RUSSELLS POINT – Council addressed its recent decision to vote down an ordinance that would have allowed the use of golf carts on village streets during its May 7 meeting.

Russells Point resident Ralph Fuhrman approached council to express his disappointment with council’s decision to vote against the operation of golf carts in the village.

While an explanation wasn’t required, council members did offer several reasons as to why they voted against the ordinance. The reasons included:

•There are three state routes and one interstate running through the village.

•There have been times when golf cart operators haven’t respected other drivers by pulling out in front of them.

•There are instances where there are double yellow lines and not enough room for those driving golf carts to pull aside to allow vehicles to pass them.

•There have been occasions in which golf cart operators haven’t readily given the right of way to emergency vehicles.

Several council members also expressed various other safety concerns that weighed heavily on their decisions to vote down the ordinance.

Following discussion, Fuhrman said he understood their concerns, but he reminded council that it’s possible for citizens to petition and put the issue on the ballot.

In other business:

•After council was informed the village received in excess of $33,000 in estate tax, Mayor Robin Reames stated the village needs to be “cautious” in spending the money because the wills and estates of the deceased can be contested at any time. 

No plans for the use of the funds were discussed.

•Council was informed that calls for service to the Russells Point Police Department is on the rise, and citizens are asked to be watchful in their neighborhoods. 

To help with the increased calls for service, the department is hiring Ariel Ballesteros to serve as an auxiliary patrolman.

•The police department informed council the new Dodge Charger police cruiser will soon be added to the fleet.

•Council has received a grant application from the Logan County Commissioners’ Office for a Community Development Block Grant. Reames is working with the Washington Township Ball Association to see grant funding to revive Leppich Ball Field.. Zoning Officer Joel Kranenburg is also seeking funding to tear down condemned and dilapidated houses within the village.

•Kranenburg advised council he is inspecting the village for properties that need to be cleaned up, and he will be sending out notices to property owners in violation of village ordinances. Kranenburg noted finding the property owner to serve the notice of violation to is often a difficult task since vacant properties are often owned by financial institutions not in the area.