Spencer permits ATVs on village streets
Golf cart ordinance held until August
By Kris Leonhardt
Editor
SPENCER — During the July 10 meeting of Spencer Village Board of Trustees, representatives voted to allow ATVs on Spencer’s streets.
The action comes following changes by neighboring townships allowing use of the ATVs on routes leading into Spencer. Local residents asked the Spencer board to do the same and allow ATV drivers to enter the village to obtain fuel and pass through to outside routes.
The next six months consisted of hearings to receive public feedback before a proposed ordinance reached the village board. The originally proposed ordinance would authorize ATVs on designated streets in the village, which was then altered during the June regular board meeting of the trustees.
At the July meeting, the board passed the ordinance 5 to 1. Jerry Wienke voted against the measure, and Jeremy Carolfi was absent.
The board cautioned that if the ATVs become an issue for the Spencer Police Department, the board would have the power to stop or amend the ordinance at any time, including restricting hours of operation.
“So everybody understands, … the ordinance can be stopped at any time there is an issue, and it can be amended to change the hours,” stated Village President Pauline Frome.
A separate ordinance came before the board regarding the authorization of golf carts on village streets.
Spencer Police Chief Shawn Bauer recommended annual inspections to obtain registration for the use of golf carts.
“The reason why I agree with the annual inspection is because we can check to make sure that they have liability insurance,” explained Bauer. “I think that is important. … If there is a golf cart accident, we want to make sure they are insured every year.”
Bauer stated that the inspections could take place at the golf cart owners’ homes or at the police department and that a sticker would be created to show registration. Liability limits would be set to reflect state limits, and an annual registration fee of $25 was proposed.
The golf cart ordinance was tabled until the board’s August meeting so the suggested amendments could be made.
The ATV ordinance went into effect immediately.
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