What Ordinance?

Ultimately, it is the citizen's responsibility to familiarize themselves with local rules and regulations, including those that deal with snow removal.  The City has, however, posted numerous signs around the town that clearly explain City Ordinance 1305.09.  This Ordinance states, "It is unlawful to park a vehicle on a street after a continuous or intermittent snowfall during which there has been an accumulation of two inches or more of snow on any street, and until all snow, ice and similar debris has been plowed or removed from the paved portion of the street."  The City also runs an ad in the paper and a notice on the Cable Channel during the winter months as a reminder. 

Why do Vehicles Need to be Moved?

It is imperative that all vehicles be removed from the street for plowing not only so the roads can be adequately plowed, but also because it is difficult to maneuver a plow truck around parked cars.  Secondly, it is a safety issue for our street crew.  Areas not plowed because of the presence of a parked car cause trouble for our plow drivers in the event of a second snowfall.  The car may have been moved, but the unplowed area around the car can easily cause the lumbering plow truck to skid. 

My ruler reads 1 3/4 inches of snow next to my car.  Why was I ticketed?

The Ordinance in question reads that two inches of snow on ANY street merits the parking rule.  It is a good idea to anticipate moving your vehicle if it is snowing. 

I was issued a ticket.  Now what?

Fines are payable to the City of Kenyon and can be paid at the City Hall.  If you are unable to make payment during regular business hours, there is also a night box in the alley behind City Hall that can be used as a drop off point.  Per City Ordinance1305.33, Subdivision 1, fines double if the $25.00 fine is not paid within 48 hours of issuance.  If not paid after the expiration of one week, the fine increases to $100.00.  Citations not paid within 45 days of issuance are forwarded to the City Attorney for prosecution.

This is Blasphemy!

There are many other Minnesota cities that enforce similar ordinances, and that issue citations for non-compliance.  There are also many Minnesota cities that allow NO on-street parking whatsoever during winter months.