Trinity’s truck drivers delivered a petition to the City Council with the names of approximately 750 residents opposed to any ordinance that would prohibit parking tractor trailers on residential property.

Ed Lohr delivered the petition to Mayor Carlton Boyles at the Jan. 19 meeting.

“I am opposed to anything that restricts how property owners use their property,” Lohr told the Council.

The truck ordinance was not on the evening’s agenda, and City Manager Ann Bailie later told the NEWS that Council’s acceptance of the petition was not in any way legally binding.

“It’s not a certified petition, it’s just a show of support,” she explained.

Truck drivers and their spouses spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting.

Beverly Burge represented her husband, a trucker who was out of town on business.

“I don’t understand what the problem is. Our neighbors have signed papers saying they have no problems with the truck,” Burge protested.

“This controversy started because of disrespect between a couple of truckers and their neighbors,” commented Art Gilbert. “Then the City Council disrespected the citizens with this ordinance and that blatant disrespect continues because the ordinance is not on the agenda. Please draft a plan that addresses the problem.”

Tony Kadell, a trucker for 24 years, said he does not park his truck at his home because he works for a company.

“These truckers (who bring their trucks home) are not out to hurt anyone, they’re just trying to do their jobs,” Kadell pointed out.

Tommy Wilmouth, who leases trucks, said this has hurt his drivers and his business.

“I left here many a time with tears in my eyes, tears in my wife’s eyes, trying to make a good living for retirement,” he said.

Wilmouth’s daughter-in-law, Angela Wilmouth, implored the Council to rescind the ordinance. “We have three daughters, and the only way (my husband) can see them is because he can work on his truck at home.”

Trailers are not fit for subdivisions, admitted James Creech, but this remains a property rights issue.

“I’m barely hanging on, I’ve had my character besmirched by some of my neighbors,” Creech said. “If I’m on my own property, not impeding the road, I should be able to park my truck.”

Karen Allred, a real estate broker, agreed.

“You’ve been focused on the solution too much, you’re not seeing the problem,” she pointed out. “It’s not your job to resolve this dispute.”

Afterward, Boyles thanked them for coming to the meeting and voicing their opinion.

Council took no action. Planning and Zoning Administrator Adam Stumb explained that staff was still tweaking the new ordinance that was presented at the Jan. 9 planning retreat. That ordinance would allow trucks to be parked in some residential neighborhoods, provided the roads were built to withstand the weight.

Stumb said that staff also was considering the inclusion of a special permit for those with unique circumstances.

Archdale has an ordinance regarding vehicles with three or more axles.

According to Archdale Planning Director Jeff Wells, commercial vehicles with three or more axles are prohibited from parking in residential neighborhoods unless loading or unloading.