The Washington City Council has approved the first step for two new no parking zones. 

Police Chief Jim Lester requested two areas be changed to no parking zones. Both locations are on roadways that are heavily traveled before and after school as they are near the high school and new middle school. The locations include South Avenue B, on the east side from Harrison Street to Tyler Street, and West Van Buren Street, on the south side from South Avenue C to a point 135 feet west of the centerline of South Iowa Avenue. The proposed restrictions on both streets would be from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days. 

Chief Lester stated that he had spoken with school officials prior to the start of the year about the possibility of this change. 

A first reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously by the Council this week. A public hearing is set to take place during the November 4th city council meeting. Following the public hearing, a second reading will be on the agenda.