The proposal for the 60-day trial period for parking on both sides was met with varying opinions from both the council members and residents. Some residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the new one-sided parking system, which they claimed reduced parking availability, especially for visitors and teenage drivers who ended up parking several miles away from their homes. Concerns were also raised about the impact of one-sided parking on emergency vehicle access, with residents suggesting that the fire department had not encountered issues when parking was allowed on both sides of the street.

The debate extended to the appropriate steps the commission could take during the meeting, with some members expressing uncertainty about their authority to reverse or change parking regulations based on parliamentary rules. Despite the uncertainty, a motion to send the matter to a public hearing for a 60-day trial period with parking on both sides was eventually approved. The commission also addressed the potential for ticketing during the transition period, clarifying that the existing no parking regulations would remain in effect until the public hearing, and that residents might need stickers to avoid getting ticketed.

In addition to the parking regulation debate, the commission addressed several requests for handicap parking signs. A request on Carlson Street was tabled due to concerns about the narrowness of the sidewalk and the potential impact on public safety, along with the possibility of the parking spot’s misuse. Residents against the request chose not to voice their concerns in person, though numerous calls were received. Another request for a handicap parking sign on Orvis Road was denied because the residence already had an accessible driveway, and the request did not meet the qualifications for a handicap parking sign.

The commission also considered the request to establish a drop-off zone in front of 286 Fenno Street to assist a severely handicapped resident whose physical limitations made it difficult to access the parking space behind the building. The family of the resident provided a letter detailing the difficulties they faced. A city council member proposed a trial period for the drop-off zone to assess its impact and minimize the effect on parking availability.

Furthermore, the commission debated proposals to remove and relocate parking restriction signs on certain streets due to visibility and safety concerns. Evidence of numerous near-miss accidents was presented by proponents to highlight the danger posed by parked vehicles obstructing views when making left turns. This item, along with a proposal to add stop signs at specific intersections to improve traffic safety, was motioned to a public hearing for further discussion.