The Clearwater City Council last week continued its debate about whether to develop an ordinance allowing the limited use of golf carts on city streets.

 

Now it looks like the city intends to put some type of ordinance together.

 

The issue was brought before the council in November by residents from Clearwater Estates who were concerned about the legality and safety of operating golf carts within the city. He said it would be a burden for the city to issue permits, inspect vehicles and then enforce the ordinance.

 

Last week, Councilman Chris Ritzer said he still didn’t feel the city should be involved if there was already a state law in place.

 

“I think I’ve made my position clear as far as where  I stand,” he said  “Why do we want another ordinance on the books we can’t enforce?”

 

Mayor Pete Edmonson said without the ordinance, no one could use a golf cart on city streets. State statute says cities can create an ordinance that supercedes state law.

 

“The state says no golf carts or ATVs allowed on streets. So if the city doesn’t create an ordinance allowing it, then it’s not allowed,” he said. “The council said we’re okay with having golf carts and ATVs, so that’s why we need to create an ordinance.”

 

He said the ordinance doesn’t have to be complicated, just enough to allow carts to get across Co. Rd. 75 to reach businesses.

 

“We had one in the past,” he said. “There was a time when it was removed, so now we’re back at it.  We’re not looking to hire a staff person to drive around  and police people. That’s not what we’re doing.”

 

Edmonson said there are already people using golf carts in the city. An ordinance would set regulations for those drivers “If the city allows it and doesn’t create an ordinance and someone gets in an accident, it’s possible we leave ourselves open for something,” he said. “If we have an ordinance, they should get permitted. If they don’t then that’s on them.”

 

Councilman Rollie Lange agreed.

 

“Since we have a golf cart community, I think it’s only appropriate we have a structure,” he said.

 

Lange asked about the type of permit and the cost of the permit.

 

Administrator Kevin Kress said the permit is typically a small placard attached to the glove compartment so it’s visible. He said some places, like Becker, charged a significant amount, like $100. But he felt the city wouldn’t have to charge that much.

 

Lange said he felt $25 should be enough.

 

“Will that cover the cost of the placard and our time?” he asked.

 

“It’s going to be pretty close by the time you put some time into it, and if you have to inspect anything - make sure they have insurance,” said Kress. “If they don’t have it, you have to instruct them again.”

 

“Are we actually going to inspect the vehicles?” asked Councilman Kris Crandall. “Then I think that cost will come up.”

 

Edmonson said the ordinance should be simple, requiring a “slow moving vehicle” sign, insurance for the driver and designating where the carts are allowed. He said the city didn’t have to add more requirements or inspect the vehicles. It was up to the cart owners and drivers to make sure they were in compliance.

 

“This has been a golf cart community for 15 years and how many instances have we had?” he asked. “What we’re doing is just lining things up because it was brought to our attention that we were out of compliance.”

 

Kress said he would review the city’s old ordinance, other cities’ ordinances and come up with a new ordinance for the council to review.

 

“I think I have enough to at least put one together,” he said.