Winamac resident Nora Schambers went before Winamac Town Council members Monday night asking them to consider amending the golf cart ordinance to allow small children ride in golf carts.
In Section 3-d of Winamac’s current golf cart ordinance it states that ‘no children under 48 lbs that require a child safety restraint seat are permitted to ride on a motorized cart’. Schambers asked the council to consider replacing that section with a rule that could potentially read ‘parents or guardians will use discretion and assume all liabilities associated with the injuries sustained by a child occupant under the weight of 48 lbs during the operation of a motorized cart on public roadways in the Town of Winamac’.
Schambers provided the council with signatures she’s gathered from residents who were also in favor of amending the ordinance. On paper, she received 54 signatures and another 99 signatures came in on an online petition that her brother started. She also mentioned that she called neighboring towns to hear whether their golf cart regulations included a similar ordinance but did not find any that included this wording.
Winamac Town Marshall Mike Buchanan said the ordinance was included for children’s safety. Schambers responded saying that she understands the risk driving the golf cart but feels that children who are over the legal weight are just as susceptible to injury in that case.
The council members made no action but President Tom Murray said they would take her comments under advisement and address the matter in the future.
