The ongoing parking problem in Hillman continues to create problems for locals and authorities.
Hillman Township is seeking the assistance of the Montmorency County Board of Commissioners and the county prosecutor to create an ordinance that would allow the penal fines from traffic citations to be distributed to the Montmorency Sheriff Department and not be issued according to the state statute.
If an ordinance is adopted, the Hillman Township would be entitled to receive one-third of the money collected from the fines and the sheriff department would receive two-thirds.
However, Hillman is willing to bypass its percentage to the county just to have the parking law enforced more diligently.
One of the problem areas is around the library. There is only parking for three vehicles and if a larger automobile or SUV occupies one, it interferes with the safety of pedestrians and motorists.
"It is becoming a safety issue," Village Manager Dave Post said. "It's going to be when you have cars this way and that way and parked anywhere they want.
"We are willing to let them have 100 percent of the money from the fines. I'm sure the sheriff's department could use the money."
Montmorency Prosecutor Terrie Case agreed to prosecute the offenders, but wants no part in helping construct the local law. Each township can draft and approve ordinances on its own and work with law enforcement to have it enforced.
As it stands, money collected under the state statute is shared with several entities, including the county library which receives about a third.
Under a new ordinance, the library would not receive funds from the parking offenses.
Several representatives from the library attended the meeting Wednesday to voice their opinion on the issue.
"I think that if all three sides sit down, a resolution can be come up with," Commissioner Gene Thornton said. "There doesn't seem to have been a lot of violations in the township and probably less in the village so is it really going to make a difference as far as money is concerned?"
Commisssioners Bert Lafleche and Claudine Sipe are going to call a meeting with sheriff department officials to try to find a agreement that will pacify all parties.
In other business:
- the board heard a plea from Undersheriff Patricia Wiley for a new air conditioner for the jail. She was instructed to get three estimates to present the board for approval.
- the Montmorency County Commission on Aging is donating wheelchairs to be placed in public buildings, including the courthouse.
- The Northeastern Michigan Council of Governments has agreed to provide maintenance and technical support for the 911 mapping system.
- board attorney Bryan Graham will draw up a contract to stipulate rate of pay and gas mileage reimbursement.
- the board voted to transfer $9,500 in funds from the jail's medical expense fund to pay to keep the facilities auto mechanic on the payroll.
Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.