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Council debates allowing "side‑by‑side" vehicles on town streets and leaves rules unchanged
Summary
Councilors debated a proposed ordinance to allow state‑defined UTVs (side‑by‑sides) on municipal roads. Members voiced concerns about safety, enforcement and wear on local streets; the council did not adopt the ordinance and deferred further action.
Councilors spent extensive time debating a draft ordinance that would explicitly allow state‑defined utility task vehicles (UTVs or "side‑by‑sides") on municipal streets under certain state statute provisions.
Supporters argued that passing a local ordinance would clarify enforcement and allow farmers and respectful UTV owners to travel to local businesses under defined conditions. Opponents raised safety and equity concerns, noting the town lacks 24/7 police coverage and warning that off‑road‑tread tires could damage alleys and shoulders. One council member said he could not find comparable small towns that had adopted such an ordinance except for Attica and expressed skepticism about whether it fit Mulberry’s street network.
The council discussed several compromise options — restricting UTV travel to main arteries, limiting speeds, or creating exemptions for official town business — but members said enforcement burden and potential discrimination in ticketing remained concerns. The board did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting and left the rules unchanged; the chair said the town will continue to tolerate responsible UTV use but will enforce traffic laws where violations occur.
No formal vote to adopt the draft ordinance was taken; a motion to read the ordinance back out failed to advance and the council moved on to other business.
