Wayland talks ATV use on city streets

BY KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

WAYLAND ? The ability to drive an all-terrain utility vehicle (ATV) on the streets of Wayland will be up for discussion during a public hearing on May 18.

Currently, only registered golf carts are allowed to be driven in Wayland, but a petition to allow side-by-side utility vehicles was presented to Mayor Brad Roth.

?I thought there was a state law against this,? said Councilwoman Melinda Ullery.

?The DNR (Iowa Department of Natural Resources) has a different angle, and yes, I think we could do it,? said Mayor Roth.

According to the DNR?s reference guide for off-highway vehicles (OHV), ?Cities may designate streets under the jurisdiction of cities within their respective corporate limits which may be used for the operation of registered OHVs. In designating such streets, the city may authorize vehicles to stop at service stations or convenience stores along designated streets.?

Mayor Roth stated the ATV would still not be allowed to drive on Highway 78, only to cross the highway.

Ullery said she was not thrilled about the prospect of ATVs on city streets as they can go a lot faster than golf carts. She also stated she was concerned about residents then wanting to drive four-wheelers on city streets as well.

Councilman Aaron Barnhart said the regulations are only for side-by-side vehicles, not for ATVs, like four-wheelers, that riders have to straddle.

?I think this is something to ponder,? said Roth.

The council set the hearing for the May 18 meeting and authorized city attorney Mike Vance to research the DNR law and attend the meeting on May 18 instead of the May 4 meeting.

During the meeting, Ron Roth, city police chief, told the council the lights on top of his squad car are ?about shot.? Roth said the lights, which are from his previous patrol vehicle, are nearly 10 years old. Chief Roth approached the council once before regarding new lights and was instructed to try and find grant money to help pay for the equipment. The chief said he was unable to find any grants, but had priced the lights, getting quotes for $1,750 and $1,900. The item will be added to the next agenda.

Regarding upcoming roadwork, the council approved a proposal from LL Pelling, of Cedar Rapids, for asphalt resurfacing of Pearl Street this summer for $85,000. The council also authorized Pelling to chip and seal several streets this summer for $16,000. The streets include Clark Street, portions of 4th Street, Front Street from Washington to Pearl, and portions of North Adams and Railroad Streets.

Lastly, the council approved a resolution to certify sidewalk replacement lien against 107 West Front St.

In other business, the council approved building permits for:

? Kelly Hartzler, 32?x30?x6? wood privacy fence at 110 West 2nd St.

? Mike Gerst, reroof house/garage at 413 Front St.

? Doug Baker, 20?x20?x3.5? cement basketball pad at 306 South Pearl St.

The next meeting of the Wayland City Council will be Wednesday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m., at City Hall.