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Golf cart and UTV ordinances pass first reading at city council meeting
The Nevada City Council considered a long list of new business items during a lengthy regular session meeting this week.
First, the council held a public hearing regarding the request to vacate 417.04 feet of Memorial Street in Lakewood addition. Council members heard from community member Michelle Wigge during the hearing. Wigge, along with her husband Dakota, has made the request to vacate Memorial Street to build their new family home on their land. "You work for the citizens to let our voices be heard," Wigge stated, addressing the council. "Here's a great opportunity to show the citizens and the people in this city you work and care for us."
Also speaking during the public hearing was landowner Kevin Fox, who spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance to vacate the street.
Once the public hearing closed, the council considered Bill No. 2022-077. This is a special ordinance that would decline "to overrule the recommendation of the Planning Commission that the application vacation of Memorial Street between Blocks 1 and 2 in Lakewood Addition." The bill received a motion and a second. After considerable confusion due to the wording of the ordinance, the council voted "no," with the exception of council member Kendall Vickers' "yes" vote. Therefore, the motion to decline to overrule the Planning Commission failed and will be brought to council again on Nov. 1. The bill will need to be approved by a 4-1 council vote.
Next new business item was the consideration of Bill No. 2022-078. This special ordinance would authorize the execution of an agreement with Rural Hospital Group, of Gladstone, Mo., to provide consulting services related to Nevada Regional Medical Center. With a motion, a second, and a unanimous roll call vote, the bill was placed on first reading.
The third item to consider was Bill No. 2022-079. This general ordinance would amend Chapter 19 of the code of the City of Nevada, Mo., and allow utility vehicles (UTV) and recreational off-highway vehicles (RoHV) on city streets under certain conditions and requires registration with the Nevada Police Department. Additional requirements would include drivers being 18-years-old or older; having safety belts for driver and occupants; a lighted headlamp and tail lamp to be in operation from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise; insurance coverage; and having a valid operator's or chauffeur's driver's license. With a motion, a second, and council members Carol Gallagher, Bill Miles, Lyndon Eberhard, and Mayor George Knox voting "yes," the bill was placed on first reading. Council member Kendall Vickers voted "no" on the ordinance, citing public safety concerns.
Next, the council considered Bill No. 2022-080. This general ordinance would amend Chapter 19 of city code and allow golf carts on city streets, under certain conditions and requires registration with the Nevada Police Department. Similarly to the UTV ordinance, insurance coverage is required, as well as having a lighted headlamp and tail lamp and drivers must me 18 years-old or older. Additionally, the golf cart must have a bicycle safety flag which extends not less than seven feet above the ground, attached to the rear of the vehicle; the golf cart must not operate at speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour; must not be operated on any city street with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour; must not be operated at any time on any state or federal highway, but may be operated upon a highway in order to cross a portion of the state highway which intersects a municipal street; and must not cross any highway at an intersection where the highway being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour. With a motion, a second, and council members Carol Gallagher, Bill Miles, Lyndon Eberhard, and Mayor George Knox voting "yes," the bill was placed on first reading. Council member Kendall Vickers voted "no" on the ordinance, again citing public safety concerns.
The council then considered a pair of resolutions. First, they discussed Resolution No. 1668, which would approve a travel portion of right-of-way permit for the Wind Riders Motorcycle Organization. This resolution would allow the organization to solicit donations at the intersection of Osage and Austin boulevards from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Nov. 12, 2022. Proceeds from the collection will be used for needy local families for Christmas. With a motion, a second, and a council vote, the resolution was unanimously passed.
The final resolution considered by the council was Resolution No. 1669. This resolution would declare the train caboose in Earp Park as surplus property. The Park Board has expressed interest in removing the caboose from Earp Park, as stated in their five year plan. However, the caboose must first be delcared as surplus to accept proposals. With a motion, a second, and a 4-1 council vote, the resolution passed. Council member Eberhard voted “no,” on the resolution, with the remaining council members voting “yes.”
With a motion, a second, and a unanimous roll call vote, the council adjourned the meeting.
The council will hold its next regular meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, in the city council chambers.