Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Code Revision topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fenton board adopts new traffic code adding —alternative vehicles— after contentious debate
Summary
The Board of Aldermen voted to repeal and replace Title III of the municipal code to harmonize definitions and explicitly add —alternative vehicles—, including UTVs/ATVs, to city traffic rules. The measure passed despite objections about safety, enforcement and motivations for the change.
The Fenton Board of Aldermen voted on Feb. 26 to repeal and replace Title III of the city's municipal code, a comprehensive rewrite intended to harmonize vehicle definitions and add rules for alternative vehicles such as utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Alderman Jon Lange, sponsor of Bill 26-11, said staff review showed inconsistent definitions between the city's code and the model state Traffic Code and that the revision was written "to match state code." Lange urged colleagues to judge the measure on technical merits rather than personal agendas.
In a lengthy, critical statement read into the record, Alderman Jeff Maserang warned the change would open a —Pandora's Box— of safety and enforcement problems. "Now we are going to have a vote on allowing UTV's and ATV's that are fast, loud and are 4X4 off-road machines designed for trail use... Once Pandora's Box is opened, there is no going back," Maserang said. He also alleged the timing related to a reprimand of the mayor; that assertion was disputed by others.
Alderwoman Jokerst and Alderwoman Huels said the change arose from staff and police review rather than a request from the mayor. "It was presented after review of the code and finding that adding alternative vehicle amendments and other updates were needed," Jokerst said. Huels added she understood the change was prompted by code inconsistencies identified during review, not a reprimand.
Alderman Wisbrock said he opposed the amendment on grounds of public-safety and park-protection concerns. Lange said allowing regulated use of these vehicles could help police enforcement. Mayor Joe Maurath and staff emphasized the decision to submit the rewrite was based on staff findings that the prior ordinance covered only golf carts and omitted broader alternative-vehicle definitions.
The Board voted to enact Bill 26-11 as Ordinance No. 4621. The roll call was: Bereitschaft, Lange, Huels, Harrell and Jokerst voting yes; Wisbrock and Maserang voting no; Alderman Rogers was absent. The ordinance will take effect when signed by the mayor.
What it means: The new Title III replaces inconsistent definitions (noting a distinction between "motor vehicle" and "vehicle") and adds explicit language covering alternative vehicles and commercial motor-vehicle enforcement. The ordinance is intended to align Fenton's local code with the state Traffic Code; the city attorney advised the Board that the narrower commercial-enforcement bill would not be required if the full replacement passed.
Next steps: The ordinance will be codified if and when signed by the mayor. The police department and city staff will be responsible for implementing any new permit, registration or enforcement processes defined in the replacement code.
