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Residents press Highland council for action on off‑road vehicles; police report shows thefts, accidents and DUI arrests
Summary
At the April 27 meeting residents urged the council to address dangerous activity by gas‑powered recreational vehicles; Police Chief Ralph Potesta reported recent thefts, 46 accidents (six with injuries) and four DUI arrests in the prior two weeks.
Residents told the Highland Town Council on April 27 they are concerned about gas‑powered recreational vehicles and repeated street activity that they say is dangerous to neighbors and young children.
Caroline Dotson asked what steps are required to request speed bumps and described repeated, loud and sometimes reckless use of gas‑powered recreational vehicles on her block, including a near miss when a vehicle passed a driveway while a car was backing out. She said prior citations have not been enough to deter the activity. Councilor Doug Turich acknowledged the ongoing problem and said law enforcement has been working the issue but that further follow‑up is needed.
Metropolitan Police Chief Ralph Potesta gave a two‑week activity report: he said there were no reported burglaries, robberies, rapes or auto thefts in that period, but the department handled four assaults, nine domestic‑disturbance calls (two arrests), four DUI arrests, and 46 accidents (six involving personal injury). He also reported several retail theft incidents involving out‑of‑jurisdiction suspects and noted an increase in complaints about reckless e‑scooters, e‑bikes and mini‑bikes. Chief Potesta said two officers are out on workers' compensation and the department will hold an inspection and memorial service for fallen officers on May 9 at Sheppard Park.
Assistant Public Works Director Kim Webb reported storm cleanup and a water main break she traced to an outside boring contractor; she said she intends to invoice the contractor for public‑works crew time after crews responded to the leak. Redevelopment Director Maria Becerra and other staff provided project and event updates but did not take action on the recreational‑vehicle issue during the meeting.
What’s next
Councilors asked staff and police to continue enforcement and to advise residents about petition or procedural requirements for traffic calming measures. The town scheduled a public hearing on several additional appropriations for May 11, but no formal action on speed bumps or an ordinance regulating recreational vehicles occurred at the April 27 meeting.
