The Wayland City Council has cooled to the idea of permitting golf carts within the city limits, and it appears the idea now is dead in the water.

Council was approached last month with a proposal to allow the vehicles on certain streets with certain restrictions, but virtually all members Monday night expressed opposition.

Councilman Joe Kramer said, “I’m still opposed to this,” pointing to reports of a 300% increase in golf cart accidents over the past several years and tales of some people “souping up’ their carts so they can go faster.

Kramer, a medical first responder, said there have been too many incident s involving minor children being thrown out of the carts because of a lack of safery equipment on board.

Councilman Tim Rose said he’s concerned about “everybody driving around and causing traffic problems… I think this will cause more headaches than benefits.”
City Manager Josh Eggleston agreed, noting that too many families allow children to pile into the carts, making the rides unsafe.

Councilman Gary Smith, a retired police officer, noted that some adults use golf carts to take back roads after drinking at the bar.

Councilman Rick Mathis brought up cost concerns, saying city taxpayers would have to absorb the costs of new signs and safety pamphlets, costs the city could not recoup.

Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said, “I see the fun (of allowing carts), but I just don’t see the need.”

Councilman Abe Garcia noted there already are cars, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians in the city and adding yet another vehicle may not be such a good idea.

Smith added that when he traveled Tuesday on Kalamazoo Avenue near Green Lake, he counted as many as five safety signs for that golf-cart community.

Noting the council would have to craft an ordinance to permit golf cart activity in the city, Kramer suggested everybody simply let the matter drop.

Mayor Tim Bala agreed, saying, “The consensus I am hearing is that nobody wants to continue with this.”

In other business at Monday’s meeting, the council:

• Agreed to permit New Life Church to use the City Park from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 13) for a special outdoor fall kickoff service.
• Was told by Eggleston that Tuesday, Sept. 8, was the last day for the splash pad at the city park. It has been shut down until next May.
• Learned from the city manager that he plans to announce the identity of the new city clerk at the end of this week.