Golf cart ordinance to have third reading

Published 9:55 am Thursday, September 12, 2013

Ironton residents may have an answer tonight as to whether or not golf carts will be permitted on city streets.

An ordinance allowing the use of golf carts will have third reading tonight at 6 p.m. at city council’s regular meeting.

If passed, the ordinance would permit the carts on city streets with a 35 mph or less speed limit.

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Currently, golf carts are not allowed on city streets, but some citizens have come out in support of the ordinance.

Attached to council’s agenda are two letters in support of the ordinance — one from Ralph Kline of the Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization and another from Carol Allen, who was writing it as an individual citizen instead of on behalf of any of the civic organizations she helps lead.

Kline said in his letter that if the ordinance passed, he would, through the CAO and transit system, work with the city and other organizations to develop safe routes and safety training.

Allen said the permitted use of golf carts would add to the community as a tourist destination.

“As the riverfront and the Ninth Street hotel areas are developed, the golf cart serves as an easy way to move around town from one tourist attraction/restaurant/shopping center to another,” Allen said in her letter.

An ordinance permitting the use of golf carts first appeared on council’s agenda in late June, but was tabled at the third reading to allow citizens to come forward with their opinions.

Shortly after, a new ordinance was placed on the agenda and several citizens have spoken out for and against the matter.

The ordinance currently on the table would require the carts to undergo the same inspection and registration process as other street-legal vehicles plus an additional annual $20 registration fee with the city police department.

The carts would have to have proper title, insurance, registration and license plates, as well as a licensed driver at least 16 years old.

The carts would only be allowed on city streets with a 35 mph or less speed limit. The carts would be allowed to cross over intersections with higher speeds so long as the cart remains on a street with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.

Children who fall under the child restraint criteria would not be allowed in the carts.

Also on the agenda is an ordinance to award a contract to Nuko Paving, of Jackson, for $32,942.50 to pave Waldo Drive.