misuse or
abuse the privilege and rights granted by the free parking
decal, then such owner, person or family shall forfeit such
free parking decal and all of the attendant rights to free
parking thereby afforded, as well as be subject to the
general penalties of Sections 1 -8 of the Code of Ordinances.
Adopted: June 24, 1970