Roseau schedules public hearing on proposed golf cart ordinance; council approves summary publication

The Roseau City Council voted April 6 to schedule a public hearing on a proposed Golf Cart Use Restriction ordinance and to publish the ordinance title and summary as permitted under Minnesota Statutes.

Representatives from Oak Crest Golf Club raised concerns about how a proposed ordinance would affect course operations and cart access. The council set the public hearing for May 4, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. and approved Resolution No. 24-26 to publish a summary of the proposed ordinance (Traffic Provisions Title VII – Chapter 74) with the full text available for inspection at the City Offices.

Resolution text included key provisions summarized for public notice: a permitting process for motorized golf carts on designated city streets consistent with Minnesota Statute §169.045; required equipment (including slow-moving vehicle sign), a permit visible from the rear of the cart, a minimum operator age of 16 with a valid driver’s license, required liability insurance, restricted operation in most of downtown, and penalties (petty misdemeanor and permit revocation). The resolution passed on a recorded unanimous vote (Councilmembers Bassingthwaite, Johnson, Ullman, Novacek, Mayor Fabian). The council also approved publication of a short summary of the ordinance in the Roseau Times Region.

Next steps: the summary will be published and a public hearing will be held May 4 for public comment and formal consideration.