Officials discuss UTV street-legal rules, proposed nuisance/digester ordinance and minutes recording practice

Court members discussed whether to revisit local rules for side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs) after recent state legislation, and separately considered a proposed nuisance/digester ordinance intended to address odors and similar complaints.

Court member Jason told colleagues the state had passed new legislation affecting side-by-side vehicles and encouraged members to attend a one-hour virtual training on July 9 to review state guidance. "If you guys have any thoughts about side by sides or making them street legal and the county roads, you might want to look at joining that meeting too," Jason said. Justin (identified in the meeting as a court advisor) described options available under the state statute, including who could be authorized to operate on county roads and possible limitations based on road type or district.

Separately, in public comment a resident asked about a proposed "biocongester" or digester ordinance intended to address smells from facilities such as poultry operations. The judge and court members described the concept as a nuisance or "nuisance ordinance" that would set setbacks or other requirements to address noxious odors. "It's more of the smell thing," the judge said when discussing the scope of the proposed ordinance.

A resident also raised a concern that the previously posted meeting minutes did not include public comments made at the prior meeting. The judge responded that, in practice, the court's minutes typically record motions and formal actions; routine comments are not always transcribed into the written minutes unless tied to a motion. The judge said he would review the recording and, if necessary, correct the minutes and reapprove them at the next meeting.

Court members did not adopt any new local UTV rules or finalize a nuisance ordinance during the meeting; they suggested gathering more information and training before taking formal action.