Council discusses golf-cart/UTV ordinance, public safety and a possible pilot on Victory and Webster

Spring Hill City Council held a detailed discussion Thursday on whether to expand lawful operation of golf carts and utility‑type vehicles (UTVs) on city streets; council did not adopt an ordinance but directed staff to draft one and to bring back a pilot proposal for limited streets.

Chief Ryan Sutterby presented public‑safety considerations and said he supports expanding use but explained constraints: state statute limits golf carts to roads posted 30 mph or less and requires lighting for night operation. “We have to keep that ordinance at least 30 at the max 30 miles an hour and under,” Chief Sutterby said. He added that much of the city’s internal travel routes cross unincorporated Johnson County land, which is governed by county and state rules, complicating city‑only changes.

Councilmembers and staff discussed options including lowering speed limits on specific streets and running a pilot. Several members supported beginning with Victory and a segment of Webster to provide safe access to businesses and schools. Spencer Lau and Chief Sutterby said a pilot period should include public education and a grace period before enforcement; Spencer Lau recommended public communications and a reassessment timeline (for example, 6–12 months).

Council discussed vehicle requirements the city could require in an ordinance: valid driver’s license, insurance, lights for pre‑sunrise/post‑sunset operation, slow‑moving vehicle emblems, and muffler/sound limits similar to existing vehicle codes. Chief Sutterby and council members also raised safety concerns about crossing state highways and interstates: several speakers said crossing high‑speed arterials such as US‑169/State Highway 7 would be unsafe and opposed allowing golf carts or UTVs to cross those highways even at signalized intersections.

Several residents spoke during the discussion: Bridal Ottenschneider, a local resident and UTV owner, said he was “all for keeping the original factory muffler” and would accept enforcement if he violated rules. Ivan Delgado asked whether signalized crossings (for example at 190 Ninth Street) would allow access for residents on the other side of the highway; Chief Sutterby said he’s wary of allowing crossings given traffic speeds and crash history at those junctions. After debate, the mayor directed staff to draft an ordinance and work with the city attorney and public works on a proposal, including a pilot on Victory and a portion of Webster, to be presented at a future meeting.