Elgin, OK – City officials in Elgin are revising an ordinance that restricts ATV owners from driving their vehicles on city-owned property. The revised proposal will be presented to the Elgin City Council for further consideration.
During a council meeting on March 11, officials discussed the ordinance but did not proceed with a vote. The item was ultimately removed from the agenda for further modifications.
Under the original ordinance, ATV owners were required to obtain a permit from the city clerk before operating their vehicles on city-owned property. The permit, costing $50, had to be renewed annually for the same fee. Additionally, vehicles had to pass an inspection conducted by the Elgin police chief before a permit could be issued.
The ordinance allowed ATV operation on public property only during daylight hours, ending at sunset. Drivers were also required to have a valid driver’s license, and those under 18 had to wear a crash helmet. Proof of liability insurance was mandatory for all permit holders.
Addressing ATV Misuse on Public Fields
Mayor JJ Francais emphasized that the ordinance aimed to curb ATV-related damage to city ballfields. He highlighted ongoing issues at Martin Field, where individuals have been driving ATVs recklessly, causing damage by performing stunts like doughnuts late at night.
“What we’ve had an issue with is at Martin Field, people are taking a non-vehicle and driving it out on the field and doing doughnuts at 2 or 3 in the morning,” Francais stated. “And so, what we’re trying to do is get an ordinance that says, ‘You can’t do that’ and specifically address that.”
However, Francais suggested an exception for individuals using ATVs for field maintenance purposes.
Calls for a Complete Ordinance Rewrite
Police Chief Ralph Parsons argued that the ordinance needed a full revision. He pointed out that many ATV owners were obtaining motorcycle registrations from the state, legally classifying their ATVs as motor vehicles.
“Now, that ATV is registered with the state of Oklahoma as a motor vehicle,” Parsons explained. “You can’t require them to get a permit.”
Councilman Fred Guevara supported revising the ordinance, suggesting that officials should present a reworded version for approval.
“Not passing this is not going to tie your hands in any way,” Guevara said. “I feel like we just need to reword it.”
Other Council Decisions
In addition to the ATV discussion, the council approved the use of Martin Field, located at Second and J streets, as a soccer field. City officials will draft an agreement regarding its use and present it in May.
The council also approved a zoning change at the corner of C and Second streets, converting it from a mixed residential district to a multi-family residential district.