By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Assembly on Tuesday passed on introduction an ordinance that, under certain conditions, would allow all-terrain vehicles on Sitka streets and roads.
It is to go before the Assembly Feb. 22 for a vote on final approval.
If passed, the ordinance would repeal the city’s prohibition on riding four-wheelers (“all-terrain” or “all purpose” vehicles) on public roads. Riders would be required to have a city permit, wear helmet and goggles, and follow traffic laws. Machines would be required to have a rear-view mirror, exhaust muffler, turn signals, headlight, taillight, reflectors, speedometer, brakes, fenders and a throttle or idle spring in good condition.
The vehicle must be registered as required by the state, and the rider must have a driver’s license and liability insurance. The ordinance also requires a vehicle to pass an inspection by the police department, and prohibits operation between midnight and 5 a.m.
The ordinance followed a decision by the Assembly in December to “opt out” of a new state regulation that allows ATVs on roads with speed limits up to 45 mph. Assembly members at the time agreed to consider an ordinance customized for Sitka.
Dave Miller and Thor Christianson co-sponsored the ordinance. Christianson said he hopes it addresses most of the concerns raised the last time the issue came up.
“I think it will be good,” he said. “If we need to modify or change it we can do that.”
The ordinance received an endorsement from the Police and Fire Commission, which had previously recommended that the city opt out of the state law.
Kevin Knox said he was fine voting in favor but expressed concerns about the prospect of APV rentals and drivers unfamiliar with Sitka’s roads.
“It’s not a vision that I’m personally very excited about,” he said. “While it might be a great business opportunity I don’t get excited about having a whole bunch of these roaming around town with people from out of town who aren’t familiar with our way of life, our community and have the same level of respect ... that does concern me.”
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with a snowplow is pictured at the corner of Lincoln and Monastery streets earlier this month. The Assembly voted to approve the use of all-purpose vehicles (APVs) on city streets, Tuesday. The state defines an APV as an ATV that “is used on public roads or highways with a speed limit of 45 mph or less in a community that has not prohibited its use. APVs must conform to all of Alaska’s motor vehicle safety standards and be properly insured, registered, and titled.”
(Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
Kevin Mosher expressed similar concerns. “It’s something we want to keep our eye on if possible.”
The ordinance for the most part addresses the vehicles and not the drivers, with the exception of the requirement for a driver’s license and protective head covering and eyewear.
Assembly members expressed confidence in the all-purpose vehicle community’s taking an active role in community education, and conducting free inspections in advance of a police inspection.
There was some discussion about the road worthiness of most APVs since four-wheelers are designed for off-road use. But no changes were proposed to the ordinance, and it passed as presented.
A handful of APV users testified in favor of its passage.
“I’m pleased with the outcome, and feel good about having worked with the Assembly to move forward with this,” said Nicholas McGraw. “I think that some certain needs and requests were met ... I’d like to thank Assembly members that helped with this, and the police (and fire) commission, and city attorney.”
There was some discussion about the cost of meeting the requirements and whether it would be cost prohibitive for most Sitkans.
Mike Finn, who testified in favor, estimated a blinker-horn kit at $60, a license and title at $131 for two years and insurance at $200.
From the Assembly, Rebecca Himschoot had some ideas for amendments but said, “I’m happy with this the way it is but I would be looking to restrict things if things don’t go well.”
She said she did have an appeal to the APV community for patience on the details, since the ordinance was “fast tracked” with other priorities pushed lower.
Crystal Duncan said communities around the state are grappling with the same issue, stemming from the January 1 implementation of the state regulation. She described the process leading up to the proposed ordinance.
“This is going to adjust our roadways just like bicycles do,” she said. “We’ll figure it out and I’m glad we didn’t rush into it even though it seems rushed. There was a lot of thinking that went into this.”
Miller said he hopes that the all-purpose vehicle users will help by “patrolling themselves.”
“I think they understand that if it gets too wild in town this can go away just as easy at it came – maybe easier,” he said. “If they get out and start racing around all the time not only are their wives going to kill ‘em but their buddies are going to go after them too for making them potentially lose their right to ride on the road.”
Miller talked about some of the benefits of the ordinance including availability and affordability; and the potential for more snow removal by the machines.
Sitka’s police and fire chiefs advocated for the opt-out position last fall but did not speak at the Tuesday meeting.
The item will be up for final reading at the regular meeting Feb. 22.
