HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Memo from the Legal Department to the City Council dated April 21, 2015 w
r.M MEMO
Ames
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Legal Department 55
To: Mayor Campbell and Members of the City Council
From: Judy K. Parks, City Attorney
Date: April 21, 2015
Subject: Revision of Municipal Code Provision on Use of Child Seats
The Ames Municipal Code Traffic chapter has a provision that requires children being
transported in vehicles to be secured in child restraint seats. That code section is
section 26.83. This ordinance was enacted in 2004 and was modeled directly on the
Child Restraint statute in the Iowa Motor Vehicle Code.
In the intervening years since enactment of the municipal child restraint ordinance, the
State Child Restraint law has undergone several revisions, including expanding the age
range of children it protects. The City child restraint ordinance has not changed,
however, and a recent prosecution made it clear that it would be beneficial to consider
revising it so that it again mirrors State law. Making the standard inside the city again
consistent in all respects with that which applies outside the city would eliminate
confusion for law enforcement and drivers, and it would ultimately protect a larger
group of children.
Code changes are typically initiated at the direction of the City Council, so I am
bringing this situation to your attention to ask for your favorable consideration by
referring this request to the Legal Department to prepare a revised child restraint
ordinance that mirrors the State child restraint law, for first reading at a future meeting.
Legal Department 515.239.5146 nude 515 Clark Ave.
515.239.5142 f,. Ames,IA 50010
www.C ityofAmes.org