City Looks Into Old Handicapped Spaces

By MARK EVANS

STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD

Several handicapped parking spaces created by the city of Ste. Genevieve for individuals now sit unused, while drivers struggle to find parking spaces.

The reason is that these individuals have either died or moved elsewhere, leaving neighbors and new residents stuck with the limited-access parking spots.

The subject came up during last Thursday’s board of aldermen meeting.

Mayor Paul Hassler brought the issue up at the close of the meeting. He said Memorial Street resident had called him, complaining that a handicapped space is still in place for a woman who had died.

“The people are gone now and the handicapped spot is still there,” Hassler said. He added that there are two spots on Market Street in which former residents obtained handicapped spaces. Both have since moved.

“Those two spots are there and nobody can park in them,” he said.

The signs can be taken down, but the blue curbs would also have to be painted.

From a legal standpoint, Mark Bishop, the city attorney, said the ordinances that created them could be repealed or amended.

“It’s probably something that’s going to happen in the future,” Hassler said.

WELCH GIVES UPDATES

During his city administrator’s report, Happy Welch reported that 220 cyclists had signed up for the SG Gravel Classic April 9. He said it had originally been hoped that 100 cyclists would take part Now 300 appear likely.

Set-up for the ride will begin about 6 a.m. and it should run until about 3:30 p.m.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” Welch said.

Welch also reported that a decision has been made on how to handle the ceiling of the remodeled boardroom in City Hall. The current joists and framing is too cut up and ugly to be exposed, he said making a drop ceiling the best bet. A drywall soffit/shelf area on the north side of the room will cover heating and cooling piping.

Welch said he had a meeting scheduled the next day with the Archdiocese of St. Louis regarding a land swap on Progress Parkway.

Welch said that local historian Bob Mueller had recommended putting up a sign explaining the history of the Plank Road in the small roadside park at Market Street and Highway 61.

Police Chief Eric Bennett reported that his department is now fully staffed and that officers are scheduled for firearms instructor and armorer recertification.

His written report included 93 traffic stops, 13 animal calls, 19 reports of suspicious people or vehicles, and 11 thefts.