Carts headed to town?

DUNKIRK - Golf carts may soon be allowed, with some restrictions, on city streets.

Dunkirk council members are currently reviewing a proposed ordinance that is very similar to the one in Portland, city attorney William Hinkle explained Monday night.

According to the proposal, only those 16-and-older who have a valid driver's license will be allowed to drive a golf cart on city streets.

All city and state traffic laws must be obeyed, and a slow moving vehicle sign must be displayed on the back of the cart.

The golf carts will be allowed on city streets with a posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour or less, with some exceptions, the proposal states. The carts may not be operated on sidewalks or certain state highways or city streets, except to cross at intersections, the proposal continues. The prohibited streets include Ind. 167 (Main Street), West Pleasant Street, South Angle Street, Highland Avenue and Haskell Road.

Hinkle said he drafted the proposed ordinance at the request of several council members and Mayor Ron Hunt.

Councilman Craig Faulkner raised some questions about the various streets on the prohibited list, and then suggested that the proposal be tabled and put on display so residents would have time to inspect it.

"Let's wait to let people look it over," Faulkner said.

Hinkle suggested that anyone interested in voicing an opinion on the issue could contact Mayor Hunt or Police Chief Dane Mumbower, and then the proposal could be discussed further at the next council meeting Oct. 26.

Also at Monday night's meeting council members:

•Heard from newly appointed Fire Chief Farrel Wells that the new fire station needs an emergency generator. He said a recent power outage in the city disrupted radio communications and prevented the bay doors from opening. Wells was asked to get quotes, with the idea that possibly the cost could be split with Jay Emergency Medical Services which shares the building.

•Received an update from council member Judy Garr concerning the city's efforts to secure funding for major water system improvements.

At the request of Jay County community developer Ami Huffman, Garr introduced a resolution authorizing the mayor to submit an application for a Community Focus Fund grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She said the city intends to use $1.4 million in State Revolving Fund loan money as its share of matching funds for the program.

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The resolution was approved unanimously, and Garr said that she and Huffman would continue to pursue the grant funding.

•Noted that fire hydrants are being flushed throughout the city this week, and consequently there would probably be some discoloration in the city water.

Residents should check the color of water before doing laundry.

•Reviewed a proposed advertisement for hiring a new water department superintendent at a rate of $15.02 an hour. Currently, street department superintendent Howard Fisher is serving as both street and water department superintendent on a temporary basis and with no increase in his pay.

The council member in charge of the water department, Garr said that Mayor Hunt had requested that she prepare the advertisement. She then pointed out that the mayor will appoint the new superintendent.

•Heard a report from Fisher that hopes paving work on Pearl Street near Westlawn Elementary School would begin next week.

•Learned that the street department will once again be picking up leaves this fall. The first set of dates is Oct. 28, 29 and 30, Fisher said. He added that there will probably be two or three days scheduled in November, too. In anticipation of the leaf pickup dates, residents will be asked to rake their leaves to the street, along the curbs. Residents may contact the Dunkirk street department at (765) 768-7176 for more information, Fisher said.

•Listened to an update on conditions at the city dog pound and approved a motion to hold stray dogs and cats at the pound for seven days before calling Jay County animal control officer Bill Fields about taking the animals and trying to get them adopted. Councilman Eric Bowler said that in the past there have been some dogs kept at the pound for months with the city responsible for their care and feeding.

•Agreed with a request from Pam Bunch, speaking on behalf of the Dunkirk Improvement Committee, to have an informational sign placed on the old Boston Store lot, along Main Street in the downtown area. The sign would be used for public messages such as the times of city council meetings and when a boil order for city water is in effect.

•Set Trick or Treat hours for children on Halloween as 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, in the city.[[In-content Ad]]