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More on UTVs and golf carts
Jim Magdefrau
jmagdefr@gannett.com
BELLE PLAINE - Golf carts, ATVs, and UTVs.
These alternative ways of getting around Belle Plaine were debated again by the Belle Plaine City Council, at their meeting, Monday, June 4, at the city hall.
Mayor Dave Fish highlighted items in the city's current golf cart ordinance, as well as the state ordinance, and a proposed ordinance covering carts and UTVs. He had questions about a requirement for seat belts for each person on a golf cart, headlights and tail lights, and a proposed $25 permit. He felt the permit cost might be too high. The police chief and officers will do the inspection of the carts. City hall will take care of registration. The tags will come out of the clerk's office, according to the proposal.
City Attorney Jennifer Zahradnik pointed to a part of the ordinance about the number of passengers on a golf cart or UTV, suggesting the vehicle should not have more passengers than what the vehicle was designed to seat, or the seats available.
"You can put a whole lot of little kids on a golf cart," she observed. "And we've seen it."
There was discussion on the differences between UTVs, ATVs and golf carts, the types of seats on the vehicles and speed. They suggested limiting the speed to 25 miles per hour.
It was also pointed out that UTVs are banned from city parks, unless it's the parks and recreation work vehicle, or with permission given by the city. Golf carts are allowed if they are going to watch a ball game, but they can't be used for disc golf.
"If you're going to have to have a golf cart, you're going to the country club to play golf," observed Fish.
It was suggested they keep the price of a tag the same as for dog and cat license, which is $7.50.
City Council Member Mitch Malcolm said his greatest concern was the number of people on the seats. The council also wanted to require a valid driver's license.
As for seat belts, Fish said they could be getting a room full of 65-year-olds if they have to put seat belts on their golf carts.
They are also looking at lighting options, and limiting use from sunrise to sunset. They added that a bench seat can hold no more than three people, and no lap passengers. It was also suggested they coordinate with the county ordinance on this, in order to be consistent.
It was also pointed out they can't use the four-lane highway or 13th Street. They also can't have an open container of alcohol.
Malcolm hopes allowing UTVs will help farmers, people going to work and those who want to save on gas.
They will look at the first reading at the next meeting. But until then, the old ordinance is still in effect.
A nuisance hearing was held regarding two junked vehicles, tractor and other agricultural equipment, and an unlicensed semi-trailer filed against Robert W. Brown and Valerie Brown at 205 11th Street, Belle Plaine. They asked for time to take care of the violation.
Brown said the semi-trailer has never been registered. He pointed out it is on a commercial lot. He plans to get it registered. It will take a couple of weeks. He sees the other items as equipment for his custom farming business. He considers his antique tractor to be ornamental.
City Attorney Zahradnik asked about a truck on the property, and if it had been moved under its own power in 20 days. Brown answered he does not set a time clock to move it, but it does move and it starts. He added he's been laid up. Zahradnik also asked about a limousine on the property. Brown said it is for sale.
Zahradnik said that in order to be in compliance, they vehicles need to be licensed, move under their own power, and they need to be on an all-weather surface.
Mayor Fish suggested giving the Browns until July 7.
Fish discussed signage issues and requests that some signs in yards be taken down. Fish said there is a right to political freedom of speech. Zahradnik said the only thing they they can do is regulate the size under the zoning code. Fish looked at 38 pages of the Cedar Rapids zoning code, which has a time limit on temporary signs. The time limit is 75 consecutive days. Zahradnik said they'd have to change Belle Plaine's code to define temporary and permanent signs. Fish said he'd like to work on an ordinance that also allows political signs.
Zahradnik said they'd had problems with advertising-related signs in other parts of the town. The city has to be careful and cautious on this. The city can definitely take another look at the sign ordinance, she said. Council members agreed they can look at the ordinance.
In discussion on the June 5 informational hearing with the Department of Transportation, regarding the plans for the intersection of U.S. 30 and Iowa 21, Mayor Fish said he wondered where the detour would be when construction starts. They also discussed traffic detours for Highways 30 and 218.
Fish said he is still working on a candidate to fill an open council position.
Plans were approved on rehabilitation of the runway, taxiway and atrium of the airport. This is to extend the life of the pavement. Garling Construction had the winning bid.
The council discussed an ordinance on grass clippings. They city does not want clippings in the street. Fish said it needs to be redone to allow for penalties for violations, rather than treating it as a nuisance complaint. City Administrator Jeff Horne will work on a draft.
The council approved closing 12th Street, between Seventh and 10th Avenues, for the Belle Plaine Community Development Corporation, from 2 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. This is for the annual car show and street dance. They also approved closing the street on July 4 for the annual parade, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Outdoor service was approved for the Grand Central, Office and Oasis for July 3 and 4, during the car show and street dance. Outdoor service was approved for the Fourth of July Committee at Franklin Park. They also approved the fireworks show. Fish expressed concerns on what would happen with car show parking if the DOT closes Seventh Avenue for repair of the crossing.
Fish closed the meeting stressing the importance of having someone from Belle Plaine Community Development Corporation represented on Benton Development Group. "The rest of Benton County has trouble finding where Belle Plaine's located at," Fish observed. He said they need representation from every city in the county.