SUN CITY – Village Manager David Johnson presented a board discussion only an agenda item on the use of golf carts on roads outside Sun City and Regency Square.
“The current Village code permits golf cards on the roadway network within Del Webb’s Sun City and the streets and roadways within Regency Square development to include Regency Parkway and Farm Hill Drive.”
Johnson continued, “Per a request from a Village Trustee, the Village Board is being asked to consider allowing golf carts on additional roadways within the Village. Roadways not included for consideration are Algonquin Road and Route 47. The information provided is for initial discussion and policy direction.”
He concluded with the description of Illinois Vehicle Code on the operation of non-highway vehicles on streets, roads and highways. Johnson requested, “some policy direction regarding the boards desire to allow golf carts to operate on village streets outside Sun City and Regency Square.”
Mayor Hoeft directed to board to focus the initial discussion on “whether or not the board wishes to permit golf carts throughout the village.”
Trustee Kittel asked “how to we inspect them to make sure that they’re up to the vehicle code?” He continued, “Do we have the resources to do that? Do we issue stickers?”
Trustee Leopold added, “I need to see a plan as to where they’ll be allowed before making a decision.”
Trustee Kanakaris said, “I’m 100% in favor of it with the rules and regulations.”
Trustee Holzkopf responded, “No thank you”
Trustee Westberg added, “I’ve had many calls for golf carts in Talamore over the years.” He continued, “It’s a toy for most guys my age and I’m fine with the idea of allowing them in Talamore.”
Trustee Goldman said, “I don’t want it allowed.”
She concluded, “If we do it for Talamore then we have to do it for all of the other subdivisions.”
When asked, Johnson reported that “McHenry, Johnsburg and Fox River Grove do allow golf carts in some subdivisions.”
Hoeft took an informal vote on the subject and the board was split 3 to 3. He asked the board if “getting more information at this point help arriving at a conclusion?” and the Trustees unanimous answered “Yes.”
Johnson responded, “if the board’s thought is to get more information for further discussion, then staff will collect and share it with the board.” He added, “I want to make sure that we’re capturing what the board wants in terms of information so that we can properly respond.”
Hoeft injected, “this is just a discussion to see if we even want to move forward on it or not.”
Goldman asked, “Was Sun City permitted to have golf carts because of the golf course?”
Johnson responded that, “The State motor vehicle law was modified to allow golf carts in Sun City only.”
Hoeft added, “the decision tonight is to move forward or not. We don’t want to waste staff time. There are too many variables, with main street and events down there. We don’t have golf cart parking planned for downtown street.”
Hoeft concluded, “For the best interest in the whole village, and I think it’s in our best interest as a village as a whole to not go forward. With my vote to break the tie, I say no.”
