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MUSCATINE, Iowa – An amendment to Title 7, Chapter 2 of Muscatine City Code was approved by the Muscatine City Council and is now on the books, allowing Off-Road/Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) to be used on city streets and alleys with certain stipulations.

A UTV is defined as a motorized vehicle with not less than four and not more than eight non-highway tires or rubberized tracks that has a seat that is of bucket or bench design, not intended to be straddled by the operator, and a steering wheel or control levers for control.

UTVs are allowed on city streets with the exception of Highway 61, Park Avenue, and Dick Drake Highway, but they make a direct crossing of these streets or highways provided that the angle of crossing is approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the street or highway, and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing.

An ATV is defined as a motorized vehicle with not less than three and not more than six non-highway tires that is limited in engine displacement to less than 1,000 cubic centimeters and in total dry weight to less than 1,200 pounds, and that has a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.

ATVs are not allowed on city streets with the exception of use in snow removal operations.

The revised City Code stipulates several operating provisions including:

The vehicle must be registered with the Muscatine County Recorder and the decal placed on the rear of the vehicle.
Operators must have a valid drive’s license and be at least 18-years-old.
Proof of registration and proof of insurance must be with the vehicle at all times and available for inspection.
Vehicle and operator must comply with State of Iowa 321 traffic codes.
Passenger requirements of the vehicle must be followed.

The revised City Code also stipulates minimum equipment standards including:

Having turn signal lamps with manually operated switches.
Having a properly operating speedometer.
Having an electrically actuated horn.
Having headlamps, tail lamps, and a stop lamp.
Having a rear racing mirror.
Having a muffler.

A video presentation concerning the use of UTVs is available on the City of Muscatine YouTube page at UTVs on Muscatine Streets.

You can also review the revised City Code by reviewing Title 7, Chapter 2 (Traffic Regulations in General)

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will vote on an ordinance revising Title 7, Chapter 2 of City Code that would permit the use of off-road utility vehicles (UTV) on city streets. The vote will be taken following the third and final reading of the proposed ordinance.

Those interested in the proceedings of the City Council will note that the Council meeting will start at 6 p.m. beginning with Thursday’s (Oct. 6) City Council meeting. The City Council meets Thursday in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

A virtual session will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable attending in person. Instructions for joining the virtual session are listed below.

The Council directed city staff during the May 12, 2022, in-depth meeting to prepare changes to portions of Title 7 (Vehicles and Traffic), Chapter 2 (Traffic Regulations General) related to All-Terrain Vehicle Regulations.

The changes include definitions associated with all-terrain vehicles, equipment standards for operation, operating provisions, prohibited streets and highways, provisions for crossing prohibited streets and highways, and other items associated with the use of all-terrain vehicles inside the city limits.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) will not be allowed on city streets in Muscatine for any reason.

In other action Thursday, the Council will:

Conduct a public hearing for Environmental Information for Phase 6 of the West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project;
Approve a purchase order to Sulzco, LLC for tree removal, site clearing, grading, and filling of the northwest corner of the Houser and Grandview intersection;
Set public hearings for the revised Bike & Pedestrian Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, on vacating a trail easement, and on a Community Block Grant application;
Approve a request to submit a railroad crossing elimination grant application.

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.

Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.

On-Line Participation

To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, October 6, 2022 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597