Whether or not to allow golf carts on town streets drew community residents to last week’s meeting of the Burlington Town Council. Even though there was lots of discussion, no decision was made and the matter was taken under advisement.

Discussion was prompted by a change in state law that now gives towns and cities the authority to allow golf carts and other like vehicles on streets with certain restrictions.

Under current law it is illegal to operate golf carts on roads and streets without city/town approval.

Marshal Jill Hammond said that if citations are issued by police for operating golf carts on town streets, the town judge will determine fines. Court costs are an additional $114.50.

“We don’t want to ban golf carts,” Council president Stan Moore said, “but we don’t want to open the town up to liability issues either.”

Issues have to be looked at carefully, he said. To allow golf carts on streets the vehicle may be subject to being plated, inspected, having lights and seatbelts. Drivers would need to be licensed and show proof of insurance.

The town could elect to charge a registration fee to help offset expenses such as mandated signage, Moore added.

Emergency meeting

Moore reported that the council had an emergency meeting recently to deal with water issues at the wastewater plant. He explained that because no perimeter drains were ever installed there, the building is sinking. When it rains, the footings around the building are filling up with water among other issues. Repairs to the building included new tile and downspouts at a cost over the $2,750 approved at the October meeting to help fix the water problems.

“We’ve been spending a lot of money pumping rainwater,” public works employee Steve Michael commented.

Other business

Carroll County Emergency Management Director Dave McDowell reminded town officials that the county is working on a multi-hazard mitigation plan and needs participation from Burlington. He explained that the plan will identify risks and hazards in the Burlington area which should help in the future with obtaining federal funding to minimize disaster damages and costs or repair those damages.

Carroll County Economic Development Director Daryl Smith explained that the EDC is working on a fiveyear plan for the Kankakee- Iroquois Regional Planning Commission (KIRPC). Each participating community in the county can identify three projects to be placed on a list for grant help through KIRPC.

The council approved the purchase of a defibrillator in the amount of $1,325 for the town police car. Monies for the purchase will come from the police department budget.

The marshal reported that she and the deputy marshal’s report for October included: 5 VIN checks, 3 gun permits, 25 tickets, 5 warnings, 7 citations, 4 case reports, 1 accident, 3 assists of other agencies, and 35 calls for service.

The council approved a quote from E&B Paving, Anderson, in the amount of $6,300 to clean and fill road cracks around town, stipulating that the work must be done by the end of the year or it will wait.

“What we’ve done with the trailer has really helped out,” said public works employee Fred Michael about the leaf vac. “We’re picking up leaves the best we can.”

The hitch dolly did not work out, he said, so the town will not have to spend the $1,300 approved at the October meeting.

Steve Michael, reporting for the Community Club, said “things are looking up.” They have secured two new board members and have one position yet to fill. The club will again sponsor the Fall Festival next September.

Council member Teddy Huffer reported that the Community Harvest Party, sponsored by Kiwanis Club on Oct. 31, was a “great time” and the club ran out of food. He added that the Junior League’s Haunted Woods was also a success.

The annual Holiday Walk will be Nov. 21 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Santa will arrive at 5 and the town Christmas tree will be lighted at 6:30.

The snowplowing contract will be discussed at the next council meeting, Dec. 8. Anyone interested should contact a council member prior to that meeting.