By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
A discussion at Tuesday’s Assembly meeting about restricting some commercial uses of ATVs on Sitka streets ended with sponsors withdrawing the proposed ordinance, saying it needed more work.
Kevin Knox and Kevin Mosher sponsored the ordinance, which would have amended the new ordinance that allows people to ride the off-road vehicles on city streets and roads.
They said their intent was to keep ATVs from being rented out to inexperienced riders, and agreed that they would work on the language with the city attorney to make it clearer, and bring it back to the Assembly.
“We shouldn’t be having inexperienced drivers on our roadways,” Mosher said.
An ATV drives down Harbor Drive this afternoon on Japonski Island. The Assembly last month approved an ordinance that allows people to ride the off-road vehicles on city streets and roads. An ordinance that would restrict some commercial uses of ATVs was withdrawn by its sponsors at Tuesday night’s Assembly meeting at Harrigan Centennial Hall. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
The discussion follows several actions by the Assembly related to all-purpose vehicles and ATVs. The Assembly initially opted out of a new state law allowing APVs on roadways with speed limits up to 45 mph, but later passed an ATV ordinance tailored for Sitka.
Knox said at the time he was concerned mostly about businesses renting out to tourists who might not be familiar with local roads.
The proposed amendment said “When driving on public roadways within the city and borough, APVs may not be used for commercial uses, including, but not limited to renting/leasing for driving, passenger carrying, load carrying, freight carrying, pushing or towing.”
Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz’ motion to send it to the Police and Fire Commission for a recommendation failed 3-3.
Knox said he wanted to put the ordinance forward quickly so people don’t make major investments, such as buying a fleet of APVs to rent out to tourists, before the commercial use issue is settled.
“I’m a bit concerned with delaying consideration in front of this body,” he said.
Knox and Mosher agreed to work on the ordinance and change the wording to make it more understandable to the public.
City Attorney Brian Hanson said the ordinance would prohibit APVs for hire, but would not prohibit using the vehicles for work.
“If you want to be concerned about the definitional quality of the language I could help cure that too,” he added.
So far four permits have been issued for all-purpose vehicles that meet the city’s safety and registration requirements. Three are for side-by-sides and one is for a conventional four-wheeler.
From the public, Valorie Nelson read a comment from Mike Finn, who was not at the meeting, opposing restrictions on commercial uses of the vehicles.
“I’m 100 percent against this ordinance; it was written with zero thought of how an ATV/UTV can be used safely and more efficiently than full-size vehicles,” Finn said in his statement. He said he has rented ATVs in other places he has visited.
Nelson said she was also against it.
Victor Littlefield said ATVs would provide many advantages for commercial businesses, including his work managing 21 buildings with six employees. He cited cost savings on fuel, and road-worthiness over potholed streets. He said he also had no problem with allowing tourists to rent them.
“I believe a majority feel the same on this issue,” he said.
Sponsors said it hadn’t been their intent to limit all commercial uses of ATVs, including transporting supplies and using ATVs as transportation for businesses.
In the end, Knox withdrew his motion to pass the commercial use restrictions, but said he plans to present a new version with clearer language as soon as possible.
In other action at Tuesday’s meeting, the Assembly:
– approved a supplemental appropriation to this year’s budget on the cost of closing Lincoln Street to vehicles on cruise ship days. The appropriation will cover supplies, staff and contracted services through June 30. The cost for the remainder of the summer will be in the budget for the 2023 fiscal year starting July 1. The city hopes to use the Cruiseship Passenger Excise Tax to cover most of the expected $228,469 in costs.
- approved a resolution to increase tender fees for cruise ships to $1,418.75 per ship per day, an increase of 6.8 percent from last year. Tenders will be using both Crescent Harbor and the dock under O’Connell Bridge.
– approved a liquor license renewal application for Sitka Moose Lodge.
– reappointed Tamy Stevenson to the Port and Harbors commission.
