(Columbus) The Columbus Committee of the Whole discussed the sunset clause in the city’s ATV/UTV ordinance at a recent meeting. The topic at hand was to decide if the sunset clause, which is currently set for May 1st, would be removed via referendum. Mayor Joe Hammer says it is not required.
“This body does not have to, even though it was a consensus, that you go to a referendum,” says Hammer. “You do not have to go to referendum if this body chooses not to.”
Hammer says that the council has the option to lift the clause and keep the ordinance in place. Alderman Ian Gray says that the public was told that the clause would be going to referendum.
“That is the expectation of all of the citizens of Columbus, whether they are for or against this,” Gray says.
Alderwoman Molly Finkler says that going to referendum would be a waste of time and conversation.
“I just don’t think it’s necessary,” says Finkler. “The Police Chief [Dennis Weiner] has no issues, I haven’t had anybody, any constituents reach out to me about issues with ATVs.”
After further discussion, it was decided that the ordinance would be moved to the full council for a vote with an option to remove the sunset clause, adjust it, or send it to referendum. If it were to go to a referendum, it would appear on the November ballot due to the deadline being missed for the April election.
