Hybrid car plan in Cedar Rapids hits snag

Cedar Rapids City Council members Monica Vernon and Justin Shields aren't so sure they want to reserve the best parking spots for hybrid vehicles in some downtown parking ramps.

Three weeks ago, the council roundly endorsed the idea of making some green upgrades to the Fourth Avenue ramp while it was spending about $1.35 million - mostly Federal Emer gency Management Agency funds - to fix the flood-damaged ramp.

One of the those green items was for signs that would reserve the best parking spots for hybrids. Vernon last night said she did not see the hybrid preference mentioned in earlier council documents, and she now has heard from residents who don't like the idea.

Shields said he missed the earlier meeting.

Colleague Kris Gulick, meanwhile, noted that a downtown parking study under way might best address the hybrid issue.

The repaired ramp will include conduits for future accommodation of electric cars' plug-ins, but City Manager Jim Prosser told the council last night that it can make a final policy decision on hybrid preference later.

Tom Podzimek, who enthusiastically has endorsed the preference, was among three council members absent from last night's meeting.