Continued discussion of dropping the age for the village’s UTV/golf cart ordinance, along with various fire department issues, were the main topics at Monday night’s Evansville Village Board meeting.
Last month, the board considered dropping the age allowed to operate golf carts or UTVs in town from 18 to 16. Considerable discussion was held at the time, but the board opted to table the matter until this month’s meeting.
Village President Erwin “Red” Becker” noted that they had looked into it and both the Illinois Municipal League and Illinois Department of Transportation say that 16 year olds can operate those types of vehicles.
However, Trustee Nancy Schilling noted that most other municipalities have the age set at 21, and only a few have it at 18.
She also pointed out that other ordinances, as well as the state’s graduated driver program, require 16 year olds have older drivers with them. In addition, they are required to have seatbelts and have restricted driving hours.
“This sounds like opening a can of worms,” commented Trustee Kenny Kempfer.
Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcer Mark McConachie agreed, pointing out that the village already doesn’t enforce the rules as it is.
For more from the Evansville Village Board meeting, please see this week’s print edition.