Moran Council considers ATVs

MORAN — Moran residents may have a new form of transportation soon. Patrons voiced their requests for the use of ATV and UTV on city roads during the April Moran City Council meeting.
Both are utility terrain vehicles typically used for recreational purposes.
Community members said Colony allows such vehicles on its city streets. Currently Moran allows golf carts on city roads as long as they are registered with the city. Chief of Police Shane Smith presented the council with limitations and rules for ATV and UTV use within the city limits. Smith said the vehicle must have insurance and undergo an annual inspection.
Councilman Jim Mueller noted Moran is different from Colony because Highway 59 runs through town. Smith said the utility vehicles would not be allowed along U.S. 54 or U.S. 59 but the crossing of U.S. 59 would be allowed.
The council agreed to have an ordinance drawn by its next meeting.

CITY CLERK Lori Evans said the city has a policy to allow burning inside city limits but it is not enforced. Currently residents can fill out a permit at the city hall which is then approved by the fire department. The form states the name, address and period of the burn.
“Many people choose to burn without the permit and the question is are we going to do anything to enforce it,” Evans said.
Smith said the permits make it difficult for people who want to burn on the weekends and the office is closed.
Mueller said it would be great if permits weren’t needed but they are in place for a reason.
“It would be great if we could get rid of paperwork as long as people used common sense but some people don’t use common sense when burning,” Mueller said.
The council agreed to keep the permits in place.

IN OTHER news, the council:
— Purchased two sets of 21-foot bleachers.
— Approved the purchased of asphalt oil at $1.84 a gallon and two tankers for chip and seal projects.
— Agreed stop signs will be put in place at Chestnut and Randolph near the railroad.
— Heard Loren Korte, with PSI Insurance, give an update for the city’s  policy with EMC Insurance.
— Appointed Laurie McAloon to the library board.