Council passes legislation to allow for golf carts on streets

NORWALK — After a long discussion, an ordinance to allow the operation of under-speed vehicles in the city was passed by council. According to the legislation, golf carts may operate on city streets, but not on U.S. 250, and will have to yield and pull over if impeding traffic. Before being driven on the street, the golf cart will have to undergo a safety inspection by Norwalk Police Department every two years. Councilman Steve Schumm expressed his continued concern with the ordinance. The city currently has one golf cart and two gator utility vehicles and currently do not meet the safety requirements set by the ordinance. Schumm said this is a safety issue and he wouldn't vote yes if the city isn't compliant. Mayor Dave Light said the vehicles are mostly used off-road at the reservoir and at night for watering plants, but he assured Schumm that the vehicles will be compliant. Councilwoman Samantha Wilhelm asked how much it would cost to fix the three under-speed vehicles and Light said he expects it to be a small expense. In the end, Schumm and councilwoman Deb Lucal did not vote for the ordinance, but the rest of council did, passing the legislation 5-2. In other business, funds for the Emerald Parkway road extension were approved and public works director Wally Ritchie said the project should be completed by the end of June, weather permitting. Light said he approached Fisher-Titus for the opportunity to work with them while they build a new building because it will cut down additional costs. Lucal asked the mayor about the 4th of July fireworks, which Light does not expect to happen because he did not feel comfortable asking local businesses to donate money at the time. Legislation to require food truck vendors to have a permit is being reevaluated and law director Stu O'Hara hopes to bring it back in the near future. Park superintendent Joe Lindenberger does not have a set date as to when the recreation center will open but is looking at a staggered opening in early June. He said the department needs more time to put plans in place and to hire additional staff. For the moment, T-ball and softball leagues will not be up and running until the requirement to wear a facemask while out in the field is lifted to a recommendation. Lindenberger expressed concern for umpires and the players wearing a mask in the heat while playing ball. The next city council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ernsthausen Recreation Center.