Albia council approves first reading of school-hours no-parking rule, passes budget amendment and renews liquor permits

The Albia City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance banning parking on South S Street on both sides between 4th Ave W and 5th Ave West during school hours, approved a FY 2021 budget amendment after a public hearing, and renewed two local beer and liquor permits.

Brandon Williams moved and Kathy Mobley seconded to approve the ordinance’s first reading; the motion passed 4-1. The council also discussed revising the overnight parking code for vehicles over 80 inches to allow a parking permit; no formal action was taken on that revision.

Scott Kelly moved and Merle Regenold seconded to open a public hearing on the FY 2021 Budget Amendment; no public or written comments were received, the hearing was closed, and the council approved the budget amendment as published by a 5-0 vote. Kathy Mobley moved and Leslie Hill seconded to approve beer and liquor permit renewals for Casey’s (north) and Highway Restaurant; that motion carried 5-0.

Why it matters: The parking ordinance, if adopted in subsequent readings, will restrict parking during school hours on a school-adjacent block and could affect residents and visitors who park on South S Street. The approved budget amendment finalizes fiscal-year adjustments and allows the city to proceed under the amended budget.

Next steps: The ordinance requires additional readings as specified by local ordinance procedure before becoming law; the overnight parking permit change requires further council action if pursued.