After a trial run, the Niles City Council voted unanimously on Monday to permanently prohibit parking on a portion of Broadway Street in order to improve traffic flow and the mobility of emergency service vehicles.

Parking is no longer allowed on Broadway Street between Fifth and Seventh streets.

Originally open to parking, the council approved a temporary traffic order prohibiting parking to that portion of Broadway Street in September of 2014 in order to facilitate traffic movement during construction of the new Main Street Bridge.

City staff determined that the parking ban was beneficial to everyday traffic movement, including fire and ambulance vehicles, during the temporary traffic order period.

Administrator Ric Huff and Public Works Director Joe Ray recommended that the council make it permanent.

Also Monday, the council:

• Scheduled a public hearing for 5:50 p.m. Aug. 10 to receive input from the community on the proposed 2016 budget.

• Approved a request by the parks and recreation board to sponsor the Niles Trails & Ales event in Riverfront Park July 31 to Aug. 2.

• Approved a request from the chamber of commerce to hold a craft beer and wine festival from 2 to 10 p.m. Aug. 1 in Riverfront Park.

• Approved a request from the Berrien County Cancer Service to hold a 5K fun run and walk on Second Street and in Plym Park beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

• Accepted a proposal of $12,246 from Coldspring Memorial, of Coldspring, Minnesota, to supply a 48-niche columbarium to Silverbrook Cemetery. The council also authorized additional spending of up to $7,000 if necessary.