Belpre Council advances golf cart ordinance | News, Sports, Jobs

BELPRE — Belpre City Council is moving forward on an ordinance which would allow the operation of golf carts on some city streets, provided they meet several requirements like other motorized vehicles.

Council held its regular meeting Monday evening. Due to COVID-19 cases, the Belpre City Building has been closed since Nov. 18, with all business conducted by mail, phone and electronically or by appointment. Monday’s meeting was held by Zoom, with most council members meeting in-person in the Belpre Council Chamber and the public attending virtually.

Council voted 5-2 to approve the first reading of the ordinance establishing rules, regulations and registration requirements relating to the operation of golf carts within the city of Belpre.

The ordinance was the subject of discussion during the meeting from people attending the council meeting virtually, council members and city officials, with both support and concerns expressed. As an example, the Belpre Police Department raised a question about the department conducting required inspections on the carts when there no members are currently trained to do so.

Among the requirements outlined, the ordinance will require seat belts, a valid driver’s license and liability insurance on the carts. The carts must be registered with the Belpre Police Department, inspected annually and have a valid license plate.

The golf carts will not be permitted on sidewalks. They will be permitted on streets with a 25 mph limit but not on streets with a 35 mph limit. The carts may not be driven on state roadways, although they can cross them.

There were also several specified streets outlined in the ordinance where the carts may not be used. Those include: Washington Boulevard (exception is crossing at Stone Road); Main Street (exception is crossing at Fifth Street); Putnam Howe Drive; Farson Street and Lee Street.

Councilmember Bill Locke has been holding meetings on the golf cart ordinance and worked to prepare the proposed measure brought before council. Following Monday’s approval of the first reading, Locke said he would work with the Belpre Police Department to address some of the concerns raised during discussion, such as the inspection issue, before bringing it back to council for additional readings in the future.

The ordinance must pass two more readings before becoming part of city code.

In his mayors report, Mayor Mike Lorentz said April 22 was Arbor Day and Belpre celebrated 26 years as a Tree City U.S.A. The Belpre Tree Commission planted a tree at Depot Park and completed a cleanup day. A proclamation was prepared by his office to commemorate the day. The following day, a group of students helped the tree commission mulch at Civitan Park and clean up the old Putt Putt getting ready for spring activities.

The resignation of Marian Duvall from the Zoning Appeals board has left a vacancy Lorentz said he needed to fill. Dana Fouss has agreed to serve the remainder of Duvall’s term, so Lorentz asked for and received a voice vote in favor of the Fouss appointment.

The Belpre Police Department has received a new police cruiser, Lorentz reported.

Council also approved the first reading of its annual resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program partner agreement with the Washington County Commission.

Council also approved all three readings of a resolution authorizing the safety-service director to enter into a salt contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation. All three readings were held to meet an April 30 deadline.