From the Desk of Chief Clinton Wooldridge
Submitted by jcht2010 on
This week I want to write about City Ordinances. I suppose every incorporated town has them and Edna is no exception. These ordinances were adopted by your duly elected council members. Well, frankly, some of the ordinances are a little old and may have been voted into law by the council members of your great-grandparents.
Some of these ordinances are designed to make things safer for all of us and others are aimed at simply improving the overall quality of life within the city limits. I’m just going to write one liners and I’ll put the ordinance number beside it in case you’re interested in more detail than most people care to read about. Please feel free to call me with any questions. Please remember, these ordinances pertain only to the area within the boundaries of the City of Edna, and in some case the immediate area around the City.
1. All city parks close at 10 p.m. unless the activity is related to an organized sporting event. 1.09.037 (Also, you may not graze cattle, sheep, or horses in the parks).
2. All dogs must be restrained at all times, and yes, that means you’re not even allowed to let them out for a just a “few minutes” to go to answer the call of nature. Personally, I get a little annoyed when I step in the consequences of those “few minutes” while I’m mowing my front yard. 2.02.001
3. Door to door sales people must have a permit from the City. Ask them if they have it. Call if they don’t. 4.03.042.
4. It is against the law to possess or discharge any kind of fireworks in the city limits without a permit from Council. 5.04.003. It is also a violation of City Ordinance 5.05.003 to have an open bonfire (described as burning cut trees, leaves, grass clippings, or lumber). A month or two ago I would have emphasized burning leaves. Man they smell.
5. It is unlawful to discharge any firearm, air gun, or BB gun in the city unless it is done at a regularly established shooting gallery. 8.01.003
6. We have a curfew for minors less than 17 years of age. They may not be wandering around town after 11 p.m. during the week and after midnight on the weekends. There are obviously common sense defenses written into the law. Some examples are: with a parent, participating an organized school or religious event, due to an emergency, etc. 8.02.032
7. Here is one that some people are going to have strong feelings about one way or another. Loud music. If the music from your car stereo can be heard from more than 50 feet away, it is unlawful. And yes parents, that level of loudness is possible from a car right off the showroom floor. 8.03.003
8. Parking. It is unlawful to park any vehicle or trailer exceeding 11,000 pounds on any residential city street; any trailer which exceeds 18 feet; or any motor vehicle and trailer together that exceeds 36 feet. There are exceptions for loading and unloading and it mentions a period of 30 minutes but you probably shouldn’t plan to park your camper or boat in the street.
Well, that probably exceeded your interest in ordinances. If it didn’t, we have a book chock full of ordinances and you’re welcome to come by and peruse it. These are just some the ones that come up most often in the course of our day here at the police department. You’re also able to read them online at the city’s website (www.cityofedna.com) or, and this would be easiest, just call 782-5271 or come by the Edna Police Department with any questions that you have.
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