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St. Helens residents clash over proposed ‘side-by-side’ ordinance as ethics allegations surface
Summary
Public commenters and councilors sparred over a proposed class‑4 ATV (side‑by‑side) ordinance, with opponents citing safety near Gable Road/Highway 30 and invoking city ethics rules; multiple speakers also accused the mayor of conflicts and urged better public‑records compliance.
Dozens of residents weighed in at the Feb. 4 St. Helens council work session on a proposed class‑4 off‑road vehicle ordinance and on broader ethics concerns, with the meeting’s public‑comment period dominated by sharp criticism of both the measure and local officials.
Richard Mason, a 20‑year waterfront resident, told the council he saw the ordinance as an ‘‘administrative nightmare’’ and said the city has ‘‘bigger fish to fry.’' Robin Tuske, who urged councilors to ‘‘vote independently and for the safety of our citizens,’' cited City of St. Helens Resolution 15‑09 and said the proposal would make busy crossings such as Gable Road and Highway 30 less safe. She also accused the mayor of using social media to ‘‘slander our community’’ and said delays in producing public records have caused unnecessary expense.
Several speakers linked the ordinance debate to concerns about official conduct. Steve Toski urged enforcement of ethics rules, saying recent police‑pay decisions and staffing problems raised trust issues and calling for consideration of a censure of the mayor. Other commenters accused the mayor of violating an NDA by promoting a podcast interview and pressed the council to enforce contracting and records rules.
Supporters of the ordinance, including Lance Tillotson, described side‑by‑sides as lawful, licensed vehicles comparable to cars when properly equipped and insured. Councilors, staff and the mayor repeatedly noted the draft ordinance had been revised since earlier meetings: the proposed city ATV permit was removed to cut administrative cost, the definition of permitted streets was clarified to exclude Highway 30 except as explicitly allowed, and safety, insurance and lighting requirements were aligned with state law and municipal code.
Council members encouraged more public education about technical points raised during testimony, including decibel and lighting rules; one councilor said the city would publish clarifying materials and urged speakers to present precise evidence when alleging misconduct. The meeting did not include a final council vote on the ordinance; staff said an updated ordinance and a redline will remain on the agenda for further consideration.
What happens next: Staff will publish clarifying legal and safety information about the draft ordinance and continue the item at a future council meeting where councilors may act on the revised ordinance.
