My notes from tonight’s council meeting are posted below:

ATV ordinance

Many residents spoke out against the original ATV ordinance, and some had a problem with the amended version. (Click here to read the amended version.)

A final vote will likely be on March 14. I encourage residents to keep attending meetings and reaching out to their councilmembers. More importantly, please send me your ideas on how we can make this legislation better. I will consider almost anything, with the goals being: 1) to provide the most freedom for responsible riders, and 2) to create a mechanism to deter bad neighbors.

I’m the chairman of the Roads and Safety Committee, which is the committee that considered this legislation. In that role, I feel responsible to craft the best possible bill and to inform the public as much as possible before a final vote. It does not mean, however, that I intend to vote “yes” on the final product. I have not decided on that.

My amendments passed tonight by a 5-2 vote (Riehl and Lowdermilk).

Safety Task Force

On its Web site, the city has posted a survey relating to school safety. Click here to participate. Mayor Drew said the Safety Task Force’s recommendations will be presented to council in April.

Union negotiations

City council approved a new contract for its police officer unions. The city’s lawyers and administrators have been negotiating with the unions for 10 months. The main deal points are:

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