Bainbridge Town Council approves golf cart ordinance

Bainbridge -- Town Council members Richard Cope and Naomi Barker signed an ordinance ar Wednesday's meeting allowing residents to drive golf carts on town streets.

The ordinance will allow the use of golf carts on the streets and alleys of the town of Bainbridge with the exception of S.R. 36. It defines a golf cart as a four-wheeled motor vehicle designed to transport one or more individuals and golf clubs for the purpose of playing the game of golf on a golf course.

Any carts operated in Bainbridge must display either a slow moving vehicle emblem or a red or amber flashing lamp. Drivers must have a valid driver's license and proof of liability and financial responsibility. Carts must have headlights and tail lights, and drivers must follow all traffic rules and regulations and be properly seated in a seat with no body parts extended outside the cart.

Violations of the ordinance will result in a fine of $250 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent violations.

Council members also received a new quote for the resurfacing of South Locust Street for $31,357 a reduction of $2,500 from an earlier bid. The new quote had a two foot reduction in width.

The quote included curbs on the entire length of the street and resurfacing of the whole street.

"I'm not going to give up two feet for $2, 500," said Cope, who made a motion to move ahead with the project. His motion was seconded by Barker.

Ordinance 2009-5 regarding 2010 salaries and wages was also approved on the second reading by the council.

Jason Hartman, town clerk, was given the go ahead to take applications for a town employee to work 16 hours a week. Charlie Boller resigned the position last month citing a lack of time to commit to the job.

"We need an all around person who can do a little bit of a lot of stuff and has some mechanical ability," said Cope.

Hartman was asked to advertise the position, take applications and give a recommendation to the council at the October meeting.

Thursa Evens asked the council for permission to add to the community garden next year.

"The community garden has been very well used this year," she said. "We have two plans for upgrading it next year and need to know who we should talk to about it,." Area 30 has asked to have a horticultural center at the site and add flowers and plants to the garden in the front.

Linda Merkel with the Putnam County Youth Development Commission has also asked to have her organization prepare the ground for next year.

Cope tentatively agreed to the expanded plan but wanted Evens to talk with the parks department before giving a final OK.