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Linton City Attorney Tim Shonk provided the details and answered several questions about the city's working document that is tied to Indiana code.
"The problem in drafting the ordinance is that the Senate has added to the original House (of Representatives) bill," Shonk explained.
In April, the state approved legislation allowing golf carts to be driven in towns and cities beginning July 1 if there is a local ordinance allowing it.
Provisions within the current legislation require the driver of the golf cart to have a valid driver's license and the vehicle to have insurance as well as a revolving red or amber light or slow-moving-vehicle sign.
All of the state provisions are included in the city's working document -- which also notes additional details such as insurance coverage minimums and guidelines on placement of slow-moving-vehicle signs and revolving red or amber lights.
The working document also adds to the state provisions by prohibiting use of golf carts on Vincennes St., 4th Street NE, C Street SE, any street where a sign prohibiting use is posted as well as State Roads 54 and 59.
But all of those streets except for the state roads can be driven across from one side to the other at the intersections.
The document also prohibits use of golf carts on sidewalks and pedestrian walkways as well as in the city park, city cemetery, any property owned or leased in the city and anywhere on the grass skirt between street and sidewalk in the city.
During discussion, Linton Mayor Tom Jones stressed that as of now golf carts are illegal in the city of Linton and will remain illegal until an ordinance is passed.
"This is a working document. We will revisit it next month," he said.
Several concerns were brought to the forefront during discussion.
Enforcement of the ordinance was brought up by council members Nigel Lehman and Charlie Cox.
Lehman in part simply asked, "Who's going to enforce this?"
Lehman also stressed that he has seen 7-year-olds driving golf carts with their parents as passengers.
Jones agreed and noted the importance of adding parental responsibility to the working document.
"We need to make parents responsible if underage kids get caught," Jones said.
Jones also addressed the enforcement issue.
"I would like to see police enforce this and raise enough money for new police cars," he said.
After the meeting, Linton Police Chief Troy Jerrell addressed the enforcement issue with the Greene County Daily World.
"We don't have the manpower to focus and follow around (golf carts). But if we run across a problem it (ordinance) will be enforced," he explained. "We will enforce whatever the city requires."
But people need to understand there are priorities when it comes to law enforcement.
"We don't have the manpower to follow golf carts around ... and we are utilizing our reserves the best we can," he added.
The working document also includes but is not limited to the following:
* A passenger in a golf cart must be at least 10 years of age.
* Golf carts are required to have head and tail lights on when in operation.
* No person shall operate a golf cart that is not equipped with a rearview mirror.
* Golf carts are limited to four passengers -- with no more than two in the front and two in the back.
* A golf cart must have a permit in order to be driven in the city. Permits will be issued on a yearly basis with a fee of $50.
* Golf carts will be inspected prior to any permit being issued.
The golf cart ordinance is expected to be discussed again at the September meeting of the Linton City Council.
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WOOOW! pick your battles my friends...pick your battles! do you want the golf carts but expect there to be no laws to "control" their use? hey...we outlawed skateboarding on the streets years ago....why should golf carts be any different!! next thing people will want a golf cart track installed...will the city foot the bill for that also? where would they put it? who's gonna maintain it? the city? that's another issue all in its self. when does it end?? just wait it out...eventually it will be put on the back burner and people will forget all about...till the next generation of "rebels" bring it up!! funny..funny!!
As a golf cart owner, I do not have any problem with rules that is being drafted in the the ordinance. I do think $50 is a litle high, Now on what streets you can drive them on. Vinni and 4th streets are pretty wide streets in the city. I do not see a problem with them on any of these streets.
If the citizens of Linton, would use a little common sence in the use of these carts on city streets. We should not have any problem with them. Follow the rules and you will all be safe.
In closing I urge all cart owners in the city of Linton to attend next months council meeting. To be heard on this matter.
I do have one more question, why didn't the paper talk with some of the cart owners at the meeting to get some of thier opinions on this matter. I think the citizens of Linton needs to be heard on this issue. I do see alot of carts on the road this summer.
guess that depends...do the "human cannonballs" have to abide by the same laws of flight as the (defunct) concord? if so..then they are simply comparable. you obviously missed the point there...spending time and money arguing over whether golf carts should be allowed to run on the streets!!! seems rather elementary!! people should govern themselves, obey the laws regardless if on a golf cart, skateboard, human cannonball, or the concord; quit expecting the government to make, change, or bend the laws the satisfy one or two!! besides, when was the last time you seen anyone being pulled over on a golf cart? uhm...never! and if they were...they were either too young to be driving it or doing something in it they shouldn't have been. by demanding a law...you now require coucil to make a law, someone to enforce it, insurance companies the right to make money off it, the city gets money for the permit, so on and so on. all, just to ride around in a golf cart?! WOOOOW!! maybe the skateboard wasn't such a bad idea! oh yeah...wasn't any money to be made off them and only one law--easy fix!
and further note...thanks "WheresDaMoney" for seeing the point!
