UTV Ordinance Passed
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
The Edmonton City Council met in a special called meeting on Thursday, June 26th at the Edmonton City Hall. Those absent were Councilmember Tommy England and Edmonton Fire Chief Jerry Clemmons.
Mayor Doug Smith began with, “I would like to remind Council, this is considered our July meeting, and because of the date change, it is considered a special call meeting, and only the items on the agenda can be discussed.”
The minutes from both the June 2, 2025, meeting and the June 6, 2025, meeting were approved as written.
First on the agenda was a discussion of the UTV Ordinance. Mayor Smith stated, “We had the first reading of Ordinance #2024-25-12, for the use of UTV on city streets, following state guidelines, and first reading to repeal Ordinance #2018-19-2 operations of golf carts, all train vehicles, and mini trucks on city streets. I’ve been asked to put a discussion on the agenda to better understand this ordinance, and all is there any discussion?”
The question was posed about the effect on golf carts and their use, to which City Attorney Brian Pack replies, “…it seemed like we already had the golf cart on them.”
It was noted that the golf carts were locked into each side in Edmonton, because they couldn’t cross the Highway.
Mayor Smith asked, “How do you feel about it?” referring the question to Chief of Police David Robertson.
Robertson replied, “I don’t have a problem with them on the city street. It’s just don’t want ’em to get out on a state highway just because their speed, they’re so slow, that’s part of the safety issue.”
Pack began reading the list of requirements to be street legal per the state legislation and comparing them to golf carts.
After a rather confusing discussion about golf carts on the city streets, it was obvious the council wanted to keep the current ordinance allowing golf carts on the city streets as it is. They are only allowed on streets with a speed of 35 mph or less. The 2018 ordinance required golf carts, four-wheelers, and mini-trucks to be registered with the Sheriff’s Office for $10.
The mayor asked for a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance #2024-25-12 allowing the use of UTVs on city streets per state guidelines. A motion was made and seconded, and received approving votes.
Second reading of Ordinance #2024-25-13 Repealing Ordinance #2018-19-02 allowing operation of golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, and mini-trucks on city streets died for lack of a motion. Therefore, Ordinance #2018-19-02 is still in effect.
The June water, sewer, and gas report was presented by Public Works Superintendent Moe Hensley, “This month we got five water taps fixed, eight leaks replaced, two boxes done, two gas taps, routine stuff as usual, sewer plant, read meters, trying to do some more yard work…”
Police Chief David Robertson presented the June activity as 8 arrests, 5 non-injury accidents, 2 injury accident,1 alcohol intoxication, 3 alarms, 5 animal complaints, 4 domestic disturbances, 2 DUIs, 2 EPOs, 4 fights, opened 9 investigations, 4 motorist assists, 3 medical calls, 56 traffic stops, served 4 warrants, 1 funeral escort, 50 complaints, wrote 15 citations, and patrolled 2,786 miles.
Chief Robertson did brag on a couple of officers, “We did have one pursuit. I have to commend Chief Romine and Chase, Conrad, uh, they chased him out across the big field up here at the bottom of the Red Barn, good half a mile. But no one was hurt.”
Mayor Smith announced, “Since we will be taking over this department on July 1, I’ve asked Jordan to come and give a 911 report.”
911 Department Director Jordan Crump presented her first report to the council for June, “We had a total of 477 incidents that we dispatched resources to.”
Crump reported Edmonton FD-66, Edmonton PD-201, Emergency Management-4, KSP Columbia-8, Constable-1, Coroner-1, Sheriff’s Dept.-246, North Metcalfe FD-20, and Summer Shade VFD-24. It was noted that some responses called for the dispatch of multiple departments.
ABC Administrator Fred Ray reported that everything was good.
Parks and Recreation Manager Brian Garrett reported, “I’ll have a new part-time employee started this week. Working 24 hours a week… Park was running for one tournament this month, and also our Pickleball League has started at the park on Tuesday nights.”
Mayor Smith reported an update, “We have received a quote for some playground equipment for Pedigo Spring Park. This will be part of the capital improvements you have approved in 2025.”
Edmonton Fire Chief Jerry Clemmons was absent, so no June Fire Department report was presented.
City Attorney Brian Pack asked to go into an executive session for litigation, and upon return to open session, it was stated that no action was taken.
With no other items on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned.
