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Read comments (10)Council President Jo Ann Carmichael introduced the skateboard item--noting that she was recently approached by local boys who expressed interest in a skateboard park.
"The boys were told to approach the council with a plan…They didn't show," she said.
Council member Roger Doane gave his opinion on the matter.
"I'd like to see us try and check into what we could do," he said. "There's not a lot around town for kids to do or places to go."
In tabling the matter until the June meeting, Carmichael added, "They (skateboarders) definitely need a place. But, I'd like to see them show some initiative…"
Hopefully, they show up with a plan, she said.
Town Attorney John Rowe then suggested that Town Clerk-Treasurer Sondra Thompson check on town's liability insurance.
Carmichael also noted that she recently visited Worthington's skateboard park.
When it came to golf carts the discussion turned lively.
Council Member Aaron Hamm is in favor of allowing golf carts to be driven on the town streets.
Currently, the town does not allow golf carts on public streets.
"My argument is if kids can drive a knee-high (mini motorcycle) in town…then why can't a licensed driver drive a golf cart," Hamm said.
He also shared some research on the matter.
Portland, Ind. has an ordinance allowing golf carts to be driven in town, Hamm said.
He also cited Indiana code 14-19 that states a motorized cart may be characterized as a golf cart, utility cart, or similar form of motor vehicle.
On the other hand, Council Member Doane spoke up by saying he was dead-set against the idea.
Hamm also requested Rowe's advice.
There's a lot of research that goes into this, Rowe said.
"I don't think at this point we could give a clean opinion that the town has permission to allow golf carts on its public roadways," Rowe said.
The item was then addressed by some members of the public.
One resident brought up a possible problem.
"It may be that golf carts won't meet the minimum speed of 20 miles per hour," he said.
Another resident added ATVs to the matter.
Currently, Bloomfield doesn't allow ATVs to be driven in town.
The resident then noted that several other communities like Linton allow four-wheelers to be driven on the streets.
Carmichael wrapped up the ATV matter by saying, "I can't promise we'll do anything but I can promise you we can look into it."
In other business, the council approved the hiring of Jordan Hasler as a full-time police officer effective May 18 contingent upon receiving Brad Decker's written resignation.
For more updates on the meeting be sure to check out the Thursday edition of the Greene County Daily World.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
I want to strap a rocket to my back and put on roller skates. Can I blast myself down the streets of Bloomfield, or do I need a permit?
Mopeds, Golf Carts and small motorcycle can all be unsafe and with as much traffic that is on the roads today it is just something else to watch out for. Also it is against the law to drive too slow, it is called impeding traffic.
Is the 20 mph minimum for all streets in Bloomfield or just for Main and Washington Streets? Can I get a ticket for going too slow? Has there ever been a ticket written for something like that?
People that are against this will always find reasons. Going too slow? Are you kidding me? If I see someone on their bike or lawnmower, I go around if they are going too slow.
Laws and safety are good arguments for not having golf carts on the streets, but lets not get ridiculous.
Keep up the good work Mr. Hamm, decisions like this are the reason we have 3 town board members and not just one.
What is going to stop a 14 yr old kid or anyone else from riding a lawn mower on a public street? Granted it is a tool where as a golf cart is more pleasure. They will not run the mininum speed limit and they generally have no lights. If a lawn mower is a slow moving vehicle then the ones that travel down the street need to have proper lighting and proper signage. Golf carts run 18 mph out of the factory. With the speed limit of 20 then I believe they will go fast enough.The pocket rockets, you can go to Wal-Mart or the farm store and buy them and there is nothing that can be done about a 14 yr old riding them. Tell me how they are safer then a golf cart. They do not have lights or anything. A kid riding one is supposed to have an id card. So you think the cops have time to stop every kid on a scooter and see if they have a id card. Whats EMS going to tell a parent... Your kid was riding a miniture motorcycle and the driver couldn't see them cause when they sit on it they were sitting lower then the hood of the car?? Atleast a golf cart can be seen.
A SKATEBOARD PARK WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT IDEA FOR THE SKATERS AS IT WOULD GIVE THEM SOMEWHERE TO GO AND NOT ENDANGER THEMSELVES AND OTHERS ON THE STREETS AND SIDEWALKS. I DO NOT THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA FOR GOLF CARTS OR ATVS TO BE ALLOWED ON THE STREETS AS IT IS TOO DANGEROUS. MANY MOTORISTS DON'T HAVE RESPECT FOR SLOWER VEHICLES ON THE STREETS. FOR ONE'S SAFETY IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF EVERYONE THAT THIS NOT BE ALLOWED. MAYBE THE SKATEBOARDERS CAN GET TOGETHER AND DO SOME FUND RAISINGS TO GET THEM A SAFE PLACE TO SKATEBOARD!!!!!!!
Congratulations to Jordan Hasler, I think he'll be a great addition to the Bloomfield Police Department. Jordan deserves this and I know he'll do a great job! Congrats!
It is not intelligent to allow golf carts, the Police Department have enough to watch out for, let alone check to see if everyone is licensed driver and has insurance on so called vehicles. The golf carts will not run minimum speed limit and you will have kids driving carts on streets. We have enough vehicles on roadways today. The Bloomfield Town Council ought to take care of the big problems, if it isn't broke why try to fix it. What are the older people going to say when one of their grand-children take the golf cart for a spin and the Police have to impound the vehicle. Who as a first responder want to go and tell a family member that someone has been hurt severely or worse killed by a vehicle hitting a golf cart. I think everyone that operates a motor vehicle ought to have a license and insurance but that will not always be the case. My main concern is safety.
Thank you, Aaron Hamm, for giving a voice to the handicapped and elderly. We know the youth of Bloomfield need access to activities they can enjoy outdoors, especially with summer coming along, but we handicapped and elderly citizens need to be able to get outside and enjoy the summer months also. Please don't let this issue drop through the cracks. All of Bloomfield's citizens are counting on you.
I have already been in contact with Matt Long of his office for about 5 months now. He assures me he is looking into it.
Jasonville's City Council just went though this issue of ATV's and golf carts on city streets.
Contact State Representative Bruce Borders to resolve this issue for you.