UTV ordinance advances despite questions about age

McCOOK, Neb. — Discussions about the proposed UTV ordinance brought some debate at the City Council meeting on August 5, 2024. Before the meeting, City Attorney Nathaniel Mustion sent out a memorandum recommending limiting the age of passengers in UTVs to those over eight. It read, “I have conducted a review of the current safety standards and potential risks associated with using UTVs within city limits, specifically concerning the age of the passengers.

Based on discussions with local experts and existing legal requirements, I recommend that the city council pass an ordinance to prohibit passengers under the age of eight from riding in UTVs.”

Some members of the City Council disagreed, saying that the restriction would be hard to enforce and that citizens should be trusted to make their own decisions.

Regarding the age restriction, McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson stated, “We are presenting the council options. We’re looking at what we’re comfortable with. Where do we set the bar for safety?”

The UTV Ordinance, not including the revision for an age restriction, will have its third and final reading at the next City Council meeting on August 19, 2024. 

Other agenda items included the Economic Development Plan Citizen’s Advisory Review Committee holding a public hearing regarding their recent meeting. Charlie McPherson, Executive Director of the MEDC, gave a financial report. Director of Housing Development Amanda Enge updated the current residential building projects, saying they should be completed by October 2024. 

City Manager Nate Schneider gave an update on the Ballpark project, saying that it is moving forward and that they expect to close on the property on October 2, 2024. 

All items on the consent agenda were approved.