Minibike Task 2

RITTMAN — Residents turned out in force Monday, creating a standing-room-only environment in council chambers, to voice their displeasure about legislation that would have prohibited the use of minibikes, ATVs and other similar vehicles within city limits.
Legislation limiting the use of recreational, off-road vehicles on residents’ properties had stalled in May when council tabled the matter.
Tim Stefanko, a resident from the south side of town who was once a fixture at meetings, suggested in a witty manner why the law needed to be scrapped and rewritten in May. His comments, and those of Debbie Miller, whose 8-year-old son rides a minibike, were enough to get the legislation tabled.
After numerous comments Monday, council opted to let the legislation die by not taking it “off the table.”
Tim Stefanko again voiced his opposition. He
volunteered to serve on a committee to come up with legislation that would do what council had intended and not alienate the off-road community. He also suggested the city’s noise ordinance be updated. It was written about 70 years ago and deals with steam whistles and radio receiving sets. The ordinance prohibits the use of whistles and drums, so, technically, the referees and Rittman band students at football games are in violation of the law.
“If the committee fails, you still have the option to ban” the off-road vehicles, Tim Stefanko said. “Let us work on it.”
The crowd applauded after the comments, and, after much discussion, did agree to forming a committee and Councilman Rick Hanlon volunteered to serve as its chairman.
“I’m confused that we’re discussing ATV laws and other noise,” said Tony Kelly, a business owner who rides a motorcycle. “Come on. Is that all we got? ... Take that energy and focus it elsewhere. Don’t penalize kids on minibikes. Who got rubbed? (With the drug problem) we’re talking about minibikes? Somebody got wrankled.”
Jason Frankhauser said the legislaton would only hurt those who are already obeying laws.
In all, 16 people spoke out against the legislation.
“I appreciate the civil discussion,” Mayor Bill Robertson told the crowd. “I appreciate the input.”
Council President Darrell Carey told the group the original intent was not to deal with the noise, but to address a homeowner’s issue. At the neighboring property, someone was riding a minibike in the back yard, and it deteriorated the grass.
When Carey made that comment, many in attendance started laughing and offered up comments.
Carey told him council was quiet while they spoke, and he asked for the same show of respect. When he finished with his comments, they were free to yell at him, but he asked they hear him out.
Carey did not have a problem if someone wanted to tear up his yard, but the problem was when it rained, mud from the neighboring yard washed onto the adjoining property, creating a problem for the homeowner.
Someone suggested the matter be addressed through the property maintenance code instead of the noise ordinance.
Hanlon said he he spent two years working on the property maintenance code, and there is no way it can address landscaping because “one man’s weed is another man’s flower.”
When it came time to remove the legislation from the table, no one on council did.
“It dies a peaceful death,” Robertson said, his comments eliciting a round of applause from the residents.
At the end of the meeting, during a time for council members to comment, David Williams said, “Thanks for exercising your right to be part of local government; it’s what it’s all
about.”
Carey told Stefanko to take his time to make sure everything works out best for the entire community.