Placement: Unfinished Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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Golf Cart Ordinance update and discussion
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Submitted By: John A. Bolduc, Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to be responsive to our community.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Golf Cart Committee Members were tasked with exploring the possibility of creating a City Ordinance which would allow the residents of the City of Port St. Lucie to utilize golf carts for travel along public roads or city streets, as well as sidewalks that are at least eight (8) feet wide. This item was previously presented, and Council directed staff to create an interactive connectivity map to aid in the discussion of possible routes and gaps in connectivity. A connectivity map has been created by the IT Department that will depict feasibility of utilizing golf carts for travel through the City.
Presentation Information: Chief John Bolduc will provide a 15-minute presentation.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council direct staff to propose an ordinance allowing the use of golf carts on multi-use paths with a minimum width of eight feet in specified neighborhoods.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and direct staff to propose an ordinance allowing golf carts on roadways with a speed limit of less than 30 mph in specified neighborhoods.
2. Move that the Council provide a recommendation and not proceed with the new Golf Cart Ordinance.
Background: The use of golf carts on city roadways has been an ongoing discussion. The appeal has been recently brought to our attention again by a citizen who is requesting to utilize a golf cart on city roadways. The committee has researched the best practices of other similarly situated cities to provide information needed to develop a golf cart ordinance.
Issues/Analysis: The City of Port St. Lucie has the authority to adopt this Ordinance pursuant to Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Florida and Chapter 166 and §316.212, Fla. Stat. (2018). The committee wishes to add Article III to Chapter 73 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Port St. Lucie to allow for the City Council to consider and approve resolutions authorizing the operation of golf carts within specified residential communities on sidewalks with a minimum width of 8 feet. The staff has also compiled information on the feasibility of allowing golf cart operations on roadways meeting threshold safety requirements under state and federal law. The use of electric powered low speed vehicles and golf carts for local travel within neighborhoods is a growing trend throughout the nation, but their use does raise some serious safety considerations. Staff has provided as an attachment a study conducted by the AARP which is very informational on this topic.
Financial Information: Each sign to delineate area where golf carts would be allowed and/or prohibited would cost approximately $125. The number of signs needed will depend on the size and number of areas covered. Additional patrol resources are not anticipated at this time, however there will be a negligible amount of training to address any changes in the law.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Citywide
Attachments:
Golf Cart Presentation;
Proposed Golf Cart Ordinance - Golf Cart Authorization;
Proposed Golf Cart Ordinance for use on multi-use pathways in Sandpiper, St. Lucie West and Tradition;
Proposed Golf Cart Ordinance for use on specified roadways in Sandpiper, St. Lucie West and Tradition;
AARP Case Study.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney. (Reference Legistar database for authorizing City Attorney representative.)