(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members spent nearly an hour discussing an ordinance to legalize utility and all-terrain vehicles for use on City streets Monday evening.
Terry Tisdel proposed the idea earlier this month and the City Attorney prepared an ordinance for the Council to discuss on first reading. Under the proposed ordinance it called for use only during daylight hours and they could not be used for pleasure. Also three-wheeled ATV’s are not included.
Other limitations proposed included a 30 mile per hour speed limit, headlights and taillights must be on and the vehicle must be equipped with a bicycle safety flag extending at least 5 feet above the ground. Operators and passengers must also wear a protective helmet and operators must be at least 19 years of age. Liability insurance will be required and the vehicle must be registered with the city at an annual fee of $60. The proposal also calls for the vehicles only to be allowed to cross Harlan Street which is Highway 73 at 14th, 16th and 21st Street where there are traffic signals. The vehicles may not be operated on Stone Street between 14th and 19th Street.
Tisdel had several pieces of the proposal he did not agree with including a helmet requirement for UTV operators, noting UTV’s include shoulder straps and roll cages as part of the cab.
City Clerk Gary Jorn said he would rather not have either type vehicle allowed on city streets, but said if the Council approves, go with the UTV. Police Chief Duane Armbruster says there are already problems with use of these types of vehicles in town. Armbruster also said trying to determine when they are being used for “pleasure” would create a headache for his department.
The Council approved amending the proposed ordinance. Approved on first reading was use of Utility vehicles, deleting the helmet requirement and the sunrise to sundown restriction. ATV’s were not approved for use on city streets. Tisdel did champion the cause of ATV’s for snow removal and the Council members consented allowing ATV’s to be used for snow removal at anytime.
The amended ordinance was passed on a 7-0 vote and will now go back to the City Attorney for updating. It must pass two more readings to become law.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
LATEST STORIES
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday
RELATED STORIES
City and County to discuss combined dispatch center
Waterfall project approved by Falls City Council
Falls City Council denies truck parking request
Falls City Council organizes for 2020
Falls City making progress on nuisance properties
Neighbors bring complaints to City Council
Falls City Council updated on park projects
Falls City utility rate increases gain first round approval