Panel Tables Phone Issue
PASSAGE WOULD HAVE MADE USE IN SCHOOL ZONE A MISDEMEANOR
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
ROGERS — An ordinance restricting cell phone use in school zones was tabled Tuesday by the City Council.
The ordinance would have made it misdemeanor to use a cell phone or other communication device in a school zone when the lights are flashing and reduced speed limit is in effect.
The transportation committee changed the wording of the ordinance, adding “while in motion,” which prompted a discussion on definitions and possible loopholes in the ordinance. Some aldermen wanted to add “in operation” to the ordinance as well.
“I don’t know how to define ‘operation,’” said Ben Lipscomb, city attorney, after aldermen questioned whether sitting in stop and go traffic constitutes “operation” of a motor vehicle and other scenarios.
District court Judge Brad Karren was asked to comment on how he would interpret the ordinance. Karren declined because state law forbids a judge from discussing how he might rule on a pending ordinance or case.
After several minutes of discussion Alderman Barney Hayes said the ordinance had merit, but should be tabled to allow Lipscomb to rewrite the ordinance. The motion to table was approved.
Aldermen approved an ordinance conveying approximately 2 acres to the Area Agency on Aging, to allow the agency to build low income housing for senior citizens.
An ordinance mandating waste containers be placed at the curbside no later than 6:30 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day and no earlier that 6:30 a.m. on the day prior to pickup, was approved by the council. The ordinance was a housekeeping item, according to Lipscomb. The times were established in a previous ordinance that named a specific trash service. The name was removed so the rule applies to any trash service the city may use.
At A Glance
Rogers City Council
What Passed:
w An ordinance transferring a $250,000 Arkansas State grant to the Center of Nonprofits at the former St. Mary’s Hospital. The money will be used to replace lighting at the center.
w A resolution authorizing a $233,060 contract with Rhythm Engineering and Associates, of Lenexa, Kan., for the design of a wireless communication system that will synchronize traffic signals and allow view of intersection from the Public Work building the police station.
w An ordinance transferring the salary of a Rogers District Court bailiff from city budget to the district court budget.
w An ordinance authorizing $47,018 change order contract with APAC-Arkansas for a turn lane on Bellview as it approaches Pleasant Grove Road.
What was tabled or pulled from the agenda:
w An ordinance adopting the Master Trail route for the city. A meeting will be scheduled Saturday with property owners concerned some trails may encroaching on private property.
Source Staff Report
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