A utility vehicle ordinance has passed in Weeping Water; however, some citizens would like golf carts and all terrain vehicles included.
According to the Cassgram, the operation of UTVs (John Deere Gators or similar-type vehicles) on city streets had been a topic of debate, this summer, at Weeping Water City Council meetings. The council then unanimously authorized the city attorney to develop an ordinance that sets up a permit registration process to allow for the legal use of UTVs on Weeping Water streets.
Ordinance #604 came before council and was passed this month. It allows for the legal operation of UTVs, lays out the operating requirements and registration process, and establishes penalties for violations.
The first motion on the ordinance included a $50 registration fee, but the council vote was 2 to 2 on that motion and the mayor voted against it in breaking the tie. The motions enacting the ordinance then passed 3 to 1 with a $25 registration fee, according to the (pending) meeting minutes.
The minutes noted that several citizens were in attendance to address the inclusion of ATVs and/or golf carts in the UTV ordinance. The citizens were advised to compile recommendations for regulations to allow the operation of ATVs and/or golf carts within the city limits and present those recommendations at a future meeting.
