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County OKs off-road vehicle ordinance after public hearing; supporters and opponents speak
Summary
Council passed Bill 1-25, creating rules for off-road vehicles and adding Chapter 75 to the St. Joseph County Code. Supporters said the measure would keep business in the county; opponents raised concerns about air pollution, safety, and impacts on bicyclists.
St. Joseph County Council on a 9-0 vote adopted Bill 1-25, an ordinance establishing rules and regulations for off-road vehicles (ATVs, side-by-sides) and adding Chapter 75 to the St. Joseph County Code.
Councilwoman Shabazz reported the committee gave the ordinance a favorable recommendation. Petitioner Joe Thomas told the council the item originated after local off-road club members approached the council last fall; Thomas said he does not own an ATV but supported the bill because he believed the club was “professional” and that legalizing local riding would keep associated spending in the county.
The council opened a public hearing. Proponents who spoke and gave addresses included Troy Marski of 19621 Orchard Street, Kirk Vincent of 54557 Buckeye Road, Dustin Battles of 18225 Kern Road, Tanner Harmon of 25704 Henning Road, and Tom Fox, a member of a county ATV club and a retired farmer. Harmon said that without a county ordinance residents must travel out of St. Joseph County to ride, which transfers spending to neighboring counties. An officer identified as Officer Newman also spoke in favor, saying surrounding counties allow similar operations and riders were generally educated on rules.
Opposition came from one online speaker, Miss Meinsburg, who cited historical emissions concerns and possible local air-quality impacts from older engines; she urged modifications to protect children’s health and noted cycling infrastructure and safety concerns. The council record shows the public hearing closed with no further speakers.
Councilwoman Drake moved to pass the ordinance; Councilman Thomas seconded. Roll call recorded nine yes votes: Councilwoman Drake; Councilman Rutten; Councilwoman Hess; Councilman Thomas; Councilman Catanzarites; Councilman Tanner; Councilman Figg; Councilwoman Shabazz; and President Schoetzl (as recorded). The motion carried 9-0.
The ordinance will add Chapter 75 to the county code to govern off-road vehicle operation; the transcript did not include the full chapter text nor the enforcement details, and the council did not record any amendments on the floor. Council members asked informally whether follow-up monitoring would be needed; no formal assignment was recorded.
