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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Ind. Law - Still more on: Enthusiasm builds over use of golf carts in smaller communities [Updated]

ILB entries since the new law took effect July 1 named the following communities as enacting or considering golf cart ordinances:

Updating the list, this story today by Bob Shraluka of the Decatur Daily Democrat reports in a long story that begins:
Yes, the City of Decatur is going to allow the use of golf carts on its streets. With, of course, certain restrictions.

It was those restrictions which brought about a debate of one hour and 40 minutes at Tuesday night's special meeting called by

Decatur City Council. Golf carts and the 2010 budget (see separate story) were the only items on the agenda.

After considerable discussion among Mayor John Schultz, council members, City Attorney Tim Baker and five of eight people in the audience, some "guidelines" were arrived at for an ordinance.

Those guidelines will be turned over to Baker, who will attempt to expedite the drawing of an ordinance in order to present it to council at its next meeting, on Tuesday, July 21.

The guidelines stemmed from a detailed study made by Assistant Police Chief Greg Cook, who then turned over to council an "ordinance" to use as a starting point. From there, the long discussion ensued. It involved citizens Jim Coyne, Norm "Dougie" Kohne, Bob Brown, Jack Tussing and Ralph Smith, the latter a resident of Monmouth.

City officials are moving quickly on the issue because at the current time it is illegal to operate a golf cart on a city street. The Indiana General Assembly banned golf carts on all city streets, county and state roads, effective last July 1. While counties have no such option, cities and towns may implement their own ordinances to allow golf carts on their streets.

What the city ordinance is going to look like in final form will likely be as follows, although some changes could yet be made.

Also updating the list, Timberly Ferree of the Greene County Daily World reports that Linton Mayor Tom Jones hopes to have an ordinance ready for the August council meeting and he "stressed that golf carts are illegal in the city of Linton until an ordinance is passed." More:
Provisions within the state legislation require the driver of the golf cart to have a valid driver's license and the vehicle to have insurance as well as a revolving red or amber light or slow moving vehicle sign, Jones also said. But, the new state legislation is being taken to the supreme court. The state police want to fight the validity of the law.
That is the first the ILB had heard that -- does anyone have facts?

Vincennes is talking about an ordinance, according to this story July 13th at MyWabashValley.com, reported by Katie Shane. Some quotes:

The most recent state legislative session meant big changes for Vincennes lawmakers.

The Indiana General Assembly passed a law involving golf carts on the roadways.

Last year, the Vincennes City Council tabled discussion on a golf cart ordinance.

During Monday's council meeting members say they stalled in order to see what the state passed.

The decision?

Lawmakers say it's up to the city.

"There seemed to be some ambiguity at the state level on how the statutes were written," said Vincennes Mayor Al Baldwin. "Now that that has been clarified and went into effect July 1 it enables this community to write ordinances that controls the operation of golf carts on the city streets of Vincennes."

Now that the decision lies with city lawmakers the ordinance is back on the table.

And changes have been made since last July.

"We feel it's extremely important for these things to be regulated because golf carts as they come out of the factory they aren't very safe for the public streets," Mayor Baldwin said.

To make them safe the council proposes each cart must have headlights, turn signals, break lights, reflectors, mirrors and seat belts.

But before the council makes a final decision, they're questioning whether golf carts are even right for the city.

"Vincennes is about a large enough community as you can have and still be able to have golf carts on the street," Mayor Baldwin said. "Vincennes is kind at the tipping point; where we might be a little too big or possibly just big enough."

The ordinance was voted into committee for further discussion.

[Updated at 4:15 PM] Here is one more story, by Aubrey Woods of TribTown.com, covering Seymour and all of Jackson County:
MEDORA — Residents of this southwestern Jackson County community may soon be allowed to drive golf carts on streets.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Councilman Chad Beesley said during a council meeting Monday at Town Hall. “I’d like to see it passed.”

His comments came during a discussion about the issue of allowing residents to drive golf carts on the streets of this community of about 530 people.

Medora resident Ron Brock brought up the idea during the brief meeting.

He said the Indiana General Assembly recently passed a law allowing golf carts to be driven on streets and roads in cities and towns if the governing bodies adopt an ordinance allowing them.

He said several nearby communities, including Mitchell, Worthington, Paoli and Orleans, recently passed ordinances allowing golf carts on streets.

And what about the State Police story? The ILB has contacted the ISP Public Information Office and hopes to hear back shortly.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on July 15, 2009 03:13 PM
Posted to Indiana Law