One hot item down, another on the dais

The city did it. It decided on the hedge height issue.

It appeased some by giving the hedges a limit -- 4 feet in the

frontyard and 6 feet on the side and rear of the yard (3 feet on a

corner lot) -- and others by making the neighbor pay $200 to file the

complaint and have to show that the hedge blocks the view or the sun.

It also angered some by doing the same. Some say the ordinance is

unfair, making the victim have to pay to complain, and some say that

it’s too intrusive -- the government shouldn’t force a homeowner to

allow neighbors a view into their yard or house.

It’s an issue that could have gone on for years more and will

likely be revisited at times. But for now, the council has made a

decision that puts some power in the hands of people on both sides of

the fence. And as council members should be aware of by now, when

both sides say you’ve done them wrong, you’ve likely done something

right.

Now that the city has responded to that hot item, it’s time to

move on to the meter issue. The increase in rate, the non-increase in

time allowance and the allegation that the city doesn’t care about

its merchants has business owners riled up and ready for

confrontation.

This year the council voted to raise the meter rates from $1 per

hour to $1.50 per hour. Merchants want an increase in time

limitations from two to three hours because they say visitors don’t

have time to dine and shop.

The issue is scheduled to appear on the Dec. 17 City Council

meeting agenda. Let’s hope that the city’s history of trying to do

what’s best for all will continue and merchants will feel assured

that they are a valued part of the community.