Resident urges Middleville council to finish ordinance allowing side-by-sides in village limits

Andrew Beck, a Middleville resident, asked the council to adopt a proposed ordinance that would allow side-by-sides (utility recreation vehicles) to drive and park inside the village. "I'm here to talk about allowing side by sides to drive within the village limits," Beck told the council during the public-comment period, saying a petition signed by more than 50 businesses accompanies the request.

Beck said the village's lawyer had advised there would be "no liability on the village's behalf" and that the village ad hoc committee formed to study the issue found no substantial complaints after tracking concerns. He also said Sgt. Wear reported "no major concerns" and that Mr. Powers had drafted an ordinance that reflects the ad hoc committee's recommendations.

Why it matters: allowing side-by-sides would change what vehicles can legally operate and park on local streets, affecting enforcement, parking, and local businesses that back the change. Beck framed the request as honoring prior committee work and the time and expense residents and businesses invested in drafting the ordinance.

Council response and next steps: council members thanked Beck for bringing the petition and supporting materials and noted that specifics (vehicle classifications, where they could park, speed and safety rules) would need to be spelled out in any ordinance. No formal action or vote on an ordinance was recorded during the July 22 meeting; the item remains at the informational or review stage. The transcript notes the ordinance was drafted by "Mr. Powers," who was referenced by Beck but did not speak at the meeting.

The council did not set a date for a public hearing or first reading on an ordinance during the meeting. Any next procedural step — drafting formal language for introduction, staff legal review, or a public hearing — would appear on a future agenda.