City passes golf cart ordinance

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Council approved the third and final reading of a new ordinance regulating golf carts during its regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 21.

Effective upon publication, scheduled for Aug. 25, the ordinance will set the rules for operating golf carts within the city limits.

Along with all of the regular traffic codes, golf carts will be prohibited on streets with a speed limit greater than 25 mph (except when crossing those street), on trails, and on sidewalks.

They must be operated by a driver with a valid license, over 18 years of age and only during daylight hours. The golf carts must maintain a minimum standard of equipment including a slow-moving vehicle sign, a safety flag, brakes, and a driver’s side rear view mirror.

Violation of the ordinance will be charged as a simple misdemeanor, with a fine of $135.

As an aside, the council also noted that no vehicles, including golf carts, ATVs, mopeds, or anything else are allowed on the city’s walking trails.

In other business, the council met with Charles City Comet Council advisor Sarah Downing and student council president Jada Litterer about their request for street closures for Homecoming activities.

The high schoolers asked for Salsbury Avenue to be closed on Monday, Sept. 11, from noon to 3 p.m. so it can be decorated for Homecoming throughout the week.

The Homecoming parade is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 15, and is planned to run its typical route from the Senior Center, down Main Street, around to Jackson St., and back, with possible rerouting depending on construction.

The council approved both requests along with the previously discussed street closure request for the Harvest Moon Festival on Thursday, Sept. 28.

The council also held a public hearing to approve three more permanent easements for Omnitel Communications as the company continue its installation of fiber internet downtown.