In May of 2015, Carroll County adopted an ATV and UTV ordinance that set out guidelines for registered vehicle use on public roadways. At last night’s (Monday) City Council meeting, Tyler Nelson, a manager at Olsen’s Outdoor Power in Carroll, made a request that the council consider adopting an ordinance that would allow street use within the city limits. He said that although he works at a place that sells these types of vehicles, he is also an enthusiast and has been joined by a few of the supporters from the community, who encompass all different walks of life. Nelson explained the variety of reasons for bringing the request.
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He added they are requesting that the ordinance mirror what has been done by the county which included limitations on use to licensed drivers 16 and older and would require standard head and taillights. Police Chief Brad Burke said he does have some concerns about the prospect.
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Council member, Brandon Vonnahme, asked about separating the two and only creating an ordinance for the larger, side-by-side UTV machines, which Burke said was possible. For example, he said, Glidden said no to all and Coon Rapids has removed straddle type machines or ATVs. He added that no matter what, they would not be allowed to travel along state highways, only to cross them. Councilman Clay Haley asked the supporters their thoughts and Jamie North brought up the safety issue.
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Nelson told the council he had called around to other cities that had adopted ordinances, and communities of every size, up to the over 150,000 population of Sioux Falls, S.D., said there were no major issues with the ordinances. Shirley Kanne, a former City Council member in Lidderdale said they did pass the ordinance for their community and supported Nelson’s research by saying they have not had any complaints or incidences arise from the use of these vehicles. Jim Halbur of Carroll said an ordinance would help him greatly as he lives inside the city limits but farms nearby.
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City Manager, Gerald Clausen, provided details on the process for the city if they chose to consider creating the ordinance. He said Chief Burke would be responsible for writing an ordinance, the council would review and adapt the language to meet the city’s needs and then it would go through three readings before it could be adopted.