Lehighton plans to consider a proposed ordinance for odd/even parking that if approved would go into effect by the next winter season.

On a 6-1 vote, with council President Grant Hunsicker opposed, borough council agreed on Monday to draft an ordinance for odd/even parking.

Council’s decision came upon the recommendation of borough Mayor Clark Ritter, police Chief Brian Biechy, and Public Works Superintendent Kris Kunkle.

Kunkle said the odd/even parking would allow the department to clean the streets more efficiently, and will enable the people not to have to shovel as much.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett noted the odd/even parking wouldn’t be for this season.

However, Beckett said that there would be challenges initially once it goes into effect.

“The first and second year, you are going to have issues,” Beckett said.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said she was in favor of the odd/even parking.

“I’d like to see odd/even parking, but simplified,” Abelovsky said.

Kunkle admitted it would take some time getting used to.

Biechy said he believes the odd/even parking would be a benefit.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Biechy said.

Councilman Ryan Saunders said the idea of the odd/even parking would be to get the snow removal during daytime hours when people are at work.

“If we do odd/even, we really better make sure we’re getting to all the roads,” Saunders said.

However, Hunsicker said he still thinks the best thing is to post the streets and use snowblowers.

From this point, Beckett said she, Ritter, Biechy and Kunkle will discuss the language of the proposed ordinance.

Beckett said the odd/even parking wouldn’t go into effect until the ordinance has been drafted and approved.

“We could anticipate it for the next winter season,” she said.

Snow emergency ordinance

In a related matter, council also agreed to amend the snow emergency ordinance as per the recommendation of Ritter, along with correction of the punctuation.

Beckett will work with borough solicitor Jim Nanovic on the approved amendments.

Ritter said that in October, he, Biechy, Kunkle and secretary Brenda Kreitz met to discuss snow emergency routes.

He said that fire Chief Pat Mriss, along with Joni Gestl from Lehighton Ambulance, were also consulted for their input.