5-3 vote sees some dissent from Council; measure still passes threshold for approval

by Joseph Back

If you have a low-speed vehicle or golf cart that you’ve been itching to get out and try, the time will soon be here—provided your vehicle qualifies after inspection. Passing by a vote of five to three with Mark Fitzsimmons, Jacob Huff, and Holly Kitchell voting no, the golf cart ordinance as it is colloquially known will allow for transport on City Streets.

Reviewable in full down at City Hall under Sec. 10 – 1 – 48 of the City Code, the new transport ordinance allowing for “Golf Cart Operation on City Streets” as such has a couple important takeaways, including license and safety standards.

See NEW ORDINANCE, Page 9

Above, Police Chief Lance Weiland kept a low profile July 6 as the Council voted to approve

a new golf cart ordinance for the City of Stanley. Applications for registration should soon be available through the local police department. Newspaper staff photo. NEW ORDINANCE

FROM PAGE 1

“No person who is less than sixteeni 16) years of age or who does not have a valid drivers license issued under or granted by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, or some other state, may operate a golf cart on any public street within the City of Stanley” Additionally and for the purposes of the ordinance, a learners permit, doesn’t count.

Meanwhile, said conveyance must be registered with the City and there is an annual registration fee of $50 payable to the City when registration is filed with the City of Stanley. Applications shall be made to the Stanley Police Chief, “or to some other person designated,” on documentation provided by the City.”

In order to be successful in part, the application may require “the owners name, street address, mailing address, and telephone number,” along with the make, model, and identification or serial number of the golf cart in question—did we add there’s proof of insurance involved?

As to general safety requirements, the Stanley Police Department “may require that photos of the golf cart be submitted,” to determine the following: a. The golf cart is equipped with four (4) wheels, two (2) functioning front headlamps, functioning front and rear turn signals and stop lamps [two (2) to both the front and rear]. All lighting must be capable of being observed from a distance of 500 feet.

b. The golf cart is equipped with at least two (2) red rear reflectors at least three (3) inches in height and width; c. The golf cart is equipped with a reflective “slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign” on the rear of the cart; d. The brakes provided by the manufacturer of the golf cart are in proper working order; e. The golf cart has all the standard safety features provided by the manufacturer and has not been modified to exceed twenty (20) miles per hour, nor otherwise modified in any way that creates a hazard; f. The golf cart is equipped with exterior mirrors mounted on the driver’s side and either an exterior mirror on the passenger’s side or an interior rear view mirror; g. The golf cart is equipped with a windshield that conforms to the requirements of the federal motor vehicle safety standard regarding glazing materials [49 CFR 571.205]; h. The golf cart is equipped with a Type 1 or Type 2 seatbelt assembly that conforms to 49 CFR 571.209 and Federal Motor Safety Standard Number 209 for each designated seating position; and i. The golf cart is equipped with all mechanical systems and safety equipment required by this section.

So says the new ordinance, along with display of a rear registration plate for golf carts that successfully run the gauntlet and the possibility of registration denial or revocation, covered in more detail under subsection (e) (6), available for review at City Hall.

Do the above, and golf carts can help one make it around town. For more details, contact or stop down at City Hall, located at 353 South Broadway Street.