A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to amendments to Chapter 54, which focused on recreational vehicle regulations, particularly affecting golf carts, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles. The council discussed operational hours, stipulating that ATVs, UTVs, trail bikes registered for highway use, and snowmobiles could operate on city streets from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, while golf carts would be allowed on public streets and alleys from sunrise to sunset, with restrictions during inclement weather or reduced visibility. One council member recounted conversations with golf cart owners that suggested some golf carts are equipped with headlights, leading to consideration about permitting their operation after sunset, contingent on compliance with state lighting requirements. The council did not permit after-dark operation in the final proposal.

The council also debated aligning vehicle operation hours with the city’s noise ordinance to allow flexibility in case of future changes. They acknowledged that summer conditions might justify extended operational hours due to longer daylight. Enforcement was a concern, with council members suggesting it would primarily be complaint-based, and educational measures would precede enforcement actions.

Further discussion addressed the minimum age for ATV operators. The current requirement mandates operators to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. However, some council members questioned why 16- and 17-year-olds with a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permit are not allowed to operate ATVs on city streets. The complexity arose due to a state statute allowing permits for these ages without requiring a driver’s license. This issue was deemed problematic for enforcement, complicating how law enforcement could verify compliance with traffic laws. While some members supported maintaining the age restriction at 18 due to safety concerns, others suggested revisiting the age limit, noting that many young operators likely already possess a driver’s license. Ultimately, the council decided to maintain the age restriction.

The council also moved to eliminate Chapter 26, which previously outlined similar regulations, to prevent conflicting rules and streamline enforcement. This motion was unanimously supported, confirming the council’s intent to simplify the regulatory framework for recreational vehicles in Bayport.

Beyond recreational vehicle regulations, the meeting included various updates and community reports. Chief Jackson presented a session on scam prevention in collaboration with First State Bank and Trust, which was well-received by attendees. The council also reported on interviews for the new fire chief position and acknowledged the contributions of Chief Jackson and involved staff.

Community events were highlighted, with reports on an upcoming ice cream social, the farmers market, and participation in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new elementary school. Members discussed the need for electric vehicle charging stations, emphasizing sustainability initiatives in the area.

The meeting also touched on the fire relief fund, which, although not generating significant revenue, remains stable. Chief Eisinger reported on fire department activities, noting a decrease in calls from the previous year. The council expressed gratitude for the community’s engagement in various events, including the Memorial Day parade and chamber events.

Public Works Director Worth, attending his final meeting, expressed gratitude for his tenure and acknowledged the city’s effective governance reputation. He reported on tree removal efforts for dead ash trees, with a budget for replacement, and celebrated the completion of the beach retaining wall at Lakeside Park. The council praised Cousc Contracting for their work on the wall.