With the new state law taking effect July 1 that established uniform rules across all Iowa counties for on-road use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs), four Perry residents joined together last Monday to ask the Perry City Council to consider revising the city code in order to allow the in-town use of UTVs.

The pro-UTV group — Travis Landgrebe, Kevin Paltz and brothers Chad and Eric Morman — made their pitch to the council, which was lacking one member with the absence of Perry City Council member Chuck Schott. The group stressed the safety of UTVs and the economic development that follows in their wake.

At present Chapter 75 of the Perry Code of Ordinances governs the use of ATVs and snowmobiles on city streets, and both classes of vehicles are prohibited. According to Chapter 75.05.1, “ATVs may be operated on streets only in accordance with Section 321.234A of the Code of Iowa or on such streets as may be designated by resolution of the Council for the sport of driving ATVs.”

The city council has not designated any city streets for the sport driving of ATVs or the use of other off-road vehicles, such as UTVs.

“I feel that we should look into changing out ordinance,” said Langrebe. “These are not units that people horseplay on. These are not fun toys that people do donuts in.”

Landgrebe illustrated the economic potential of in-town UTV use with himself as an example. He said he needed fuel last weekend and drove his UTV to Minburn, where they are permitted, and not only spent $50 for gas, but he and his wife decided to have dinner while there and ended up dropping $80.

He also mentioned participating in UTV group rides, such as a poker run, which bicyclists and motorcyclists also commonly do.

“I feel like this would be a great opportunity for us to bring a large number of people into the city of Perry to spend money, and they spend a lot of it,” Landgrebe said. “On any given occasion, we take 30 people to Panora. All the towns around us allow these.”

Kevin Paltz emphasized the safety of the 800 cc to 1,000 cc units.

“They’re safe,” he said. “Mine has seat belts, lights, mirrors, turn signals, horns. It’s an enclosed cab with roll bars. It’s probably a lot safer than some vehicles out there because of how big they, the roll bar and that kind of thing.”

Chad Morman said his drive to work would be easier in a UTV.

“For me personally, I would easily park my huge pickup and drive that (UTV) to and from work,” he said. “It’s a smaller parking space, and I wouldn’t have as much stuff to haul around.”

Eric Morman said his wife “would love” to drive their UTV to work. “We live three blocks from the hospital,” he said, “so for her to drive there and back would be very efficient for her.”

Morman also emphasized the safety of UTVs.

“I have a 7 year-old and 3-year-old,” he said. “We put them in with us. I have no fear of putting them in there with us. It would just be amazing to drive in town.”

Perry Mayor John Andorf asked Perry Police Department Chief Eric Vaughn whether he had a response to the UTV advocates. Vaughn said the city code as it stands now is clear.

“Since we don’t have any designated streets, we wouldn’t allow them until that time,” he said, noting that he would like a chance to discuss the new state law with Perry City Attorney DeWayne Dalen and to let the council’s public safety committee chew on the matter before bringing the question before the full council.

“There’s definitely things that need to be clarified,” Vaughn said. “We’ll get together with our public safety committee on what we want to do and sit down and have a discussion about the different topics and the different aspects of UTVs and ATVs and golf carts within the city so we can get it all ironed out and decide if you guys want to pass that ordinance or not.”

The police chief said some of the limits to in-town use are already clear from the state law.

“There would be some restrictions,” he said. “I think one of the biggest restrictions in town is they can’t go on 141 and won’t be able to go on First Street. They’ll be able to cross it at a 90-degree angle. They just won’t travel down those streets, according to the state code.”

The use of ATVs on state roads is covered in Iowa Code Chapter 321.234A.  Their use on county and city roadways is covered in Iowa Code Chapter 321I.10,  The amended section that applies to cities read:

321I.10.3. A city may regulate the operation of registered all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles and may designate streets under the jurisdiction of the city within its corporate limits, and two-lane primary and secondary road extensions in the city, which may be used for the operation of such vehicles. In designating such streets, the city may authorize all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles to stop at service stations or convenience stores along a designated street. However, a city shall not charge a fee to operate a registered all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle within the city.

Among the most important provisions of House File 2130, which Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed June 13, are the following:

The next regular meeting of the Perry City Council is Monday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of the Towncraft Building at 1122 Willis Ave. The meetings are open to the public.

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