Monticello cracks down on ATVS, carts, scooters

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Monticello City Council restructured the planning commission, approved vehicle leases and made plans with the county to increase enforcement of codes related to different motorized travel in the city at their latest meeting. 
The city council met with the San Juan County Sheriff’s office on September 10 to discuss enforcement of rules for a variety of different vehicles traveling within the city.
City council, staff and the sheriff’s office agree enforcement of rules for ATV, golf carts and motorized scooters are needed in the city.
City Manager Kaeden Kulow said the driving force is public safety.
Examples included near misses with cars as children run stop and yield signs on scooters.
The discussion and plan to increase enforcement applies to city and state codes already in place, with the sheriff’s office encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with applicable codes.
Key points highlighted by the city and sheriff’s office include restrictions of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV), scooters, and golf carts on certain city sidewalks and streets.
Safety requirements including wearing helmets and ensuring vehicles are equipped and insured, and registration and permits in the case of ATV’s.
A special emphasis is placed on educating children about safety including making sure they understand age restrictions and required safety gear, such as helmets. The city and county also encourages parents to supervise their children and teach safe riding.
In a joint statement, the sheriff’s department and city said “involvement and oversight are key to preventing accidents and fostering responsible riding habits. The goal of the enforcement is to enhance the safety and well-being of all individuals within Monticello City.”
Items in the code include motor-assisted scooters are not to exceed 15 miles per hour, not have more than one rider at a time, and a minimum age requirement of eight-years old.
OHV’s are allowed on city roadways but not as general transportation unassociated with preparing for or returning from a recreational ride of the OHV that same day in Monticello.
OHV’s are also not allowed on 200 West between the two schools, and requires being licensed and registered.
Golf carts are to follow similar rules as bicycles for travel with some exceptions. Golf carts are also not allowed to be driven on highways. 
The city and state codes have been posted on social media pages for both entities, as well as on the Monticello City website.
At their latest meeting, members of the Monticello City Council approved a restructuring of the city Planning Commission to reduce the member of commission members from five to three, as well as providing a stipend for each meeting attended.
Members of the city council made plans to reduce the size of the city planning and zoning commission at the August 27 meeting.
The city has been seeking a replacement for the fifth member of the commission since a resignation in November. An additional resignation left the commission with just three members. 
The commission has been able to make a quorum of three members just once since May, with several meetings canceled, including a meeting where someone had driven from Salt Lake City.
City staff recommended reducing the size of the planning commission to three members, meaning a quorum would require the attendance of only two commission members. If the commission had been just three members the previous months, meetings could have occurred as scheduled.
In addition, city staff approved a $40 stipend for each meeting as an incentive and a note of appreciation for the volunteer work.
City council agreed that the lack of quorum has been an issue and the proposed changes for the planning and zoning commission should offer a solution.
Following the discussion in late August, the city council held a public hearing and then passed the resolution 
Members of the city council also approved a three-year lease for two vehicles, one for the public works department and the other for administration. The city-owned administrative Ford Explorer will move to the airport to serve as a courtesy car.
Members of the city council also held a discussion about the city landfill rates and requested to bring the item back for further discussion at a future meeting.
The city is also preparing for a Health and Safety Fair this weekend. On Friday night, September 20, the city will provide a free screening of the animated movie Fireheart at the Hideout Community Center starting at 7 p.m.
The next day, a public health and safety night will be held at the city ballfields from 4 to 6 p.m. on September 21.
The event will include a touch a truck event, helicopter landing and other public health and safety information, as well as free hot dogs.