Lake Station is following the course set earlier by Hobart and Gary in establishing policies for the operation of golf carts on public streets.
The city council unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance that sets out provisions for the use of golf carts at its Thursday meeting.
Lake Station’s ordinance, authored by Councilman Neil Anderson, D-At large, calls for only licensed drivers age 18-and-over to operate golf carts and they can’t be on public roads with speed limits in excess of 30 mph. A first-time violation could result in a $2,500 fine. Lights are also required if the cart is driven at night.
The ordinance was amended to add a $50 registration fee. The money will be directed into the police department’s non-reverting training fund.
Anderson said he drives a golf cart himself and sees the ordinance as a good way to regulate their use as they become more popular.
The city of Gary passed its golf cart ordinance in July. It calls for a $100 registration fee.
In other business, parks director Adrian Vera said it’s sponsoring a “movie at the pool” event at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Riverview Park. The movie, “Moana,” will be shown while guests are in the pool. It’s a benefit for the city’s fire department.
Vera said firefighters will be on hand as a safeguard and lifeguards will also be on duty. There will also be extra lighting. The cost is $3.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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