By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Although not official yet, Hillsboro will soon allow utility vehicles, micro utility trucks, golf carts, and all-terrain vehicles on city streets.

The idea of permitting their use on city streets was first discussed in September, and ordinance proposals have been written, reviewed, and sent back for amendments.

City council members reviewed three proposals by police chief Dan Kinning Tuesday, and after questioning him on his concerns, sent one of Kinning’s proposals to city attorney Josh Boehm to be finalized.

Kinning proposed all the vehicles be required to have brake lights, headlights, and turn signals added.

“My concern is during the day, not having any brake lights or turn signals,” Kinning said.

Kinning said his research shows lights are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Kinning thinks turn signals are safer because not everyone would pay attention to, or even know the meaning of, hand signals.

He also wants brake lights on them to warn drivers behind that the golf carts are slowing down or stopping.

Terry Ens, facilities manager for Tabor College, asked if headlights, taillights, and turn signals are necessary for golf carts mostly used by college staff on their own campus. The carts are sometimes used to cross D St. and occasionally used on Adams St.

Ens didn’t like the idea of have to retrofit every golf cart, but didn’t seem opposed to installing lights on newer golf carts.

“We’ve got some pretty old golf carts,” Ens said.

“We’re hoping to maybe update our fleet someday so we could run downtown,” Ens said.

Ens also asked if the college’s umbrella insurance policy would meet the requirement of having liability insurance on the golf carts.

Council members agreed by consensus to require lights on all utility vehicles, micro utility trucks, golf carts, and all-terrain vehicles used on city streets, with an exemption for the college’s zoning area.

Disc golf course to be expanded

Hillsboro’s disc golf course at the county fairground will soon expand from a nine-hole course to an 18-hole course.

Disc golf fan Jerry Schwilling, who raised money and obtained permission to build the existing nine-hole golf course, told council members they are ready to install another nine holes.

The area first considered for expansion, though, is too heavily-used to expand there, Schwilling said. Instead they want to shift to an area with less foot traffic.

Schwilling said he is on the agenda of the next park commission board and will request permission to add nine holes.

“The funding we received for this came from grants and donations,” Schwilling said. “We are looking at this point for the council’s approval.”

Council members voted to approve the expansion pending approval from the park commission.