Golf Cart Regulations, Renewals Discussed by Atwood Village Board

By Doris Elmore
Staff Writer

The Atwood Village Board discussed unlicensed golf carts at the regular meeting of the board on Monday, July 12. Village Clerk Nancy Wierman told the board that she has a list of residents with a golf cart that have not renewed their license. Other members commented on seeing golf carts around town without a license.

According to Ordinance No. 14-O-6 on Regulating Golf Carts/UTVs, these vehicles may only be operated on streets within the Village of Atwood in accordance with the rules & regulations printed in this ordinance.

To highlight, any person who operates a golf cart or UTV in the Village of Atwood takes full responsibility for all liability associated with operating a golf cart or UTV. Any person who operates a golf cart or UTV must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and possess a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle issued by Illinois or any other state.

Permits shall be granted for a period of one year. The initial cost is $75 per cart or UTV to cover the costs of implementing and maintaining this ordinance, and shall be paid to the Village Clerk by the applicant. Renewals must be made by May 1 of each year at a cost of $50 per cart.

Residents who are in violation of this ordinance should see the village clerk right away.

The following business was discussed by the board:

1.The board approved Ordinance 21-O-2 Village of Atwood Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

2.It was approved for Public Works Superintendent Jeff Mercer to hire seasonal help for the remainder of the summer. Applicants must be 16 years & older.

3.Approval was given for street and traffic sign improvements. President Fleming stated there is a lot of painting to be done; signs need to be repaired and some removed. All board members are asked to keep watch throughout the village for signs that need attention.

4.The board approved the motion to authorize renovation to the current police building, current Sav-Mor building and Municipal Building. New LED lights will be installed, old furniture will be replaced, painting, etc. The Police Department will return to the pharmacy building only when they have moved to their new location on Rt. 36 with Kirby Clinic. The current police department will be used for storage. Atwood Chamber has asked to be able to store some of their seasonal decorations in there as well. The current flooring in the Municipal Building will be covered with a new flooring. Costs for new LED lights in the village hall will be $946, but the village will receive a rebate from Ameren in the amount of $846, making the final cost to the village of $100.

5.Scott Harris was named as Village President Pro-Tem by approval of the board.

6.The Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with the Piatt County Forest Preserve District at the park was accepted with $3,000 paid to the village per year.

7.The board discussed organizing a program encouraging residents to clean-up their property located within village limits. Seniors/ invalids unable to clean up their own property should enlist help from volunteers. Let the village know if you need assistance.

8.A motion was passed to change the accounting system to QuickBooks.

9.The board voted to accept quotes to regrade and replace culverts along the south side of South Oak. The cost will be $1,400 labor and $1,274 for materials, for a total of $2,674. The residents in this area have been having a problem with water drainage.

10.Expenditures totaling $34,069.83 were accepted.

11.A lengthy discussion was held regarding the TIF District. Attorney Kenny Crossman is to draw up a proposal for criteria for the village to develop a form regarding additions to the TIF program.

12.The American Legion Auxiliary asked the village board for approval to use the pavilion and restrooms and concession stand for a family movie night during Apple Dumpling. The board gave the approval for the pavilion and restrooms, but stated the concession stand is the property of the Youth League.

13.The board approved the motion to replace lighting on the NW baseball diamond and concession stand with LED lights. The cost will be $17,443; however, they will receive a $14,443 rebate from Ameren make the final cost $3,000.

14.Trustee Chris Stoltz announced that Police Chief Rob Bross received first place in the Traffic Safety Challenge. He will find out what he won in August.

15.President Fleming talked about his 3-year plan. We will bring that to our readers in a separate article.

The next meeting of the board will be held on Monday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m.