Full House for ATV Ordinance Reading

After weeks of research done by Lee County Supervisors Ron Fedler and Matt Pflug, and lots of public input, the first reading of the ATV/UTV Ordinance in Lee County was approved on Tuesday morning.

Sheriff Stacy Weber and county attorney Ross Braden said a lot of the language for the ordinance comes from Des Moines County, but it does incorporate stiffer penalties than neighboring counties, including a larger fee.

“It has some teeth to the ordinance to deter those who would otherwise abuse the privileges,” Braden said.

The ordinance would allow for users over the age of 18 to drive their vehicles on gravel roads for recreational use. Max speed for drivers would be 35 miles per hour.

Operators would have to obtain a Lee County registration as well as register with the state of Iowa.

Fedler said this ordinance would be great because it gives people the freedom to enjoy their recreation.

“I don’t think that it’s right to deprive those that do own one if they want to do it recreational and safe,” Fedler said.

There was some discussion between the Board and those in attendance in the hours of the ordinance.

Chairman Gary Folluo originally wanted it to be from sunrise to sunset, rather than the proposed 4 AM to 10 PM.

Resident Pat Worley brought up the fact that it could be discretion issue based on whether the sun is set or not.

“From an enforcement standpoint it would be easier for Stacy’s guys to look at their watch and say, ‘well they can ride form four to ten, well it’s 10:05 and there goes Worley, he’s getting a ticket,'” Worley said.

Potential damage to properties was also a topic brought up, but the ordinance says rider must have $50,000 in property damage and $100,000 of personal injury liability insurance.

Steve Armstrong said people are going to cause damage whether the ordinance is in place or not.

“Since I was 20 years old, it doesn’t matter if you have grounds or not, the idiots are always going to be idiots,” Armstrong said. “Don’t punish them all for just a few.”

After much discussion the first reading was approved with the initial hours intact, but with an amendment to allow for the ordinance to be reviewed after one year.

The second reading will take place on Tuesday, Mar. 5.