MORAN — A series of rules allowing motorists to operate all-terrain and utility vehicles on Moran’s city streets are in place. MORAN will soon have fiber-to-the home Internet and television service. MONDAY’S meeting was the first for Chad Lawson, who was elected to office in April. He replaces Gardner, who opted not to run for re-election. THE COUNCIL unanimously approved a cereal malt beverage application for Rylan Resco, doing business as R&K Grocery, formerly Stub’s Market.
City Council members voted 4-1 to adopt an ordinance that permits ATV and UTV users to operate their respective vehicles, but only if they purchase an annual $30 permit.
Several other limitations also are in place, including:
— Vehicles cannot travel along U.S. 59 or U.S. 54, although they can cross those highways if necessary.
— Operators must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Helmets are required for all passengers under 18.
— Each vehicle must either have a slow-moving vehicle emblem, or has a 7-foot flag pole with a fluorescent orange flag attached to the rear.
— Every owner must be able to provide proof of liability insurance.
— Operation is limited to daylight hours.
The provisions touched off a brief debate among council members, particularly Jerry Wallis, who said such vehicles provide less of a hazard to motorists than do riding lawn mowers.
“You can have somebody in a slow-moving lawn mower going up and down 59, but you can’t have these?” Wallis asked rhetorically.
“So you’re going to want to get permits on everybody riding lawn mowers?” Councilman Gene Gardner responded. “Do you really want to open that can of worms?”
Moran Police Chief Shane Smith told the Council he would have some latitude in ensuring a common-sense approach for ATV and UTV owners.
For example, permit holders don’t have to be the only ones who can operate the vehicles. A family member or neighbor can, provided they follow the other city ordinances, Smith explained.
He has discretion to revoke a permit if violations occur, Smith said.
Wallis was unmoved, casting the lone dissenting vote in adopting the new measures.
Bob Guilfoyle, representing Craw-Kan, told the council roughly half of the town — areas east of U.S. 59 — have had fiber-optic cable buried to connect to their homes.
Contractors had to halt the cable project over the winter, and will resume the project soon, perhaps within the next 45 days.
“We’re looking at completion this fall,” Guilfoyle said.
Literature has been sent to some residents touting Craw-Kan’s high-speed Internet and cable TV services. Craw-Kan is based out of Girard.
Guilfoyle also noted Craw-Kan may have to set up a franchise agreement to provide such services to the city.
Council member James Mueller and Mayor Phillip Merkel also were sworn in after their respective re-elections.
They also were unanimous in approving a request from Rachel Covey of Elsmore to host a benefit softball tournament at Moran City Park June 13. Both the softball and baseball fields would be utilized, Covey said.
Council members agreed to not hire any added summer employees, noting the cost of training new, temporary workers, and diverting the time for current employees, was not feasible this year.
Moran OKs new ATV rules
