Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Vandenberg County holds first reading to restrict golf carts after resident cites sidewalk safety on Kansas Road
Summary
The Vandenberg County Board of Commissioners held a first reading of ordinance CO.07-25-013 to limit off-road vehicle use after resident Greg Elsner described golf carts on sidewalks and narrow roads; Sheriff Robinson said the draft would give deputies clear authority to cite violations.
The Vandenberg County Board of Commissioners on July 8 held a first reading of ordinance CO.07-25-013, an amendment to chapter 10.60 governing off-road vehicles, after a resident described frequent golf-cart use on sidewalks and narrow stretches of Kansas Road.
Greg Elsner, a resident of 8820 Yorktown Road in Evansville, told commissioners that golf carts were using sidewalks and neighborhood roads near the McCutcheonville area and posed a hazard for people pushing baby strollers and others on foot. "It just isn't a safe situation," Elsner said, adding that he had observed children riding on the backs of carts and carts traveling at about 20–25 mph on roads posted at 45 mph.
County staff and law enforcement said the ordinance's draft language focuses on confining golf-cart operation to major subdivisions and prohibiting use on sidewalks and major thoroughfares. Craig (staff member) said the county engineer has requested signage for the Kansas Road sidewalk area but that final placement was still being confirmed with the street/roadside department. "I can't confirm or recall if we've received confirmation from the street department about where that is," Craig said.
Sheriff Robinson, who spoke after arriving at the meeting, said the ordinance's current draft would give deputies the authority to take enforcement action when a cart operates in violation of the chapter. "A deputy encountering a golf cart, operating in violation of the chapter would have clear authority to write that person a violation ticket, to hold them accountable for improper operation," the sheriff said.
Commissioners discussed clarifying the ordinance's definition of a "major subdivision" before the final reading so the rules do not unintentionally allow cart operation on roadways that the county would prefer to restrict. The board voted to approve the ordinance on first reading and said it will revisit the measure at the next meeting for final reading and any technical changes.
The discussion combined public safety concerns raised during a constituent appearance with staff and law enforcement input; no formal changes were made at first reading and the ordinance will return for final consideration.
