Failure to follow town parking regulations will now carry a steeper price as the Bristol Town Council has voted to update the town ordinances regarding parking fines.

The town's previous fines, many of which were as low as $10, have been criticized for not being enough of a deterrent for people to avoid parking violations. Now, those parking fines will be upwards of $30. Some, such as parking within 8 feet of a fire hydrant, will come with fines of $50.

Council President Nathan Calouro said that the rates for the fines were chosen after reading the parking ordinances of Warren and Portsmouth, Bristol’s two neighboring communities.

“We don’t want to give parking fees and fines, we don’t want people to park illegally, but sometimes there needs to be a significant reminder, and that's why this is being done.”

Boats, Docks, and Waterways code updated

The council also approved the second reading of proposed amendments to chapter 8 of the town code, regarding Boats, Docks, and Waterways.

Most of the changes that we are doing have to do with dates and giving people more time to pay,” Harbormaster Gregg Marsili said. According to Marsili, they have not adjusted the code in at least 11 years, during his tenure. He also added that changing the regulations so that emailing, rather than mailing bills, will save his department about $2500 annually.

Drainage at the new high school

Diane Williamson, director of community development, mentioned that drainage has been an area of concern during the planning for the new school, mentioning that the master plan for the school has a considerable amount of drainage that is necessary.

“We’re particularly concerned in that watershed that the drainage be maintained well,” She said. On behalf of the Planning Board, she asked the Council to add funding for future budgets to be specifically set aside for continued maintenance of high school drainage to the JFC agenda for February.

Councilor Tim Sweeney mentioned that they can add this proposal to the JFC agenda, so it can be open to discussion. Council Chairman Nathan Calouro mentioned that the joint finance committee cannot tell the school what to spend, they can only approve the bottom line. However, he also said that he doesn’t see anyone involved with the schools putting children's safety in danger down the road by not keeping up to date on the drainage.

Bids for Walley interior, July 4th concert stage opened

The town referred bids for the interior rehabilitation of the Walley School, which ranged from $894,775 to $1,452,000; and the July 4th concert stage, one bid of $59,800, to the Town Administrator, to act in the best interests of the Town.