Ferdinand Town Council: From golf carts to UTVs?

For some time now, the Town of Ferdinand has allowed golf carts to be driven on town streets, as long as operators have permits, listed safety equipment and abide by other rules set forth in the ordinance.

It seems allowing utility vehicles (UTVs) might be the next logical step.

Chris Roos came before the Ferdinand Town Council at their October 12 meeting to make the case for allowing UTVs.

“UTVs are safer than golf carts,” Roos noted. “They go faster, and come equipped with everything the town requires for golf cart, except the slow-moving vehicle sign.”

Since Town Attorney Bill Shaneyfelt had received the agenda before the meeting, he’d had a chance to look up the state statute regarding UTVs, he said, and it is extensive.

The state requires UTV operators to obtain a permit through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and, since the state issues permits, the town can’t require an additional permit, Shaneyfelt explained. The state also regulates the required equipment and imposes its own rules and regulations.

“We can legally drive our UTVs from Ferdinand to Bretzville [on SR 162],” Roos said, “because the shoulders are wide.”

Shaneyfelt agreed. Since Roos and others in town have state permits, the town cannot prevent them from operating UTVs on road shoulders within town limits (very few exist).

The most the town can do is allow UTVs to be driven on certain streets.

Council members were open to the proposal and agreed to research other nearby municipalities’ ordinances.

The matter will be revisited.

Council members also:

• Approved training classes for Police Chief Lloyd Froman and Lt. Rob Randle. A specified number of continuing education hours are required for officers and the classes meet the criteria. The expenditures are within the department’s budget.

• Adopted Ordinance 2017-13, borrowing up to $250,000 from the Electric Department’s cash reserve to combine with town funds for the purchase of a new fire truck. The money will be returned to the utility at the rate of $50,000 per year. There was also some discussion whether to purchase the truck before it is built, which would save about $13,500 or to wait until they can be sure they’re satisfied with the final product. There is still time to make that decision at a later date.

• Approved the route for the Tri-County YMCA’s annual Monster Dash 5K on October 28.

• Learned the Virginia Street portion of the water main replacement project is complete, the Missouri Street portion is nearly so, and work has begun on 16th Street. Six existing lines were damaged during installation — three of them mis-marked or unmarked. The council agreed to a change order to cover three of the six, for $1,231.91. Lueken was also instructed to obtain quotes for repaving the roads. The contract will likely be awarded during a special session prior to the scheduled November 14 meeting.

• Heard that Street and Property Superintendent Tom Lueken will attend a Community Crossings grant coordination meeting this Friday in Vincennes. Ferdinand was awarded a $445,440 grant to rework and pave West 23rd Street from SR 162 to Industrial Park Road.

• Heard that leaf pickup will be conducted on Tuesdays until further notice. Residents are asked to rake the leaves as close to the road as possible.

• Agreed to purchase a steer skid for the phosphorus site. Bids will be opened at the council’s November meeting and awarded in December.

• Will revisit the policy of “TVing” sewer lines to check for leaks. The Wastewater Department has been offering this as a free service.

• Learned from Park Board President Mike Steffe that sponsorship letters will be sent to solicit donations for a planned new disc golf course in 18th Street Park. Hole sponsorships are available for $600, tee box sponsorships for $50 and basket sponsorships for $200.

• Heard from Town Manager Chris James that the Ferdinand Folk Festival was a “tremendous success.” Donations were made from the profits, with $2,500 given for the new Music Park in 18th Street Park and $1,000 to the Park Department.

• Approved a $9,252 change order to add 1,200 square feet of asphalt to the drive leading to the phosphorus facility.

• Adopted Ordinance 2014-14 amending park leasing and rental fees. Fees range from $15 to $300 per day, depending on the facility being rented.

The next Ferdinand Town Council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, at Town Hall. The Ferdinand Economic Development Commission will meet at 6 p.m. that day