Dozens of residents addressed the Moab City Council during the Oct. 14 public-comment period, delivering petitions and urging action to reduce noise from off-highway vehicles (OHVs).

The most detailed remarks came from Bill McGee, who said he represents a group of residents and visitors and presented nearly 500 verified petition signatures. “We’re specifically asking the city officials to enforce existing speed and noise ordinances,” McGee told the council, referring to ordinances passed in 2020 and 2021 that he said were based on public-health findings. He said sound experts emphasize that reducing speed makes a measurable difference in OHV noise and asked the council to implement the rules already on the books.

Other speakers described daily impacts on their lives. Sarah Melenkoff said she wants “a world where he [her child] can hear the birds and the wind,” adding that she feels “assaulted multiple times a day” by loud vehicles. John Kovach asked the council to consider forming an ad hoc advisory group to look at longer-term solutions including stronger engagement with rental firms and fleet modifications such as quieter mufflers or electric vehicles.

Residents who spoke said the loudest vehicles are frequently rental units operated by visitors, and they urged the city to prioritize enforcement of the ordinances rather than drafting new rules. Several said that although the ordinances exist, enforcement has been inconsistent.

Why it matters: Petitioners framed the issue as a public-health and quality-of-life concern for residents who live, work and raise families near OHV routes. They requested enforcement and collaboration with local businesses and rental operators to reduce noise.

What the council did: The public-comment period ended after the speakers’ presentations; no formal action was taken during the Oct. 14 meeting. Councilmembers acknowledged the comments but did not vote that night on additional enforcement measures.

Next steps: Petitioners asked the council to follow up with enforcement steps and to consider forming a focused advisory group; proponents suggested the city explore strategies that pair enforcement with business engagement (fleet requirements, muffler standards or incentives for electric ATVs).

Ending: Petitioners left three printed petition letters with the council and asked for acknowledgement and an enforcement plan back from city staff.