Idea of ATVs on city streets crashes

Aug. 28--The Jamestown Police and Fire Committee defeated a proposal to allow all-terrain vehicles and utility-task vehicles on Jamestown city streets Thursday on a 3-2 split vote.

Mayor Katie Andersen and Councilman Ramone Gumke voted in favor of considering a first reading of an ordinance allowing the vehicles on city streets. Councilmen Charlie Kourajian, Dan Buchanan and Steve Brubakken opposed.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger spoke in favor of allowing ATVs on city streets and said the vehicles were safer than motorcycles and are already allowed on most rural roads.

Buchanan said he had been contacted by safety organizations that were opposed to allowing the use of ATVs anywhere other than off-road areas.

"Experts have provided us with facts about the nature of these vehicles and have documented their dangerousness," he said. "Local people have told me that they expect a rash of accidents and other trouble for the city if we approve this ordinance."

Buchanan also said he had attempted to get an online quote for liability insurance for an ATV. Progressive insurance would only provide liability insurance for ATVs limited to off-road use.

The proposed city ordinance required proof of liability insurance for any ATVs used on city streets.

Brubakken also said he had safety concerns based on information from safety groups and the manufacturers of ATVs.

In other business, the Police and Fire Committee added a tentative $74,000 item to the police department budget for the construction of a law enforcement shooting range. Proceeding with the shooting-range project would be contingent on a court-ordered asset forfeiture in a recent drug case being awarded to the city of Jamestown.

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