In a unanimous vote, the Mineola City Council on Sept. 13 took action to require a permit for operating oversize and/or overweight vehicles or machinery on city streets.

“I think it’s a good idea to protect our streets,” Mayor Kevin White said after the council established a new ordinance that authorizes the permit.

With a company eying a 300-acre logging operation nearby that intends use city streets to haul logs, the matter of requiring a permit was brought before the council on Sept. 5. The concern among city officials is that massively heavy trucks can damage municipal streets and stick the city with the repair bill. Now, trucking companies must first receive a permit before operating a vehicle of 40,000 pounds or more on Mineola streets. Violation of the ordinance carries a $500 fine.

Such a permit will require trucks to be fully licensed, bonded and insured so that the city has recourse should the trucks damage its streets. Initially, the city had considered charging a fee for the permit. After consultation with Wood County, which has its own ordinance regarding overweight vehicles, the city decided not to charge for permits.

Councilman Greg Holland inquired about whether the city will post its ordinance on streets so truckers will be aware of the need for a permit.

Police Chief Chuck Bittner said most trucking companies are aware of the need to check with a municipality before sending overweight loads over city streets. Drivers stopped without a permit will be given an opportunity to obtain one before proceeding. But posting signs for every ordinance is not feasible, he said.

“We can’t have signs for every ordinance we have,” the chief said. “That would be ridiculous.”

Also on Sept. 13, the council approved next year’s tax rate of 56.2 cents per $100 value, the same rate as last year.

In other business, the council OK’d a Rotary Club request to temporary close West Commerce Street from S. Johnson Street to Line Street on Oct. 20.