The Abilene City Council approved a temporary amendment to the city's ordinance allowing golf carts on public streets adjacent to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church during construction of a new sanctuary, with conditions on safety equipment and operator licensing.

Stanley Smith, the city attorney, presented the final reading of the amendment and said Texas Transportation Code authorizes localities to permit such use. The ordinance allows golf carts to operate on specified perimeter streets on Sundays and Wednesdays during construction provided carts have headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brakes and mirrors and the operator holds a Texas driver’s license. Smith said the council can repeal the ordinance when construction is completed or revisit it after a defined period.

Pastor John Whitten and church member Mark Owen described the request as an accessibility measure for senior congregants whose parking and walking routes would be disrupted by construction. Resident Eddie Pugh also spoke in favor and asked about how other accessibility requests can be brought to council attention.

Councilman Blaise Reagan moved the amendment; Councilman Yates seconded. The motion passed on a council vote recorded as "all yeses. Motion carries."