By John Balch
News-Leader staff
The Murfreesboro City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to allow UTVs to operate on certain public streets and highways within the city limits.
Ordinance No. 2026-3 also establishes reasonable rules for UTV operation, as well as regulations and restrictions. The new law will go into effect 30 days after the ordinance is published in the Murfreesboro Diamond newspaper this week.
All city streets are open to UTV traffic except parts of Owens, East Brewer, East Dickson, Reese, East Hailsip, Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue. These streets shall be closed to UTVs during school hours and all school functions.
UTVs may not be operated on streets or state highways within the city limits between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
According to the ordinance, any person found operating a UTV in violation of any provisions shall but cited and upon conviction be fined not less than $100 plus court costs for the first offense and up to $250 for each subsequent offense, in addition to any penalties under state law.
The ordinance was approved by a 4-1 vote with council member Mark Barnes casting the dissenting vote. Council members voting for the ordinance included Cody Bachmann, Jane Fugitt, Lewis Gills and Betty O’Neal.
Mayor Jim O’Neal, who will leave office this year, requested the council review the ordinance in 12 months and assess whether “it has accomplished what you meant for it to accomplish.”
Mayor O’Neal informed council members Monday night that the City of Murfreesboro has been subpoenaed in the civil case against the estate of Barry Walker, the Pike County serial child rapists who is now serving multiple life sentences and is being sued by his victims in the ongoing case.
The mayor said he was served the subpoena on Sept. 9 and the city has 14 days after that date to respond and the matter has been referred to city attorney, Aaron Brazel, for formal legal guidance on the city’s response.
Walker is the uncle of former 9th West Prosecuting Attorney Jana Bradford, who is also a defendant in the civil case against Walker.
In other council business, the mayor was given authorization to enter an easement agreement with SWEPCO to route electricity across a city alleyway for a new RV park just south of City Hall. The business is being opened by Joel and Misty Wilson.
Council and Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce member Fugitt reported that the chamber will host a “meet the candidates” event for Murfreesboro council and mayoral candidates. The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 6 at City Hall at 7:00.
The council also approved Recorder/Treasurer Penny Lamb’s financial report, which included the following beginning and ending balances for August:
General/General Operating
$296,300/$289,407
Street/Street Operating
$379,487/$397,670
City Park
$33,400/$48,352
Special Funs
$328,421/$330,778
Advertising/Promotion
$64,685/$64,668
Waterworks Combined
$738,579/$733,459
