From left, Leesburg Town Council member Doug Jones, Council President Christina Archer, Vice-President Tom Moore and Clerk-Treasurer Mike Searfoss. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels.

LEESBURG —  Town Council approved a golf cart ordinance at its meeting held Monday, Nov. 11.

Section two of the ordinance, which describes “operation of golf carts,” states that golf carts may be operated on the streets and highways within the town of Leesburg. It stipulates that golf carts operated on the streets and highways in Leesburg may only be operated by an individual 16 years of age or older; shall display either a ‘slow moving vehicle’ emblem in accordance with I.C. 9-219-3 or a red or amber flashing lamp in accordance with I.C. 9-21-9-4; and may only be operated between sunrise and sundown. 

The ordinance also stipulates that golf carts may not be operated on SR 15 within the town limits except to cross it at any intersection.

The ordinance also limits the number of occupants of a golf cart to six persons; that the operator and occupants shall be properly seated at all times; the operator shall use proper traffic hand signals when required; and that no one under the age of 2 shall be an occupant of a golf cart.

Golf cart ordinance violations shall be punishable by a fine of up to $50 per violation, according to the ordinance, and in the event of a violation by a minor child, the fine shall be paid by the child’s parent or parents, custodial parent, legal guardian or anyone exercising parental control of the minor child. 

“This wasn’t something we wanted to do,” said Council Member Doug Jones. “We’ve had multiple complaints, we’ve had kids texting and driving these things and I’m telling you, it is an accident waiting to happen.”

In another matter, Council Vice-President Tom Moore said he has been in contact with Austin Kierpaul, an electrical engineer at D&D Electric, Etna Green, regarding ongoing issues with the sewage pumping system, which includes nuisance shutdowns at the main lift station.

According to Moore, Kierpaul determined there is nothing wrong with the current programmable logic controller. The issue is that the PLC is receiving erroneous signals. Moore suggested accepting a work order bid from Covalen, Indianapolis, for everything except the controller. The work order includes replacement of transducers, floats and float brackets. Once that work is done, Moore said, Kierpaul will come back to check the existing PLC to ensure that everything in the system is functioning as it should be.

“He feels pretty confident that it will function as it should,” Moore said.

Council members passed a motion to accept a bid from Covalen in the approximate amount of $3,500. 

Town Council President Christina Archer said she recently spoke with Rich Haddad, president and CEO of K21 Health Foundation. 

“The foundation funds different kinds of health-related projects and the at the town chat not long ago, many people had asked if the town could have a playground,” Archer said. “I know that K21 has funded similar-type projects. I do not know if they would consider helping us with something like that or not.”

Council members agreed they would first need to check into insurance, and a potential location would need to be found before this type of project could be pursued.

Council Member Doug Jones said he would like to wish Leesburg resident Ron West a safe recovery following recent health difficulties. 

Other News:

• Final leaf pickup will be Nov. 30.
• The Leesburg Candelaria will be held Dec. 7. 
• A work session will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at the town hall regarding the 2020 salary ordinance.
• Council members approved a motion to prepare a rainy day fund resolution. 
• No parking on any street between 3-5 a.m.
• No burning anything at any time in Leesburg.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9