By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Public Forum portion of the Panora city council meeting on May 28, Pat Moylan and Jim Wendl addressed the council about their request for the city to ease restrictions on ATV use within city limits.
“ATV/UTV enthusiasts ride through town legally quite often, but on the way through town there’s a number of businesses that they legally can’t stop at (because) there are designated routes to go through town,” Wendl said. “My main point in being here tonight is to ask the city to reconsider its current ordinances regarding UTV use on city streets.”
Wendl pointed out that ATV/UTVs are rapidly evolving, with newer models offering many of the same safety and comfort features as a car.
“Given that, I think the Chamber members could benefit from people like myself or Pat being able to park on Main Street and patronize those businesses,” Wendl said.
Moylan agreed with Wendl’s request, and he pointed out that now many ATVs are used not only for hunting or other recreational purposes, but often for work.
“So, yes, I would like to see if that would work,” Moylan said.
Mayor Curt Thornberry stated that the city faces a challenge in developing ordinances to address the various ways that ATVs are used.
“I know I’ve encountered young drivers on ATVs, and those are the ones I have questions about,” Thornberry said.
Council member Roger Dorr agreed that enforcement of age and licensing could address many of the concerns. He added that from data he’s seen, the majority of ATV accidents are single-vehicle accidents on gravel roads.
“I live on one of the streets, Northwest Third, that allows side-by-sides. I have yet to see any problems. None,” Dorr said.
Mayor Thornberry explained that since the issue was not on the agenda, the council would not take action at this time but can discuss it at a future meeting. He added that the city’s Public Safety Committee could also consider the issue.
Don Daniels addressed the council about his concerns regarding a neighboring property next to his home. He said in the past two years, the condition of the property has become a nuisance.
“Now it looks like we live next to a recycle bin or a garbage dump,” Daniels said. “I’m not happy with the situation that we’ve got.”
When asked if police have been contacted about the issue, Daniels said he’s spoken with the police, and City Administrator Lisa Grossman added that updated photos have been submitted to the city attorney to review for possible ordinance violations. No formal action was taken at this time.
A public hearing was held regarding a proposed budget amendment. Since no citizens were present to speak, and no written comments had been received, the hearing was promptly closed, and the council passed the budget amendment.
Grossman shared that the city is dealing with the “punch list” regarding the Jackson Street project, to deal with any additional “fix-ups” that may be needed. A firm completion date is not yet known, due to recent heavy rains.
Mayor Thornberry shared appreciation for the many years of service from Public Works Superintendent Tony Monthei, who is retiring after 36 years of service to the city.
The council’s next regular meeting will be June 10 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.