by JARRED PETERSON
The Duluth City Council voted 5-4, on Monday night denying the right for mini-trucks to roam the streets of Duluth, due to safely concerns.
Councilor Sharla Gardner, a supporter of mini-trucks, brought the ordinance to attention. She said the vehicles are a way for the city to become greener, because they use less fuel, which in turn creates less pollution. If the ordinance were to pass, Duluth would be another city in the state to approve the use of these vehicles.
A mini-truck is defined as a vehicle with an electric motor and weighs somewhere around 900 lbs. - 2,200 lbs.
Ben Fisher-Merritt, a farmer-owner from Wrenshall, believes the vehicles should be allowed to drive through the city of Duluth.
Fisher-Merritt said the vehicles were built and tested in Japan. He also said some of his friends believe residents will benefits from the use of these vehicles.
In opposition of the ordinance, Councilor Jay Fosle said he believes the vehicles are a "glorified ATV," which are illegal to operate in city limits.
In a tight vote, the ordinance failed with councilors Fosle, Gauthier, Todd Fedora, Patrick Boyle, and Jim Stauber voting against the ordinance.
Voting in favor were, Gardner, Jeff Anderson, Tony Cuneo, and Dan Hartman came close to getting the majority vote.
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