Marion leaning toward allowing UTVs on city streets

MARION — Residents of Marion may soon be able to drive their utility terrain vehicles on city streets.

Two Marion City Council members at Tuesday’s work session said they’ve warmed to the idea since Police Chief Mike Kitsmiller’s presentation on UTVs, including the option of limiting their use to streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less

Kitsmiller said Council Bluffs and Ankeny, both larger cities than Marion, allow UTVs on city streets.

“I talked to both of the chiefs there, and they’ve had zero issue with them,” Kitsmiller said. “I’ve been kind of won over. I was concerned about safety, but from the law enforcement perspective, we can handle it.”

Council member Steve Jensen said he’d initially leaned against allowing the UTVs in February but has changed his mind.

“Since then, I went to McGrath Powersports, getting educated about them,” he said. “After talking to people and doing more research, I’m completely in favor of them being on the streets.”

Kitsmiller suggested the council could limit UTVs to routes leading to secondary roads in Linn County, which allows use of UTVs during daylight hours on some county roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less.

“The fact there are two larger cities with no issues is huge in my book,” council member Will Brandt said. “But my opinion is, moving forward with this, I would say stick with 35 mph and under.”

UTVs, also called utility task vehicles or side-by-sides, are like all-terrain vehicles in their use for off-road recreation. But UTVs are heavier, can have up to six wheels and haul heavy loads.

Council member Grant Harper suggested the council could implement stiff fines for people who drive UTVs in parks, waterways or other off-road areas in the city.

A UTV ordinance will be drafted and come to the city council for review. It would require three readings and council votes before being approved.

Comments: (319) 398-8255; gage.miskimen@thegazette.com