Funny a $50 yearly fee.
My 4 wheelers only cost $30 for 3 yrs. Sounds like someone is trying to make some pocket money too me.
I would agree with the following streets not being avaliable for use. Those streets are heavily traveled.
FCLBRXX: Yeah, it says so right in the aricle... '"I would like to see police enforce this and raise enough money for new police cars," he said.'
At least he's not lying about it.
You have GOT to be kidding me...$50 permit? Where does this money go? Why is the 4-wheeler permit only $30 for 3 years? That's $10/year.
One would think the park would be the perfect place for a golf cart...not much traffic to contend with, except the walkers. I think I'll move next month to prohibit any vehicular traffic in the park. Foot traffic only. Yep.
I've got a novel idea here...and call me crazy...but why don't we punish those who are caught violating rules instead of punishing everyone, regardless of whether or not they have violated them?
per moenia urbis...you apparently took my comments defensively toward yourself....sorry my friend, no intent. i just simply think the golf carts are becoming an issue that should not be! the carts should be allowed, as long as they follow traffic laws already established; there shouldn't be "new" laws for something this simple! but for the city council to spend this much time, money, and valuable resources then raise municipality rates because they are not making a profit, seems like there are "bigger fish to fry" than golf carts!
Yeah the 4-wheeler permit is only $30 for 3yrs. But i also pay property taxes on it twice a year since it's registered with the state.
iNdePEnDeNt...thought: Huh? Oh, sorry. I totally forgot about that. I guess it makes you look funny since they deleted my last comment. Well, I have to agree with you. This isn't really an issue. If the state says it's legal, then by all means, we should allow them--safely.
We don't need to spend years on this.
The one thing that really gets me is that Linton gets to pick and choose the laws that they follow. It is currently illegal to drive the carts, but people still do it. I don't think I'll ever see anyone get a ticket for it though.
It's the same way with the four wheelers in town. Everyone driving them around makes the people who abide the law and (in this case, are waiting for the ordinance) look bad.
In fact, I would go so far as to say that only idiots will pay the $50, because the city will never enforce the law. It's just there to look good.
No bickering needed, people. It will never be enforced. Look at all of the laws currently on the books, which are not enforced. Seen a blighted property lately? Yep, there's ordinances against that... and tall weeds... and buildings falling down... and...
What a load of B.S. No carts on Vincennes or C St. What a crock. Just pass an ordinance that allows carts on city streets says carts must follow state law and leave it at that. It really is just that simple. Duh!
The $30 4wheeler fee is a state fee. The city can't charge a 4wheeler fee as they are not legally allowed in any city in the state of Indiana.
If the city could charge a fee for 4wheelers, I would hate to know what this fee would cost!
This is a total embarrasement and disgrace to the city of Linton. We need council members that can get the job done.
Way to go LPD!! Thank god you got a drug dealer off the streets the other day down by the school, instead of ticketing me for carefully and sensibly riding my 4wheeler in town! At least you guys have your priorities straight!
the city will never enforce their laws, just like the 4-wheelers. most 4-wheelers running around town do not come close to meeting the requirements for their legal use, I watched a 4-wheeler cross A street with 2 adults and 2 toddlers at a high rate of speed, if you call and report it the police will tell you only the DNR has authority to ticket these offenders.
So, I dont see any problems with the golf carts on the side roads, they are quiet. The problem is with all the 4-wheelers flying up and down the side roads at all hours. They are EXTREMLY loud and SO NOT meant to be driven on pavement anyway. Isn't there any law about that in Linton?
First Things 1st... thanks to the Council and Mayor for their continuing efforts in keeping Linton one of the best little towns to live and raise our children and grandchildren in! The possiblility in making EVERYONE happy at the same time is impossible.... if all of the comments about the golf carts are from GOLF CART OWNERS and were and will be expressed at the past and next Council Meeting, then hopefully they will be considered in making of the 'rules' for driving them on our city streets. Most of the rules I agree on, but as a Grandparent I am not in agreement with the NO ONE UNDER 10 RIDING IN A GOLF CART. We have grandchildren and we are totally responsible OLDER ADULTS, if this stays in the rules, 2 of our grandchildren will not be permitted to ride with PaPa on our golf cart going 14mpr... but they can ride with him on his Harley Davidson motorcycle! This seems over the top! We will be at the next meeting to hopefully shead some light on this ruling.... PLEASE LET THE GOLF CART OWNERS HAVE SOME IMPUT ON THIS MATTER... Linton does need guidlines, but please let them be fair to all! Thank You for reading.
