Council to hear from public Nov. 19

 

by Leah Justice

The Town of Tryon has drafted a proposed golf cart ordinance and wants to hear from the public during its Nov. 19 meeting.

Council met Tuesday, Oct. 15 and discussed the draft ordinance. Although a public hearing is not required, council said it would like to take public comments prior to adopting the ordinance.

The draft ordinance includes that golf carts can be operated on town streets that are 35 mph or lower during daylight hours unless the golf cart is equipped with proper lighting.

The original draft said that golf carts could not be operated on Trade Street between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but after consulting with police chief Jeff Arrowood, council amended the draft prohibiting golf cart use on Trade Street from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tryon began discussing allowing golf carts a few months ago following requests from a few residents, including representatives from White Oak Apartments in order to more easily transport residents from complex to complex.

Concerns have been raised regarding allowing golf carts on Trade Street because of heavy traffic. The draft ordinance states that golf carts can cross the intersections of Trade Street during the day but not travel along Trade Street.

If council approves the ordinance, in order to operate a golf cart within town limits, the operator must obtain a permit and sticker from town hall that will be valid for one year.

Golf cart owners will also have to sign a form certifying that he or she has read the ordinance, demonstrate proof of ownership of the golf cart, demonstrate proof of liability insurance and sign a waiver of liability releasing the town and its employees from all liability that may arise as a result of operating a golf cart inside the town. All permitted golf carts will also have an inspection performed by the police department.

Fees to operate a golf cart in Tryon are proposed at a $50 permit per year per cart, an inspection fee of $25 and a $100 penalty for violating the ordinance.

Tryon drafted its ordinance from the City of Saluda’s golf cart ordinance, which has been enforced in Saluda for several years.

Tryon’s Nov. 19 meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Tryon Fire Department. Anyone with comments regarding the proposed ordinance is encouraged to attend.