Cart rules OK'd (11/21/06)

A proposed list of restrictions on the use of golf carts in the city drew no opposition from community members.

The Portland City Council announced a list of possible restrictions for the use of carts on city streets Monday night. A handful of local residents attended the meeting and said they agreed with the proposed list. The restrictions include requiring the vehicles to stay off state highways, to be insured and for the drivers to have valid driver's licenses.

The city's attorney plans to draft an ordinance with these restrictions for council members to vote on at a future meeting.

Council president Glen Bryant read the list of proposed restrictions, and audience members were given the chance to comment on the list. None of the audience members spoke against it.

One audience member, however, said that no matter what regulations the city sets up, state law says it is illegal to drive golf carts on city streets and highways.

Portland resident Mark Iliff said he recently spoke with an Indiana State Police trooper who told him that state law prohibits the use of golf carts on all streets and highways.

"I'll look into that," said city attorney Bill Hinkle.

Local residents Mike Martin, Jack Rouch and Eldon Stevens also spoke at Monday's meeting and said they agreed with the proposed restrictions. Rouch and Stevens are both members of the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association which holds several shows per year. Many of those who attend the shows drive golf carts in the city.

"We agree with everything you have here," Rouch said. The association requires all golf carts driven at the shows to have insurance and for the drivers to be at least 16 years old, he said.

"I agree with the council and their research," Martin said. However, if the council is going to pass regulations on the use of golf carts, restrictions for the use of mo-peds also should be established, he said.

"I would like to see some kind of crack down on these mo-peds," Martin said.

Bob Sours, Portland police chief, said those who drive mo-peds must be at least 15 years old and have an identification card.

Iliff voiced his concerns about the golf carts at a recent council meeting, prompting Bryant and council members Judy Aker and Bill Gibson to form a committee to review golf cart ordinances of other cities and towns.

The committee recommended that a city ordinance be formed with the following restrictions on the use of golf carts:

•All drivers must have a valid driver's license.

•The carts may not be driven on sidewalks. Carts also cannot be driven on West Votaw Street, Meridian Street or East Water Street (all state highways), except when crossing an intersection.

•The carts may only be driven between 30 minutes before dawn and 30 minutes after dusk unless the carts have headlights and taillights.

•Cart drivers must obey the posted traffic signs and regulations.

•Carts shall have no more passengers than the vehicles are equipped to handle.

•Slow moving vehicle signs must be displayed on all carts.

•The carts must be insured.

Also Monday, council members:

•Heard Bruce Hosier, mayor of Portland, announce that construction of the Boundary Pike/Wayne Street project could begin in April or May of 2007.

Hosier said he and Hinkle recently met with Mark Jesse of the Bonar Group about the project. Bonar is doing the engineering work for the project which is expected to include the separation of storm and sanitary sewers, replacement of water mains and construction of new sidewalks.

The project has been in the works for more than eight years.

•Voted to send a 10-year tax abatement request to the Portland Tax Abatement Advisory Committee to review.

Moser Engineering, 102 Performance Drive, is requesting an abatement on the construction of a 23,600-square foot addition to the warehouse. The additional space is expected to create three more jobs with salaries totaling $60,000.

The expansion is valued at $800,000. A tax abatement allows companies to pay taxes on a new investment in increasing increments over several years.

•Approved a lease-purchase agreement for the former Portland Fire Station located on North Commerce Street.

Glori L. James-Suarez will lease the building for two years at a price of $551.46 per month. After the lease ends, she will have the option to purchase the structure at a cost of $98,750, which is the average of two appraisals done on the building in 2003. The lease payments will be applied toward the purchase price.

James-Suarez plans to use the building for a restaurant and banquet facility.

Hinkle said the public was given the opportunity to submit bids to purchase the building. James-Suarez's bid was the only one received, he said.

•Approved an additional $1,750 in appropriations for mayor's communications and transportation, and the mayor's promotions.

Hosier said it cost more than expected this year for fuel for the mayor's vehicle because of the rising gas prices.

It also cost more than expected for the mayor's promotional work for events such as conferences and meetings because Hosier attended more meetings than usual this year, said Linda Kennedy, the city's clerk-treasurer.

Additional appropriations may be requested when the money originally budgeted in a particular category has been spent.[[In-content Ad]]