Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglass, Publisher of the Pope County Tribune

The City of Glenwood, like Starbuck, could soon allow ATVs and golf carts on city streets.

The Glenwood City Commission is considering a new ordinance for both ATVs and golf carts and will conduct an informational meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at City Hall.

The new ordinances provide regulations for residents who choose to seek permits to drive ATVs or golf  carts on city streets. 

Below are some of the highlights of the proposed ordinances.  

Highlights of the proposed 

Glenwood ordinance on ATVs

The new ordinance points out that it will be unlawful for any person to operate an ATV without obtaining a city permit first.  

•Class 2 ATV (side by sides) Operator permits will be granted from January 1 through Dec. 31 and may be renewed on annual basis.

•Class 1 ATV operator permits shall be granted from Nov. 1 to March 31 (winter months for ice fishing).  

•Permits will not be prorated and a new permit shall be required for each time period.

Operator Permit conditions

No operator permit shall be granted or renewed unless the following conditions are met:

•The city is in receipt of a complete application and permit fee.

•The applicant is 16 years of age or older and provides a valid driver’s license.

•The applicant provides proof of insurance in compliance with Minn. Stat. 65B.48, as it may be amended from time to time.

•ATVs may be operated within the city on public roadways, but not operated on State Trunk Highways within the city.  Direct crossing of such highways is allowed. 

•ATVs shall be operated at all times in proper traffic lanes and not exceed the designated speed limit.

•ATVs may be operated on designated city roadways and intersections from sunrise to sunset except when ATVs or UTVs are equipped with original equipment headlights, tail lights and rear-facing brake lights.  If equipped with original equipment Class 2 ATVs can be operated year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Class 1 ATVs can be operated during the same time period, but only from Nov. 1 to March 31.  

•The use of Class 1 ATVs on city roadways between April 1 and Oct. 31 is expressly prohibited and subject to penalty provided in the ordinance.  

•No person a shall operate a Class 1 or Class 2 ATV or UTV on a public sidewalk, trail or park unless otherwise expressly authorized by the city.  This prohibition shall not include the city beach area for lake access purposes from Nov. 1 through. March 31.  This prohibition shall not include the asphalt roadway within all city parks, but does apply to all other trails, paths and park grounds within the park system.    

Highlights of the proposal on Golf Carts

There is a separate ordinance on motorized golf carts.  

•A permit to operate on city streets must be attained and will be allowed for persons licensed to drive motor vehicles as defined by Minnesota Statute Ch. 169. Applicants will need to submit proof of their driver’s license and insurance.

•An annual fee shall be established.

Restrictions

No motorized golf cart shall be driven, operated or controlled on the roadways or shoulders of roadways under the jurisdiction of the City of Glenwood:

–between sunset and sunrise.

–without prominent display of a slow-moving vehicle emblem provided in MS. 169.522 on the rear of vehicle.

–without a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver…for at least 200 feet to the rear of vehicle.

–without liability insurance coverage

–contrary to any traffic law of the City of Glenwood or State of Minnesota, except those which cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts…

–without a current valid individual permit.

–during the time period from Nov. 1 through March 31.

No person shall operate a motorized golf cart on a public sidewalk, trail or park unless otherwise expressly authorized by the city.  This prohibition shall not include the asphalt roadway within all city parks, but does apply to all other trails, paths and park grounds within city’s park system.