BEATRICE – Beatrice city officials have moved a step closer to allowing utility vehicles on city streets, but the proposed ordinance has now been amended to allow UTVs only….not ATVs.


The city council took that step suggested by Councilman Duane Ruh, on a 7-0 vote Monday night, moving the ordinance to a final reading. Councilman Tim Fralin, who brought the concept before the council, said he’s okay with that change.


"I've yet to have anybody call me to tell me we need to work harder on controlling illegal drugs. Nobody's called and said what can we do about domestic violence? So, I don't think that UTVs should be shot down just because some people have a concern....a valid concern. I have the same issues other people do...but I did spend a year researching this before I even brought it up....so I knew most of the answers beforehand."


Fralin, acknowledging there are safety concerns, said however that larger cities such as Columbus and North Platte have safely allowed the machines.
"If it isn't adhered to, I'll be one of the first people to complain to the mayor and say we made a mistake, and let's take it away. But, I don't think that because a small percentage of the population of 13,000 people don't want it....that doesn't mean the rest of the people shouldn't have the chance."


Three-wheelers were previously disallowed. Under state law, UTV riders can use them on streets from sunrise to sunset, must have a safety flag, operating headlights and taillights, a limit of no more than 30 miles-per-hour or a lower speed limit…riders must be licensed and at least 17-years old, have liability insurance, wear a helmet or seatbelt….and have a rearview mirror.

City Administrator Tobias Templemeyer said the city has added some local regulations.  "They're not allowed on Highway 77...they're not allowed on Highway 136, except Center Street to Second Street down by the West Court Street bridge. They're not allowed on city trails, they're not allowed on sidewalks. They're not allowed on city parks, except for hard surfaces. You can cross the highway, but it has to be at a 90-degree angle. We do have two exceptions....one, is parades....and two, snow removal. We allow them to be on the sidewalk for snow removal within 24 hours after a snowfall."


Tempelmeyer says state law spells out what a UTV is, in terms of its size.  "It has to be 74 inches or less in width...it has to be not more than 180 inches, including bumper, in length. It has to have a dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less."


Councilman Rich Kerr says he plans to suggest another amendment on final reading….a registration requirement for UTV use on city streets.
The mayor and council heard some additional public input, both for and against the ordinance, prior to moving it on to a final vote. Opponents cited higher traffic on city streets and that the tires on UTVs are not designed to be used on pavement, along with questions about whether enforcement of the rules will be adequate.