Council puts UTV ordinance in gear

First reading to allow machines on streets is approved

The first step toward allowing certain kinds of off-highway vehicles on the streets of Fort Dodge was taken by the City Council Monday.

The council unanimously approved the first reading of a measure allowing off-road utility vehicles, or UTVs, to legally travel on city streets. While the machines would be allowed on all streets, the drivers would have to take the most direct path to a designated UTV route and stay on that route for most of their trip.

The designated UTV routes are named in the proposed ordinance.

The proposal must be approved two more times to become law.

"I think this is a win for recreation, I think this is a win for tourism in our community and a win for residents," Mayor Matt Bemrich said.

He said he has talked to mayors of other communities which allow UTVs on their streets and they have reported no problems to him.

"I like to believe 99 percent of the owners of these things are going to be responsible and do the right thing,'' he added. "The people who invest in these machines, they want to do it the right way."

Councilman Terry Moehnke and a member of the public, Randy Kuhlman, expressed concern about the proposed new UTV rules placing an extra burden on the Police Department.

"Our Police Department does a fine job," Kuhlman said. "We know they're short-handed. Here's another ordinance we're asking them to enforce."

Bemrich said the police will respond to emergencies and serious crimes first, if they are reported at the same time as UTV complaints.

When Matt Johnson, of Fort Dodge, spoke to the council to urge it to pass the first reading, he asked supporters of the proposal who were in the audience to stand. About 20 people stood.

The proposal before the council is in response to a bill signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in June that allows registered off-highway vehicles on non-interstate highways and paved secondary roads.

Under the Fort Dodge proposal, only off-road utility vehicles would be allowed on the streets. The proposed ordinance defines those vehicles as having four to eight wheels and either bucket seats or bench seats. Any machine a rider has to straddle would not be legal on the streets. Four-wheelers and snowmobiles would thus remain illegal.

Anyone wishing to drive a UTV on the street would have to be 18, have a valid driver's license and possess insurance.

UTV drivers would have to comply with a 35 mph speed limit.

City Manager David Fierke said the establishment of designated UTV routes is intended to stop people from joyriding around town.

"If they're spinning around the block and cruising around your neighborhood, that would be in violation of this ordinance," Police Chief Roger Porter said.

Someone found guilty of violating the UTV ordinance would face a $250 fine.

Being convicted of a second such offense in one calendar year would result in a $500 fine.

Third and subsequent offenses in one calendar year would result in an $855 fine.

Designated UTV routes

These are the designated UTV routes included in the ordinance which was approved on the first reading by the Fort Dodge City Council Monday.

• 32nd Street from 15th Avenue South to 25th Avenue North

• 25th Avenue North from North 32nd Street to North 22nd Street

• 22nd Street from 15th Avenue South to 25th Avenue North

• 29th Street from 10th Avenue North to 22nd Avenue North

• 10th Avenue North from North 32nd Street to North 15th Street

• Second Avenue North from North 32nd Street to North 12th Street

• First Avenue South from 42nd Street to Third Street

• Fifth Avenue South from 42nd Street to Eighth Street

• Floral Avenue from North 22nd Street to North 15th Street

• Sixth Avenue North from 22nd Street to Ninth Street

• Seventh Avenue North from 22nd Street to Ninth Street

• 15th Street from North 31st Street to Ninth Avenue South

• Third Avenue Northwest from U.S. Highway 169 to North Third Street

• Third Street from 11th Avenue North to Second Avenue South

• Seventh Street from the city limits to Second Avenue South

• 15th Avenue South from 22nd Street to 32nd Street

• Second Avenue South (Karl King Bridge)

• Kenyon Road

• Williams Drive

• Ninth Street from Eighth Avenue North to Second Avenue South

• 42nd Street from First Avenue South to the city limits