Medford opens door for golf carts on city streets
At the April 28, meeting of the Medford Committee of the Whole, the Committee discussed the allowance of golf carts on city streets. This would be a unique situation for the city, as one golf course is located entirely within city limits, allowing individuals to drive personal golf carts to the course. The request for this was reviewed by the Medford Police Department and Chief of Police Chad Liske, who wrote the ordinance amendment that would allow for this. The based on the one for ATVs and UTVs.
At the beginning of the conversation, Alderperson Clem Johnson asked for Jensen Dr and Progressive Ave to be opened for golf carts, which were blocked initially to avoid the truck traffic that goes through the area.
“You allow a five-year-old kid on a bicycle on these streets. A bicycle is a lot easier not to see,” he said, the change will allow access for the apartments in that area. This conversation ended with the committee recommending an amendment to the ordinance to remove the block on Jensen and Progressive.
Most members of the Committee were in favor of the Alderperson Mike Bub raised concerns saying, “I think it should only be for the golf course and back. I don’t think I want to approve anybody can drive a golf cart anywhere in the city of Medford.” He pointed out the lack of safety features on golf carts which he said does not make them road safe, including the absence of a license requirement. Alderperson Ken Coyer spoke on the matter as a previous police chief for the City. He commented that he sees no issue with the ordinance, especially if the current city police do not.
Molly Knoll attended the meeting to speak on the matter as an interested party. She talked about being able to take her kids to the park in the summer during the Music in the Park events. She also mentioned that the ordinance amendment would allow Medford Motors to do test drives with golf carts, which will soon be added to their vehicle assortment.
The committee voted to amend the ordinance to remove Jensen and Progressive from the ordinance, and move the ordinance to the Council for voting and likely further discussion. Every alderperson voted in favor except for Bub.
