Public Safety Director Tim Coasell told the City of Muskegon City Commission at its Oct. 13 work session that staff will present a draft ordinance to address “speed exhibition events,” gatherings of vehicles that include racing, “donuts,” stunt driving and other reckless maneuvers that have posed public-safety risks this past summer.

Coasell said the ordinance would give police a new enforcement tool: after identifying participants from footage or cruiser observations, the city would send a warning letter and require a cease-and-desist; a subsequent violation could lead to vehicle impoundment and misdemeanor charges. “This is another tool in our officers’ toolbox,” Coasell said, describing warning letters and the possibility of impoundment and criminal penalty for repeat involvement.

The draft cites a local code section referenced in discussion as "section 92-501" for definitions. Coasell said the department handled roughly five calls this past summer that involved groups of vehicles convening and driving dangerously; the proposed ordinance is aimed at events that happen within city limits whether participants are residents or visitors. “If the event happens in the city — visitor, resident — they would be responsible,” he said.

Commissioners pressed staff on implementation details. Commissioner German asked whether letters would be sent to vehicle owners or to the person observed; Coasell said notices could be addressed to either the owner or the identified driver depending on available evidence. Commissioner Kochan asked whether the ordinance would apply where events started outside Muskegon and moved here; staff confirmed the city ordinance applies only to conduct within Muskegon city limits.

Members also sought to limit overbroad enforcement. Commissioner Kildall asked whether private, lawful car shows or lawful group rides could be mistaken for illegal exhibitions; Coasell and other staff said officers would need to witness the illegal driving or have clear evidence before issuing notices. Commissioners and staff discussed that the ordinance targets multi-vehicle events (the draft's urgency language references at least two vehicles) and reckless maneuvers performed for entertainment or stunt driving.

On penalties, staff said the draft classifies a repeat violation as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 (or both), and that impoundment would be an enforcement option after a second documented event within a one-year period following a warning letter. As Director Coasell explained, the 90-day/ $500 language reflects standard misdemeanor wording and sentencing discretion typically rests with the judge.

Coasell and commissioners said the tool is intended to reduce public risk — including at clustered gatherings on the lakeshore — and to allow after-the-fact enforcement when participants flee rather than to create dangerous on-scene pursuits. Vice Mayor Sinclair said the ordinance would allow police to “record their information and send them a letter” rather than engage in high-speed chases.

No formal vote was taken at the work session. The mayor concluded the discussion and said the ordinance would be placed on the consent agenda for a formal vote and adoption at the commission meeting the next day.

Why it matters: commissioners described the issue as a local public-safety concern after multiple summer incidents and expressed support for adding a non-pursuit enforcement option and a warning-first approach while asking staff to guard against overreach that could catch lawful gatherings or private events.