Brandon Twp – On Oct. 20, the Brandon Township Board overwhelmingly rejected an Off Road Vehicle ordinance that had spurred the ire of residents for nearly two years.
Shrouded by the threat of recall after heated debate regarding the ordinance, and before the last “nay” was cast, Township Supervisor Ron Lapp said the nuisance control rules surounding area ORVs will be examined.
“To be sure, I will look into some sort of nuisance ordinance,” Lapp said.
At issue was an ordinance which would include restrictive riding times, property line limitations, denial of riding on vacant property, and restrictions on the number of people allowed to ride at one time. The ordinance does not, however, target snowmobiles.
“This community is growing,” said Stowell, Brandon Township trustee.
“I do believe in the principle of peace and quiet — the issue is not going to fade off the radar screen.”
Before his “no” vote, Stowell warned that the issue is not going to go away, that the issue will come up again if not on this board, it will come up before another board.
Siding with Stowell, Supervisor Lapp emphasized the democratic process, and “hearing what the people want and doing what they were elected to do.”
“What’s important to remember is that we are a democracy,” Lapp told the crowd at the meeting.
“We represent you and we heard loud and clear from the people that they don’t want this ordinance.”
Lapp’s reference stemmed from a rather heated public hearing on Oct. 20 where more than 80 residents voiced objection to the ordinance. About six supported the measure.
Several residents who spoke at the Oct. 20 public hearing told the board, “they could not be told what they cannot do on their own property.” Others threatened recall and civil action law suits.
Board members concurred that residents did not want an off road vehicle ordinance imposed on them.
“It’s clear this community is not ready for this yet,” said Lapp.
Prior to the vote, each board member agreed that “as elected officials their decision is based on what the people want, and are not bullied into a decision.”
Brandon Township Treasurer, Jeannie McCreery emphasized “that any public official who is afraid of losing their job will not be able to make a hard decision out of fear and could easily be bought by special interest groups who threaten recall.”
McCreery added that township boards, who in fact do pass prohibitive ordinances do so in the interest of public health and protection.
McCreery reminded residents of previous boards’ approvals to protect current residents with ordinances. McCreery listed a few examples, such as banning landfills on private property, prohibiting rusted vehicles from piling up, making unlawful operations of neon signs and home businesses on private property, and prohibiting swimming nude on property in full view of children, to name a few.
One resident who attended the public hearing and wishes to remain anonymous was disappointed in the board’s decision and is hopeful the board will not drop pursuing a nuisance ordinance.
“Many people who were for the ordinance chose not to attend or speak at the hearing for fear of retaliation.”
The township supervisor said currently there are no set plans to pursue a nuisance ordinance.