By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

SPENCER – The issue of golf carts on Spencer’s streets is back on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting.

The Spencer Board of Aldermen will meet on Dec. 13 at 600 S. Salisbury Ave. at 7 p.m.

Police Chief Michael James will be presenting a proposed ordinance that would allow Spencer citizens to drive golf carts within the town’s limits.

The proposed policy statement says that the town does not advocate or endorse the use of golf carts on streets and the ordinance was created “in the interest of public safety.”

Some of the regulations would include only one person per bucket seat or two people per bench seat, no driving on sidewalks or the walking trails of the Stanback Forest and no parking in handicapped parking spaces unless the cart has a valid handicap parking placard displayed.

Another requirement for golf cart drivers would be the completion of registration/inspection forms and waivers of liability.

According to the proposed golf cart safety registration/inspection form, golf carts would be required to have operating head and tail lights, a horn and 3-inch reflectors. If brake lights and turn signals are not equipped, hand signals would be required.

Seat belts, reflective triangles, rear view mirrors and audible reverse warnings would all be recommended but not required.

There would be no charge for the yearly registration, but replacement of lost or stolen permits or stickers would cost $5 if no record of a previous application or receipt of the permit or sticker could be found.

Golf cart drivers would also be required to have liability insurance.

In other business, the board will:

• Hear reports from department heads, the town manager, mayor and delegates.
• Hear public comment.
• Recognize citizens retiring from town boards and commissions.
• Consider an ordinance that would amend the duties of the Planning Board.
• Appoint individuals to the Planning Board.
• Appoint Technical Advisory Committee and Technical Coordinating Committee representatives for the North Carolina Department of Transportation Metropolitan Planning Organization.
• Certify the firefighter’s roster to be sent to the North Carolina State Firefighter’s Association.
• Consider approving personnel policy amendments for leaves of absence and holidays to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a town holiday.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.