If you have parking tickets issued in Clear Lake, get ready to pay up.
    The City Council, on the recommendation of Police Chief Greg Peterson, is pursuing a plan which would require any unpaid parking tickets to be paid before an owner could register the vehicle in the county.
    Currently, the city does not usually pursue violators of unpaid parking tickets, Peterson said, noting the action would require court time and costs. However, a change to the Code now allows for a county treasurer to collect unpaid fines before renewing a vehicle’s registration. Peterson recommended the Council enter into a 28E agreement with the Cerro Gordo County Treasurer to collect the unpaid fines.
    Peterson reported that in 2007 there were 57 unpaid parking fines issued to vehicle owners living within the county. So far there are 42 unpaid in 2008. Payment of those fines will result in an estimated $3,000 in city coffers.
    The City Council directed the chief to work out the details of the plan with the City Attorney. Council members plan to continue discussion of the plan when details are worked out.