Council updates citation‑enforceable codes; adds items including open burning and motorized mobility device limits with stepped fines

Summary

Council amended the list of city codes enforceable by citation to add items such as keeping swine, open‑burning and watercraft rental requirements, and revised enforcement for motorized mobility devices with stepped fines; the measure passed 5-0 with the council adding escalating penalties for repeat mobility device violations.

The City Council adopted an ordinance updating the list of local codes that may be enforced by citation and added several new categories, including keeping pigs/hogs/swine, open‑burning permits and fireworks extinguishment, public camping, and requirements for watercraft rental businesses. Melissa Dunklin, director of community development, told council the changes are meant to “streamline the citation process, increase efficiency and contribute positively to the standards of a high performing government.” The ordinance specifically added motorized mobility devices to the citation list after ongoing enforcement issues at the lakefront. Deputy Mayor Gilbert successfully proposed a stepped fine structure for motorized mobility devices to escalate penalties for repeat offenses (council discussed class levels that increase fines up to the local maximum for serious violations). The council approved the ordinance and the amended fine approach by a 5-0 vote; staff will implement updated citation processes and coordinate signage and enforcement with the police department.