City Council will vote on ordinance about ATVs

Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 - The City Council will meet on Wednesday for its regular work and legislative sessions, with an agenda that includes a vote on a proposed ordinance that would outline a process by which the city could impound all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes that are being operated illegally on city streets.

The 1 p.m. work session and the 6:30 p.m. legislative session will be held in chambers on the eighth floor of City Hall, 22 Lincoln St. The legislative session will be preceded by a 6 p.m. ceremonial session recognizing military volunteers and partners in the community. The meetings will be broadcast on the city's TV channels, Cox 47 and Verizon 22, and will be streamed live at hampton.gov/livetv.

The proposed ordinance pertaining to ATVs and dirt bikes was discussed in a presentation at the City Council's work session on Oct. 9. After seeing a significant increase in reports of reckless and dangerous use of ATVs and dirt bikes in recent years, Hampton and Norfolk asked the General Assembly to address the issue. The GA passed legislation allowing localities to enact ordinances calling for the seizure of ATVs and dirt bikes being operated illegally.

The City Council will now vote on an ordinance that would provide for the seizure and impoundment of the illegally operated vehicle, followed by forfeiture proceedings, with the forfeited property being sold at public auction or retained for use by the Hampton Police Division. The forfeiture process would involve a petition being served to the owner, who would have 30 days to respond. The response could lead to a hearing in Circuit Court, with the city having to meet the burden of proof that the vehicle was operated illegally.

The legislative session will also include a public hearing involving the city's use agreement with the Fox Hill Neighborhood Center.

The evening session will be preceded at 6 p.m. by a spotlight ceremony recognizing military partners and volunteers for their contributions to the community.

The afternoon work session will include presentations regarding the city's legislative priorities for the General Assembly in 2025, and the city's strategic priorities for economic growth.

Click here for details on how to attend, and click here to see full agendas for the meetings.