Shown from left are Mentone Clerk-Treasurer Amanda Yaprak, Town Councilwomen Jill Gross and Shelly Krueger and town attorney Austin Rovenstine. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union.
MENTONE — Mentone Town Council approved the first reading of a golf cart ordinance Wednesday, June 4.
Town attorney Austin Rovenstine said the ordinance allows for people to drive golf carts within the town limits. They have to have a driver’s license or be at least 16 1/2 years old and have an ID from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. People will have to have insurance on the golf cart. The carts also have to have working headlamps and taillights and be equipped with rearview mirrors.
When operating a golf cart, drivers have to abide by all traffic laws and follow all the provisions of a slow-moving vehicle in the state. The golf cart may not have more people in it than it is equipped to carry. Golf carts will not be allowed in any recreational path or trail or any state highway. In the case a person cannot meet these criteria, they can ask for an exception from the town council.
Rovenstine said there is a $25 fee to register the golf cart. The cart will have to be presented before the town marshal or clerk-treasurer for an inspection prior to the issuance of a registration sticker.There are penalties in the ordinance for any violation.
Rovenstine said the first violation is $25, the second is $50 and the third is $75. If someone violates the ordinance more than three times, the registration of the cart will be revoked and that person will no longer be able to operate the cart in town limits. Rovenstine said the council will have to have two readings of the ordinance because there are penalties involved.
The council will have its second reading in July.
Clerk-Treasurer Amanda Yaprak suggested there be a mass golf cart registration at the Maker’s Market & Antique Fair on July 19.
In other business, the council:
• Approved a quote from Neco Water for $14,500 to install an antenna and equipment for the town’s new water meters on the town water tower.Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd will talk to contractors about possibly helping install the new water meters in town. A special meeting may be scheduled later in regards to approving information about installing the water meters.
• Approved two quotes from TRG for the park upgrade project for $56,507.67, to be paid through Community Development Block Grant funding through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and $53,081.63 to paid through K21 Health Foundation grant funds.
• Learned Yaprak purchased a laptop from Warsaw Area Computer Doctors for a total of $1,825 to help with livestreaming of council meetings. She said she is still working on the video and audio aspect of livestreaming the meetings.
• Learned the next Maker’s Market & Antique Fair will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 14.
• Was reminded Mentzer Memorial Park is closed until at least August.
