St. Helens council hears hours of public comment on proposed UTV (side‑by‑side) ordinance; first reading held

St. Helens — The City Council heard more than an hour of public testimony for and against a proposed ordinance that would allow Class 4 all‑terrain vehicles (commonly called UTVs or "side‑by‑sides") on St. Helens streets. The council conducted a first reading of Ordinance No. 3320, but took no final vote tonight.

Proponents of the change urged the council to approve the measure, saying modern side‑by‑sides include safety features such as roll cages and multi‑point harnesses, can be made street‑legal and insured, and provide mobility during emergencies and for people with disabilities. "Our UTV is insured, and we have abided by all local laws where we have visited," said Emily Riley, a St. Helens resident and UTV owner, who described using her vehicle in winter storms and for errands. Patrick Cleary, another resident, urged a "yes" vote and pointed to turnout of supporters at the meeting.

Local business owners endorsed the ordinance and offered to help with public education and compliance. Pete de Spain, representing Columbia River Motorsports, said the store is prepared to assist customers in making vehicles street‑legal and to provide demonstrations and training.

Opponents raised several concerns. Some speakers questioned whether the public had adequate notice and access to the ordinance language before tonight's meeting; Jim Coleman said he did not believe the public had seen revised redlined language discussed at the work session. Other residents warned of potential higher insurance costs and more severe injuries when UTVs collide with conventional motor vehicles.

Several commenters also raised broader governance and ethics concerns in the same public‑comment period. Steve Koski criticized what he described as "the appearance of impropriety" and objected to what he said was the mayor representing herself in a podcast with a "mob boss" placard; his comments called for the council to enforce ethics rules and to release public records he said would show mismanagement. Tammy Magra told the council the city had lost a public‑records case (Merrick v. City of Saint Helens) and that the city faced daily contempt fines, urging release of records.

Mercedes Massey, who said she had tracked the ordinance review, urged councilors to base debate on facts, noting the ordinance "has been routed by law enforcement, the joint planning commission" and arguing that online misinformation had distorted the discussion.

Mayor Paul Deshaizer (who identified himself during public comment) clarified the council was conducting first readings of two ordinances and that tonight’s action did not finalize either ordinance. The council said first reading merely advances the items through the formal process and that any final adoption would require subsequent notice and a future vote.

What happens next: The ordinance will return to the council for further readings and public notice as required; no final vote was taken tonight. Council members and staff signaled opportunity for additional public review at upcoming sessions and a special meeting for further consideration if needed.

Quotes in this story are from the council meeting public‑comment record.