Maybe LPD should just hang around on 9th Street NW where you have KIDS driving the golf carts, other kids chasing it down and trying to jump on them. Let's not even mention the fact how they race up and down that street with 4 wheelers.
However, I agree with greenecountyresident, way to go LEA for getting the drug dealer off the streets of Linton!!! This is where LEAs priorities should be. Thank you LEA!!!
People just need to be SENSIBLE when riding on 4 wheelers or golf carts and we would NOT have such a problem or have to debate it so long during town meetings where others issues should be a priority.
A golf cart is comparable to a motorcycle in an accident. Even a small car will smash a golf cart. If you decide to drive a golf cart, hopefully you and your passengers understand and are willing to accept that risk. Realize, just like a motorcycle, you have a small presence on the road and act accordingly. Requiring a license, fees, and certain safety features is a good start. To those concerns about the $50 permit, compare the cost of operating a car or truck with the cost of operating a golf cart. The difference is huge, way more than the $50 fee. You are saving several times that operating and maintaining a golf car, just be aware of the risks.
Don't worry about it. The city doesn't enforce any ordinances anyway. Remember all the legal stuff about the blighted property ordinance? What a waste. The mayor says he hopes they enforce the laws so they could buy another police car. At least he's truthful. Most of the stupid ordinances and laws are not really for safety. They are fund-raisers for the cities and counties. As I see it there should be only two regulations. No underage drivers and you must have insurance. And BTW, Fourth Street NE is the safest street in town to drive a golf cart. Why would you ban that street. The only danger there is that the cart might get run over by a speeding four-wheeler rider.
communitycentered,
I guess you can call me a LAZY person if you like. But everyone is intitled to an opinion. Yours is yours, Just to let you know I have saved roughly $200.00 this summer in gas cost. To me $50 is a little high but if I have to pay it, fine.
It could also cut down on Traffic congestion in Linton, if more people would have carts.
Oh, and by the way I walk with my dogs and have a bicycle I like to ride.
So when you jump into your LARGE gas guzzler, to run to town. Think about how much I saved.
So in my opinion, you are not very community centered. Just a grump butt.
Jump in the waters are fine!
I totally agree with PaPa, 10 years old is a bit extreme. Parents/Grandparents should be able to determine if their child/grandchild is capable of riding on a golf cart. I wish you all the very best on getting the age limit changed.
It's a sad shame that so many people that run 4wheelers so irresponsibly have given us a bad name. A major problem we have today is the lack of proper parenting, or maybe the lack of parenting at all! Too many kids today do not respect anything or anyone. My 6 year old daughter helps me clear brush in the woods, with her on my 500 sportsman, and me on the ground connecting the cable from the winch to small logs. She respects me and respects safety. She can run my 4wheeler just as safely as I do. As for the adults speeding through town with 2 and 3 kids on your 4wheeler, you have no business even being on one yourself. What does that teach the kids? It's no wonder why they have a lack of responsibility.
Yes I do realize the topic is golf carts, but somehow everytime golf carts are mentioned, someone has to mention those people on 4wheelers. Therefore, I must defend the few, yes I said few, of us that actually operate them with some common sense! Maybe I should buy a golf cart, at least I wouldn't get accused of speeding!
Golf carts are quiet. If I'm riding my golf cart in a SAFE manner, obeying all traffic laws, and if I yield the right of way to cars, trucks, etc., am I hurting anyone or infringing on anyone's rights in any way? If I want to be "lazy", is that any of your concern? Leave me be...I don't tell you how to live your life, so don't tell me how to live mine.
I myself am a golf cart owner. My family lives close to the school, and we use ours "safely"
all summer long for ball games and such.
Personaly, I do not see how someone calling themselves "communitycentered" could not back the golf cart ordinance. Golf carts are quieter, slower "safer", and DEFINATELY better for the enviroment than any other vehicle! With smart parenting and safty rules, just like normal driving, there should be no problem.
If anything, I believe allowing golf carts dispences with some problems; noise, speeders, traffic congestion and enviroment hazards just to name a few.
Linton would be better off worring about more pressing matters than golf carts.
I pay 30 dollars for 3 years on my 4 wheeler plus, prop. tax 2 times a year an insurance so I will ride on the roads. Glof carts should do the same!!!
Another question...why is it illegal to ride around in a golf cart but certain "handicap" people are allowed to rome the streets as much as they would like in their "hover-round" chair that we as taxpayers provide for "him/them" without any grief? If that is your only means of transportation--license it and pay the taxes!! Looks like LAZINESS may be the reason for the chair in the first place...amazing what a little walking might have done for "you/them"!!