Ole Pappy

The school parking dilemma

 The parking situation at Minneota High School certainly has changed. Larger no parking zones to help buses turn easier; visitor parking signs; bus loading zones and enforcement of restricted no parking areas have created a much more fluent system.

Police Chief Bill Bolt has worked tirelessly with city and school officials in an attempt to improve public safety around the school. “I can report that the parking issues at the school have greatly improved,” Chief Bolt wrote in a letter to the Minneota School Board.

An “overlay on North Madison”, just about the time school started, also helped the situation. Yet, some residents feel there is “limited parking at the school during sporting events,” the chief indicated.

“Another person commented on the ‘no parking zones’ along with the amount of yellow paint at the school,” the chief said.

First, I have to applaud the efforts to clean up the parking mess and create safety in the vicinity of the school. But I’ve got to tell you, it IS driving me crazy.

First of all, I usually come late during the B squad game, a half hour or more before the varsity game.

And I can never find a spot to park. Now Chief Bolt will tell you the parking lot has never been completely full and that walking a block to a block and a half shouldn’t hurt you.

(That was before Tuesday night’s jam-packed boys game with RTR. And believe me, there were NO parking spaces available in the lot, or anywhere else).

But it’s been cold out there and it seems a lot longer of a walk when it’s miserable.

“I see that as a very small price to pay for public safety, especially for students,” said the chief.

He added, “Since these changes have been made I have seen an increase in safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. I have also seen an increase in voluntary compliance with parking laws. When parking violations have been found I have chosen to exercise my discretion by finding the driver of the vehicle and politely asking them to move their vehicle.”

Chief Bolt also said, “This has been working successfully. What I want to avoid is to have a scenario where people think school events should be excluded from parking enforcement or where we have a double standard as to when and how laws are enforced.”

But Chief, it’s cold out there and I really can’t find a place to park!! His answer: “It’s my belief that we are struggling with parking for the following reasons:

•We have a school building that was designed and built at a time when parking spots were not such a priority and there were less vehicles per household.

•Our outstanding programs have brought more and more spectators, which require more parking.

•Our events have become larger and include multiple programs at one time along with multiple schools.”

OK ... but I still can’t find a parking space, so what is the answer?

The Chief again: “Minneota is a popular venue and I encourage you to come early if you want a parking spot close to the school. What is more important? Your parking convenience or public safety?”

Oh yea, COME EARLY the man says. I’m a busy guy who keeps working up to game time. But, I guess I could try that. Or how about this: I only live about two and a half blocks from the school, so why am I driving anyway?

The chief gets the final word.

“It’s very important that we work together in support and betterment of the entire community. If anyone would like to discuss this matter further, please contact me.”

OK chief, you win!

LAUGH A LITTLE: Attacking the problem! The last time we changed from daylight savings time, a preacher posted: “For those who habitually show up 15 minutes late to church, allow me to remind you that tonight is the night you set your clock back 45 minutes.”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: As my Ole Pappy used to say, “The tongue is the only tool that gets sharper the more it is used!”

Ole Pappy’s “tip to the wise,” was to keep your mouth shut until you’ve given a lot of thought to what you are going to say. Thanks Ole Pappy!

Byron Higgin

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The Minneota Mascot
Address: 201 N. Jefferson
Minneota, MN 56264

Phone:(507) 872-6492