Council splits on allowing golf carts; refers matter for further study and considers referendum

The Committee discussed whether to authorize golf carts on city streets either citywide or in limited neighborhoods. Planning Director John Oliphant presented a map keyed to vehicles‑per‑day and recommended avoiding federal arterials while allowing lower‑traffic subdivisions; he said such limits would evolve with the city’s traffic patterns.

Chief Stevens advised caution on enforcement and liability but corrected earlier staff notes by confirming the state requires liability insurance for off‑road vehicles and that a statute carve‑out prevents such authorized low‑speed vehicles from becoming intended users of the roadway for liability purposes. Council members voiced mixed opinions: some favored neighborhood pilots and phased implementation, others worried enforcement burden and safety on arterial connectors. Several councilmembers suggested placing a nonbinding ballot question on the March 2026 municipal primary (noting the December 29 cutoff for ballot question language) to gauge public sentiment.

Council directed staff to continue work and to return with refined options (neighborhood pilot areas, mapped limits based on traffic counts, enforcement and registration options, and potential ballot language) so the council can consider a resolution to place a nonbinding referendum on the ballot if desired.