By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green residents who like to drive golf carts on city streets may soon be able to do so legally.
The first step in the process was accomplished Monday evening when City Council passed an ordinance regulating under-speed vehicles.
The next step must be taken by the golf cart drivers, whose vehicles must pass an inspection process.
As of Jan. 1, a state law deemed it illegal to operate under-speed or utility vehicles on public streets unless they are registered, Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter told City Council on Monday evening.
The city ordinance will allow the golf carts on city streets with speed limits of 25 mph, except for Main and Wooster streets.
The inspection program has been set up with the local police division. The vehicles must have proper brakes, lights, turn signals, tires, windshield wipers, steering, horns and warning devices, mirrors, exhaust systems, windshields and seat belts.
Once an inspection is passed, the golf cart or other slow-moving vehicle can be registered and titled just like other vehicles. Stickers indicating registration will have to be placed on the carts.
Police Chief Tony Hetrick said after the council meeting that two inspection events will be scheduled for golf carts. After that, the police will do inspections by appointment only.
Also on Monday evening, council passed an ordinance authorizing the trade of property with First Presbyterian Church, and the donation of land to the Wood County Committee on Aging to be used for a new senior center.
Former city administrator Colleen Smith praised council for its decision to donate the property for the senior center.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
Smith mentioned the work of the committee on aging, including the serving of more than 850 meals a day and services that are “absolutely marvelous.”
Jim Ritterbach is sworn in by Mayor Dick Edwards, as Chief Tom Sanderson stands by.
Firefighter Lucas Ward is sworn in by Edwards as Sanderson stands by.
In other business, two city firefighters were promoted. Jim Ritterbach, who has been with the department for 22 years, was promoted to lieutenant. Lucas Ward, who has been with the department for 17 years, was sworn in as a captain.
A couple awards were also presented to local citizens Monday evening.
The Bowling Green Human Relations Commission recognized the Brown Bag Food Project for its efforts to end food insecurity in the community. Marcy St. John, a member of the commission, noted that nearly 15 percent of Wood County residents don’t have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food.
The Brown Bag Food Project was recognized.
Amy Holland was honored for starting the project after she noticed that several of her co-workers at Walmart did not always have a meal a break time. So she started making brown bag lunches and passing them around. Soon others joined in the effort.
Today, 300 people a month receive food from the organization which now has an office at 115 W. Merry Ave., Suite B.
Also honored at the meeting was the Bicycle Spokesperson of the Year, by the city bicycle safety commission. Meg Ramlow received the award on behalf of her late husband, Eric, who was killed in a bike-auto accident. The city recently participated in the “Ride of Silence” in Eric Ramlow’s memory.
Meg Ramlow accepts bicycling award for her late husband, Eric.
In other business, council member Bruce Jeffers reported on continuing efforts of the Welcoming BG task force. The city has passed a resolution supporting immigrants in the community, so now efforts are underway on how that can be accomplished.
Jeffers said cities that adopted similar resolutions are being studied. The Bowling Green task force is also focusing on the economic implications of being a “welcoming” city.
Jeffers also reported on the city’s community action plan. The consultants working with Bowling Green previously worked with South Bend, Indiana, and dealt with some of the same issues where the city bordered Notre Dame University. He suggested that council members go online and look at how South Bend transitions from its main street by the university into the neighborhoods.
In other business on Monday:
- Tretter announced the community fireworks will be held on July 3. A community band concert is scheduled for 8 p.m., to be followed by the fireworks at dusk in the BGSU intramural fields.
- Council heard the first reading of an ordinance which provides for the donating of lots that were previously used for a city water tower on Manville and Clough, to Habitat for Humanity. There was no discussion about an offer by a local landlord to purchase the lots from the city for $100,000.
- Council approved pay raises for non-union employees at the same 1.5 percent rate as the union agreements made this year. Council member Bob McOmber noted the city has always tried to treat non-union employees the same as those in the five unions working for the city.
- Council was reminded that the July 3 meeting has been canceled, so the next council meeting will be July 17.
