Council reads two ordinances by title: golf‑cart safety changes and updated construction rules

Rochester City Council performed first readings by title on two pending ordinances and directed staff to circulate detailed language for further review.

Ordinance 12‑2026, presented for first reading by title, would modify local golf‑cart regulations. The proposed changes reduce mirror requirements (allow one rear mirror rather than both rear and side mirrors), remove a 6‑foot flag requirement and eliminate the slow‑moving‑vehicle triangle from the ordinance while retaining flashing beacons, headlights and tail lights, turn signals and horns. Staff said the change aligns the city ordinance with Indiana statute and that the city may remove the triangle by local ordinance. Council agreed to bring a full reading and additional discussion at upcoming meetings.

Council also introduced Ordinance 11‑2026, an update to excavation and construction requirements that modernizes terminology and spells out a more specific fee structure for permits and right‑of‑way uses. The ordinance was described as originating in part from White County and from public‑works review; council members requested additional time to examine the redlined version and to direct questions to Dwayne and Chris before subsequent readings.

Because the council lacked a full quorum for final action, both measures were advanced only through title readings tonight; members asked staff to circulate copies and answer follow‑up questions before the second and third readings.