An ordinance in Jefferson will be discussed by the City Council at their meeting next week.

During the street committee meeting this past Tuesday, the topic about adding all-terrain vehicles to the city’s existing ordinance, to mirror the new state law, was discussed. Jefferson Police Captain Jason Kroeger provided an update from the law enforcement committee that he, Police Chief Mark Clouse, Mayor Matt Gordon and Council member Pat Zmolek serve on. 

Kroeger mentioned the committee unanimously agreed to leave the ordinance as it is written, which doesn’t allow for ATVs to be driven on city streets, but does allow for utility vehicles and golf carts with certain restrictions and requirements. 

Council member Dave Sloan was the chair of the committee and voiced a different opinion. He said there have been several residents that want to include ATVs in the ordinance and so he wanted to discuss the topic with the full city council. City Administrator Mike Palmer said it will be discussed with the council and if they decide to pursue a change in the ordinance, a public hearing, along with three required readings to amend the ordinance. 

The Iowa Legislature passed a bill this past session, which was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds that allows for ATVs and over the road vehicles (ORVs) to operate on city and county roads.