After considerable discussion during past city council meetings, Ordinance 471 was approved at the city council’s June 24 meeting. Councilor Dave Frank was absent.
This ordinance regulates the use of motorized golf carts on public streets and public areas within the city. A permit is required for the operator; the issuance and use of a disabled permit is allowed in certain instances. An applicant for a permit must provide a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance providing coverage for the special vehicle in order to drive on a public roadway.
City Attorney Fred Suhler noted state law “does not specifically require a golf cart operator to have a driver’s license to operate on a public roadway.” However, requiring a driver’s license establishes a minimum age of 16 and would suggest the operator has some knowledge of “rules of the road.”
Some of the provisions in the ordinance include the following: The speed limit is 15 mph. The ordinance only provides for operation on designated roadways, not state or federal highways (except to cross). Seatbelts must be used if golf cart is equipped, and a child is to be secured in special seating when required. If operated on a designated roadway a slow-moving vehicle emblem must be displayed. A permit issued by the city shall be displayed on the rear of the golf cart.
The ordinance complies with Minnesota statutes. Suhler noted the provisions are consistent with the city’s authority under state law.
The council approved the publication of Ordinance 471 Motorized Golf Cart.
Other Business in Brief
• The Committee of the Whole met prior to the city council meeting. Mayor John McBroom summed up the meeting, “We went over a potential list of future street and alley improvement projects and discussed holiday office hours.”
• A real estate listing agreement with real estate agents Tim Danielson and Todd Hadoff to list the unsold lots on Enterprise Drive was extended for an additional 12 months. The listing fee will continue to be 7% commission on each sale.
• A resolution was adopted accepting a donation to the city from the Chatfield Firefighters Activity Association in the amount of $30,000. The funds are to be used for fire truck/equipment needs.
• Mayor McBroom made reference to the volume of rain we have had. It has been devastating for several Minnesota cities.