Springfield City Council

A proposed Careless and Distracted Ordinance for Springfield has been referred to the city’s Plans and Policies Committee for further review.  City Councilman Matthew Simpson made the motion to do so.  He said, while he believes distracted driving is an issue for the city, he believes it’s “not prudent” to move forward with it.  He made that decision, he said, based on discussion by council members, feedback they’ve received and legal guidance.

Applications are being accepted for the Zone 4 Springfield City Council seat.  Craig Fishel resigned from that position last week.

The city clerk’s office will accept applications Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through February 16. 

Motorists in the city limits of Springfield can now be pulled over for not wearing their seat belts.  This week, Springfield City Council approved a bill that allows for primary enforcement of seat belt violations.  Prior to this, a person would have to be pulled over for another violation before a citation for not wearing a seat belt could be issued.

Council member, Kristi Fulnecky, opposed the bill and said it’s unnecessary.

You’ll now be able to drink alcoholic beverages in nine Springfield-Greene County Park Board facilities. 

Springfield City Council Monday approved an amendment in city code removing the restriction of alcohol in public parks.  Alcohol is still prohibited in 95 parks locations after the Springfield-Greene County Park Board approved a new park regulation prior to City Council’s vote.

One change to city code allows police officers to ticket pedestrians for crossing the street outside of a crosswalk one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise.  The bill adds language saying motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing in designated crosswalks or face a minimum fine of $100.