Off-highway proposal sent to Shelby committee amid busy council session
By David Jacobs
A proposed ordinance establishing enforceable guidelines for the operation of off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, and all-purpose vehicles in Shelby was sent to the Shelby City Council's Safety Committee on Monday for further consideration and refinement.
Proposed Ordinance 18-2025 is the result of emerging resident complaints and enforcement challenges involving various types of pollution, noise, dust, and other issues related to residents riding these types of vehicles on private property and creating disturbances, the council was told on June 16.
When it was up for a second of three planned readings on Monday night, Councilman Nathan Martin suggested that it be sent to the committee for revisions.
This led to a motion by Councilman Derrin Roberts, the Safety Committee chairman, to refer the proposal to the committee. The council then voted 5-0 in favor of that idea. This will enable additional input and refinement as the legislation is considered. It would need to return to the five-member Shelby council for any approval.
"I think that it can be a much better piece of legislation than what is currently before us," Martin said, calling the current proposal too restrictive.
"I would say that I'm very hesitant to pass legislation on what happens on private property for those on the property," he said in opening remarks. "That is always my hesitation. I'll say, though, in certain instances, it's important for us to do that if people cannot maintain, we call it a neighborly attitude towards their neighbors."
Councilman Roberts said: "I don't want to have to legislate what you can or can't do on your own property. We shouldn't have to do that. We have a situation where people are not being smart with what they do and I don't want that to affect other people."
Councilman Martin, a committee member, noted that the Safety Committee's regular meeting time is at 3:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month, with the sessions open to the public. (Check updates once an official meeting notice is issued by the city.)
No members of the public spoke about the proposal at Monday night’s meeting.
In other business, at the meeting:
-- Council held a second reading, which advanced on a 4-1 vote, on Ordinance No. 15-2025. This would amend Section 53 of the city’s charter to reflect what Councilman Steve McLaughlin described as a 2014 revision to the Ohio Revised Code requiring candidates to file 90 days before a primary. Shelby’s charter still lists 75 days.
Councilman Martin, who cast the no vote on Monday, does not favor the proposal, stating, among other comments, on June 2, that he did not feel the matter rises to the level of putting it before voters.
Four of the five councilmen would need to vote in favor, as it involves the Shelby City Charter. A special council meeting is planned for a third reading and final vote by the council to meet the Richland County Board of Elections' Aug. 6 filing deadline and, Mayor Steve Schag said, ensure all council members are in attendance for the next vote. A date for the council meeting is to be announced.
If passed by a supermajority of the Shelby council, it would send the proposal to Shelby voters in November.
-- Held a first reading on Ordinance No. 22-2025, enacting section 204.08 (Hunter Memorial Street) of chapter 204 (official standards) of the codified ordinances of Shelby. This involves honoring the late former Shelby Mayor James W. Hunter, who passed away on May 22 at age 82.
The legislation sponsor, Councilman McLaughlin, indicated the designation may be adjusted to "Hunter Memorial Lane" to correspond with the existing Leslie Lane, which would retain its name and then carry a secondary designation of “Mayor James W. Hunter Memorial Lane.” The legislation states that "the designation shall in no way affect or impact postal or other deliveries.”
Councilman McLaughlin noted that, although he is listed as the legislation sponsor, the idea originated from retired Shelby City Councilman Garland Gates, a former mayor of Shelby.
-- Passed Ordinance No. 17-2025, amending chapter 1040 (water), section 1040.04 rules, regulations and fixed charges for municipal water system, (h) additional charges to consumers outside city limits, rule 45 of the codified ordinances of Shelby.
-- Held a second reading on Ordinance No. 19-2025, amending chapter 452 (parking generally) of the codified ordinances of the city of Shelby (Second reading) See prior coverage here.
-- Approved Ordinance No. 20-2025 amending Ordinance No. 8-2025 (annual appropriations). This involves $60,000 for computer support.
-- Held a first reading on Ordinance No. 21-2025, vacating an alley that runs perpendicular to West Main Street between lots 578, 575, 27, and 576 within Shelby.
-- Mayor Schag presented a proclamation for the 100th anniversary of the Shelby Cycle Company ahead of Shelby Bicycle Days on July 11-12 and heard remarks from Christina Drain, who was presented the proclamation. She spoke on behalf of a group championing the centennial celebration. (See proclamation at end of the article). The full 2025 Shelby Bicycle Days schedule of events is here via Shelby’s Community Improvement Corporation.
-- Mayor Schag spoke of the upcoming retirement of Shelby Fire Chief Mike Thompson, in an update confirmed earlier in the day.
-- Received the report from the Community and Economic Development Committee, led by Councilman Eric Cutlip, who serves with Councilman Charles Roub.
-- Received the report from the Public Works and General Operations Committee, led by Councilman Roub, who serves alongside Councilman Roberts.
-- Received the report from the Safety Committee, led by Councilman Roberts, who serves with Councilman Martin.
-- Heard updates from city finance director Brian Crum and project coordinator Joe Gies.
Check back for updates
A CLOSER LOOK/PROCLAMATION
