Goodrich council postpones proposed truck ordinance after residents warn of safety and funding risks

The Village of Goodrich Council postponed consideration of a proposed truck ordinance on July 8, 2024, directing staff to research enforcement options and whether federal funding or state jurisdiction could limit the village’s authority. The council set the item for reconsideration at its October 2024 meeting.

The ordinance under consideration would regulate the operation of heavy trucks on village streets to balance freight access for businesses with neighborhood quality of life and road preservation, officials said when they opened a public hearing. The chair said any adopted ordinance would take effect 30 days after publication.

Residents turned out in force, arguing the change could increase collisions, endanger children and shift traffic onto narrow, unpaved township roads. “You are going to see a lot of terrible terrible accidents that are probably going to claim a lot of lives,” said a resident who identified themself as a former school bus driver. Another resident from 937 Green Road said rerouting trucks would “destroy Green Road” and cause backups at intersections.

Speakers also raised procedural and enforcement questions. One resident, Martin, said communities that accept federal funds sometimes cannot place use restrictions tied to that funding and urged the council to verify whether state or federal funding rules would prevent the village from enforcing a truck ban. Council members directed the administrator to consult the village attorney, coordinate with Atlas Township and contact state officials to clarify whether federal or Michigan Department of Transportation rules would constrain local restrictions.

Councilors debated alternatives to a full truck ban, including targeted weight limits, traffic lights or stop signs at problem corners, and additional enforcement by the county sheriff’s department. Several council members cautioned that the village’s limited budget for roads and the cost of repairs underpinned interest in measures that would extend pavement life.

Ultimately, the council approved a motion to postpone the ordinance until October and directed the administrator to gather the requested legal and engineering information and meet with neighboring jurisdictions. The motion passed; the council did not adopt any truck restrictions at the July meeting.

Next steps: staff will run legal and jurisdictional checks with the attorney and coordinate with Atlas Township and state engineers. The council will revisit the ordinance at its October 2024 meeting.