By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Golf carts and other slow moving vehicles will be allowed to operate on some city streets – but only after they jump through some hoops first.
As of Jan. 1, a state law deemed it illegal to operate an under-speed or utility vehicle on public streets unless it is registered, Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter told City Council on Monday evening.
A couple steps must be taken in Bowling Green before the carts can motor along city streets, according to Assistant Municipal Administrator Joe Fawcett.
First, the city must pass a local ordinance allowing them on public roads. They will be limited to streets with speed limits of 35 mph or lower.
Second, an inspection program must be 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. The city is still working on finding out how often the inspections must be performed.
Fawcett said the city has received a complaint about a golf cart using public roadways in the Stone Ridge development. And the city administration and council members are also hearing from local residents who want to continue to drive golf carts on city streets.
“We’re hearing that people do want the ability to do this,” Fawcett said. “We’re willing to work to make this happen. But there are some realities we have to work with.”
Fawcett has started working on city legislation to comply with the state law, and Police Chief Tony Hetrick is working on creating an inspection program.
“Hopefully we’ll have something shortly to present to council,” Fawcett said. “The administration remains committed to working with the public on this.”
In other business, Mayor Dick Edwards talked about the pipeline panel discussion planned for May 8, at 4 p.m., in City Council chambers. The city would be remiss, he said, if answers were not sought for questions raised about possible risks of the Nexus pipeline running so close to the city water plant.
Citizens with questions for the expert panel are asked to submit them to council members or city administration by Thursday. Council president Mike Aspacher thanked the mayor for his efforts to find facts, and asked citizens to submit questions. “Please do forward to us any questions you have.”
Police Chief Tony Hetrick introduces new police officers.
Also at Monday’s meeting, Police Chief Tony Hetrick introduced three new police officers – the first new officers in the city in three years. They are Vincent Snyder from Bowling Green, Amber Moomey from Graytown, and Ryan Sehlhorst from Ottawa.
“We’re very excited to have these officers,” Hetrick said. The police force now has 40 sworn officers, and is in the process of hiring one more.
Planning Director Heather Sayler reported on the Court Street Connects event. Some of the highlights included 150 bike helmets being given away, nearly $900 being raised for Ridge Park, several tours given of the county courthouse, and three dogs being adopted from the humane society.
Sayler also noted an increase in bicyclists on East Court Street, where temporary bike lanes were painted onto the road.
Sayler reported a jump in permits being issued for new houses in the city, and said that houses are selling very quickly when they are put on the market.
Mayor Dick Edwards, Kristin Otley and Antrone Moore talk about stroke awareness event.
Also at the meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley and Antrone “Coach Juice” Moore talked about a stroke awareness event planned on May 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the community center. A celebrity basketball game is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
Moore, who suffered a stroke at a very young age, was recently awarded the Jefferson Award. He works with youth basketball programs in Bowling Green.
In other business on Monday:
- Edwards declared May as National Bicycling Month.
- The mayor noted this is Small Business Week. Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Earlene Kilpatrick encouraged the community to support small local businesses. “Small business is truly a backbone of our community,” she said.
- Edwards mentioned an upcoming Arbor Day event Friday at Crim Elementary School, a Travel and Tourism event on May 10 at the Four Corners, and the Bowling Green Area Community Bands Day on Saturday with a concert at 7 p.m. in the performing arts center.
- Otley reported summer program registration began Monday for city residents, and will open May 15 for non-residents. The programs to fill up fastest are the 5:30 p.m. swimming lessons and Safety Town, she said.
- Council member Bob McOmber mentioned a significant drop in pass sales at the community center. Otley noted the tough competition from other fitness centers in the city, and said ideas such as pushing corporate pricing structures, are being discussed.
- Members of Girl Scout Troop 10799 spoke about an upcoming activity in City Park.
- Public Utilities Director Brian O’Connell announced a public dedication of the new solar field will be held May 20, at 11 a.m.
- O’Connell mentioned that waterline work will create the need to close the Wintergarden-Conneaut intersection for a few days next week.
- Council approved a resolution filing an application for trees from the U.S. Forest Service.
- Council passed an ordinance entering a contract with ODOT for road salt.
- Council passed ordinances for odor control improvements at the water pollution control plant, lime sludge disposal, plus a new roof and a new vehicle with lift hoist for the plant.
