Skateboarding Ticket Cost

What will a ticket for skateboarding on a sidewalk in the vicinity of the Square cost? Or for riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in the area of the Square?

The fine for a ticket for either of these can range from $5.00 to $500.00. It's up to the judge. If the kid shows up in a clean shirt and no holes in his jeans, the fine might be $5.00. If he shows up with an attitude, the fine might be $500.00.

And then you have to add the court costs. A clerk at the traffic court told me today that the minimum court costs would be $85.00-$100.00. And she couldn't tell me exactly how much the court costs will be (I've run into that answer before). When I asked if the court costs for a $5.00 fine and the court costs for a $500.00 fine are different, she said they are different. What? It costs more money to accept more cash or a check in a larger amount???

The police department has informed me that a judge sets the fine. This means that a court appearance will be required. And that means court costs.

Is this what our City Council figured out in advance?

You can get a speeding ticket (or a headlight ticket) and mail in the fine. No court appearance is necessary. And no court costs have to be paid.

Is riding a bike on a sidewalk on the Square more serious than a speeding ticket?

And will the police be less likely to ticket bicyclists and skateboarders on sidewalks on and around the Square, knowing that it's going to cost the kid and his parents over $100 to settle it?

Only time (and a FOIA Request) will tell.

Pet Peeve - Blocked Sidewalks

No, you don't need new glasses. I need more coffee. (And to those who are ready to pounce....I stopped to take this picure.)

Today's "pet peeve" is blocked sidewalks. This pair of vehicles blocks the sidewalk in the 100 block of West Todd Avenue on a daily basis.

Probably the garage is full of junk, so the residents park two cars across the sidewalk facing the house. Or maybe there are two other cars already in the garage. A child on a bike would probably end up out in the street trying to get around the cars.

Got any houses in your neighborhood where this type of problem occurs. Just list the address in your Comment.

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT

Police to Ticket

Should the Woodstock Police ticket parking violators on sight, or is it necessary for citizens to telephone the Police Department and request that a ticket be issued?

At noon today this black Chevrolet pick-up truck (license NOSBIG) was parked on Throop Street, completing blocking the sidewalk south of Cass Street. Cass Street is the short street where the Chamber of Commerce and Woodstock Hobbies are located.

Granted that most of the pedestrian traffic is on the Square and not around the outside behind the businesses, but this location is a popular spot for parking violations.

Wouldn't you think that the beat officer would stop on his first trip past, assuming he is not enroute to a call, and tell the owner/driver of the pick-up to move it or be ticketed? One warning should be sufficient, and the word ought to get around to the other construction workers in that building.

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT

Should Police Ticket?

There is a problem all over Woodstock that some feel needs attention. The problem? Drivers who park cars and trucks across sidewalks and leave them there.

This truck with an Illinois temporary license was blocking the sidewalk on Sunday morning on Tryon Street across from St. Mary's Catholic Church. Could it be that it was there just a few minutes - or maybe it was there all night?

Woodstock residents have gotten away for years with parking across sidewalks and not receiving tickets. This could be why the problem is so widespread.

My suggestion to the Police Department is a 30-day warming-up period with plenty of publicity and some one-page warning notices placed under windshield wipers of illegally parked vehicles blocking sidewalks. Not even a formal Warning - just a polite warning and information about Woodstock's prohibition of blocking sidewalks. Because of the lack of enforcement it's fair to provide some warning in town that the police will start enforcing the law. Pick a date. Any date. Say, July 1st.

Then enforce the law. All the officer has to do after the warming-up period is pause, write the ticket, hang in on the car and move on.

But adequate publicity is needed. Newspaper, radio, posters at the local markets and big box stores, plus warnings, will get the word out. After that? Neighbors will likely help out neighbors with information and reminders, and the problem will disappear.

Think there is any chance that this might happen?

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT