By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Hillsboro city council members reviewed a proposed ordinance that would allow utility vehicles, micro utility trucks, golf carts, and all-terrain vehicles on city streets, then sent it back to city attorney Josh Boehm for changes.

Boehm said police chief Dan Kinning asked that if the ordinance was adopted this week, it not go into effect before Jan. 31, so Kinning would have time to get inspection forms before the vehicles are driven on the street.

As now written, the ordinance would require all vehicles to have headlight, taillights, and turn signals, and prohibit golf carts from being on city streets between sunset and sunrise.

Resident Jim Heffley told council members he thinks the proposed $50 registration fee is too high.

“It’s my understanding that the registration is modeled after motorcycle registration,” Heffley said.

He said he pays $24 to register his motorcycle.

Mayor Lou Thurston said the city doesn’t operate on the same scale as the state.

“This comes out of our pockets,” Thurston said.

“Would you not agree the second, third, and fourth year, the amount of labor would go down?” Heffley said.

Thurston said he doesn’t think $50 is too much for the

privilege of driving on city property.

“I disagree,” Heffley said.

Terry Ens, facilities manager for Tabor College, asked if headlights, taillights, and turn signals are necessary for golf carts, which travel at slower speeds.

Thurston said he had no problem with golf cars simply having a slow-moving vehicle sign, since they move at slower speeds.

Council members also agreed turn signals are probably only necessary on other vehicles at night.