The Leesburg Town Council Monday amended its golf cart ordinance to include motorized bikes and go-karts.
The council had originally passed an ordinance for golf carts in town limits after residents complained. They then required that anyone who operates a golf cart there must be 16 years or older. Now, the ordinance will include motorized bicycles as described as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that is propelled by an engine or battery-powered motor. The engine cannot have a rating of more than 2 horsepower and cannot go more than 25 miles per hour on flat surfaces. A go-kart is defined as a four-wheeled open vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
The council has heard that after the golf cart ordinance was passed, motor bikes have become the newest problem, with some riders using them on sidewalks. Residents experiencing motor bikes on their sidewalks were advised to call the sheriff’s department.
Those who violate the ordinance can expect to receive a $50 fine, and if a minor is found to be the violator, the child’s parents will have to foot the bill.
Also Monday, the council agreed to continue the COVID-19 sewer rate reduction at 50% for local restaurants and churches. Council President Doug Jones said the town decided to reduce the rate for those specified businesses during the original COVID shutdown, however, the rates were set to go back to normal come Nov. 1. Councilman Tom Jones anticipates a second wave of COVID shutdowns during the winter, and said business isn’t even completely back, therefore the reduced rate should continue until everyone knows more about how the pandemic will play out.
The council also:
• Heard from Street Commissioner Craig Charlton that town leaf pick up will run through the end of November for leaves that are raked to the curb. No sticks or yard waste should be in the piles, and large fallen tree limbs are chipped on Friday. He reminded residents that yard waste is to be gagged and placed in the trash tote, and sidewalks and trees are the property and responsibility of the residents.
• Heard from Councilwoman Christina Archer she is still working on mapping out the walkway and bikeway paths for the K21 Foundation grant. Most of that work involves speaking with property owners who may have a tree in the way of the proposed route, for example, and to see whether the homeowner wants to either remove the tree themselves or have the route go around the tree. She said a finalized map can be expected sooner rather than later.
• Announced the annual Candeleria and town Christmas party is set for Dec. 12 at the old fire station where refreshments and maybe a visit from Santa will take place. Final plans for the event have yet to be confirmed.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Town Hall.
