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BELPRE -- The second reading of an ordinance which will permit golf carts to be operated on limited streets in Belpre passed Belpre City Council by a narrow margin Monday.
Belpre City Council held its first in-person, open-to-the public meeting Monday evening.
Council member Bill Locke brought the golf cart ordinance off the table and proposed some amendments based on discussions and concerns raised since its first reading.
Among the requirements outlined, the ordinance will require seat belts, a valid driver's license and liability insurance on the carts, along with a valid license plate. The carts will have to be inspected annually by the Belpre Police Department or another designated facility based on state code. There will be an annual $40 inspection fee.
The golf carts will not be permitted on sidewalks. They will be permitted on streets with a 25 mph limit but not on streets with a 35 mph limit. The carts may not be driven on state roadways, although they can cross them.
There were also several specified streets outlined in the ordinance where the carts may not be used. Those include: Washington Boulevard (exception is crossing at Stone Road); Main Street (exception is crossing at Fifth Street); Putnam Howe Drive; Farson Street, Lee Street and U.S. 50 within Belpre city limits.
The amendments outlined Monday passed unanimously and included the inspection fee, expanding who could conduct inspections and adding U.S. 50 to the prohibited streets.
Following discussion for and against the ordinance by council and the public, a vote to approve the second reading passed 4-3. The ordinance will require one more reading, which is expected to take place at the June 28 or later meeting. Locke said additional amendments could be made to the ordinance before that final reading is held.
In other business, council approved the third reading of a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a franchise agreement with Ohio Power Co., a unit of American Electric Power, to provide access to the company's lines and poles located in the city's right of ways.
Council also approved the first reading of a resolution adopting the tax budget for the year 2022 and the first reading of a resolution approving supplemental appropriations for 2021.
Council approved all three readings of a resolution authorizing the mayor to prepare and submit an application to participate in the Appalachian Regional Commission/Governor's Office of Appalachia programs and to execute contracts as required.
Wayne Towner can be reached at wtowner@newsandsentinel.com