Oak Park council establishes RV fine

Oak Park's Municipal Advisory Council last week addressed parking issues, set a new time for meetings, and delayed action on a shopping plaza owner's unpopular proposal to build a larger sign.

In an effort to strengthen Oak Park's recently revised recreational and oversized vehicle parking ordinance, the MAC has recommended fining violators $30 per day. The decision must be cleared by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors before it can be put into practice. If it is approved, MAC members agreed to inform vehicle owners of the charge, possibly through notices on windshields.

MAC Chair Todd Haines sought to increase the fine to $45"I don't want to be obnoxious about it, but I don't think $30 is a deterrent," Haines said. California Highway PatroOfficer Randy Hosking, who patrols Oak Park, assured Haines that "$30 is more than sufficient."

In addition, if authorities tow a vehicle it could cost the ownefrom $100 to $300 depending on the size of the vehicle, Hosking added.

"Most people are just offended to find that piece of paper on their windshield," Hosking said.

The ordinance bans oversized vehicle parking on Oak Park's public streets except when preparing for or returning from a trip, having repairs made, and picking up or dropping off goods. Vehicles used to drive family members to school or to a hospital, and publicly-owned work vehicles that must be parked in front of residences overnight are exempt, but owners must acquire a oneyear permit through the MAC.

New date, new time

coming next year

Beginning in January, the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council will hold its meetings at 7 p.m.

The group, which usually meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, had been meeting at 7:30 p.m. At one time the MAC meetings were held at 8 p.m. to accommodate a physician who was on the council and needed the later starting time in order to attend, according to MAC chair Haines.

"After his term ended, we moved it back to 7:30," he said.

Representatives from the California Highway Patrol and Ventura County Sheriff's Department who regularly attend MAC meetings, as well as current and incoming MAC members, agreed to the earlier time.

In addition, December's meeting date was moved from Dec. 26 to Dec. 19 due to the busy holiday season. The December meeting will be the last to start at 7:30 p.m.

Sign issue postponed

The ongoing issue of a new sign for the Re/Max Plaza shopping center in Oak Park was postponed until the Nov. 28 meeting.

The shopping center's owner wanted to construct a larger sign to give more exposure to the strip of shops and restaurants located on the northeast corner of Kanan and Lindero Canyon roads.

At recent MAC meetings, residents spoke against the sign proposal, calling it unnecessary and excessive. The center owner is now considering redesigning the existing sign at the entrance to the plaza.