Berwick council to consider golf cart ordinance

Concerns about kids driving golf carts on public streets have led town officials to consider drafting an ordinance addressing use of the vehicles.
At Tuesday’s Berwick Council meeting, Councilman Duval Arthur said he recently heard complaints about children driving golf carts in Renwick Subdivision and Country Club Estates.
Arthur saw that Patterson introduced a golf cart ordinance and was interested in learning about their proposed ordinance. Berwick currently doesn’t have an ordinance regulating the use of golf carts on town streets.
The Daily Review reported last week that the Patterson City Council introduced an ordinance which would allow people to drive golf carts on certain streets.
Patterson’s proposed ordinance defines a golf cart as an electric four-wheeled vehicle originally intended for use off road on golf courses and other green spaces with a maximum speed of 25 mph. The proposed ordinance wouldn’t allow golf carts on Red Cypress Road, Main Street, U.S. 90 and La. 182. The streets prohibited have speed zones exceeding 25 mph.
To drive golf carts on public streets, state law requires them to be equipped with efficient brakes, a reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Golf carts are required to have headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and brake lamps, the law says. People must also have a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart on public streets.
Mayor Louis Ratcliff said he’s a golfer and drives on public streets to go to Berwick’s golf course. Ratcliff occasionally sees young kids driving golf carts.
Police Chief James Richard said the problem “ramps up” in the summer when kids are at home alone, and parents don’t know their kids are driving the carts. It’s been an issue the entire 30 years Richard has worked for the Berwick Police Department, though he’s never investigated an accident involving a golf cart.
However, if a golf cart were to hit another vehicle traveling 30 mph, the results would likely be deadly, Richard said.
Driving an unlicensed vehicle on public streets is illegal, Richard said. But, there are many adults in the community who follow the proper procedures to legally drive golf carts on public roads, Richard said.
Ratcliff and Richard both encouraged people to report any incidents they see of kids using golf carts on public roads. Police investigate all complaints regarding possible illegal golf cart usage.
Berwick officials should see what action Patterson takes with its ordinance before deciding anything, Ratcliff said.
Also during the meeting, Councilwoman Jacki Ackel said plans to begin a Crossing Generations Program, which encourages the interaction of old and young people in the parish, are moving forward.
Berwick High School students presented the idea at the Morgan City Rotary Club’s New Generations Conference in March.
Students will make a presentation to the St. Mary AARP at 6 p.m. July 11 at the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center on Chennault Street in Morgan City. The first Intergenerational Mixer will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Berwick Civic Complex.
In other business, the council
—Approved The Daily Review as official journal for 2016-17.
—Set a budget workshop for 6 p.m. July 19 and July 26 at Town Hall.
—Approved a variance for construction of a pond on private property.