City Council passes 2nd reading of ordinance allowing golf carts to operate on recreational trail

Oskaloosa Iowa City Council Chambers

The Oskaloosa City Council discussed the issue of allowing golf carts on the recreation trail again at last night’s meeting. In what appeared to be near record attendance, the council chambers became standing room only as many residents got up to speak on the issue. After nearly an hour of public comment, all but a handful of residents had spoken out against allowing the golf carts to be on the trail. Many cited safety concerns such as blind curves and the trail width.

Others also questioned how exactly the city planned on enforcing this new policy. When the issue came up on the agenda the council moved quickly and did not debate the matter. Only one question was asked that one being from Council member Ver Steeg. Ver Steeg questioned how the city of University Park would address this seeing as part of the trail ran through University Park. City Manager Michael Schrock said that there are barriers up on the trail outside University Park preventing golf carts from proceeding on. The council voted 6-0, with council member Doug Yates absent, to approve the second reading of an ordinance to amend the city code to allow for golf cart usage on the recreation trail. In other action, the city council:

• Approved(6-0) a resolution approving the site plan for the 41,090 square foot skate park
• Approved(5-0-1 , Smith Abstains) a proposal to eliminate the Edmundson Golf Course Superintendent, privatize the golf course at the end of the 2011 calendar year, and direct the city manager to solicit requests from interested private parties to operate Edmundson Golf Course.
• Approved (5-1) a resolution to amend city code to no longer require automatic fire sprinklers in all new residential and townhome dwellings.
• Approved the appointment of Kathie Dykstra to the Housing Trust Fund Committee

The City Council will meet again on May 2nd at 6:30 pm in the city council chambers.