Crawford officials weigh golf-cart crossing of White River Trail; attorney to draft ordinance

Members of the White River Trail Committee and the Golf Board presented differing positions on a proposed golf-cart crossing during the council's unfinished business discussion on June 10.

Jenny Nixon, reporting for the White River Trail Committee, said committee members raised questions about how many people would use the crossing and whether the crossing should discharge near hole nine. Julie Hazs, speaking for the Golf Board, presented the crossing locations the golf board prefers. According to the Golf Board, the group will not negotiate crossing locations until the city decides whether golf carts are permitted on city streets.

Attorney Edmund told the council that the portion of the trail from the highway appears to be city-owned; he said he will further clarify ownership and provide the council with a draft ordinance for review. No ordinance was adopted and council members did not vote on a crossing at the meeting.

Mayor April Grant and council members discussed signage, path options, and penalties for misuse, but deferred a final decision pending the attorney's clarification and a draft ordinance. The council did not set a timeline for considering the proposed ordinance at the June 10 meeting.

Next steps: Attorney Edmund will investigate ownership of the trail segment and produce a draft ordinance describing whether and how golf carts may be permitted on city streets and what crossing controls would apply. The council indicated it will consider that draft in a future meeting.