TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, City Manager
TITLE: An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 74-151, Related to the Operation of Golf Carts in Cedar Grove Phase 1A; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Continue Ordinance 2021-42 to the second reading on November 23, 2021.
Recommended Action for Second Reading
Adopt Ordinance 2021-42 as presented.
Background Information
The following provides a chronological order of events related to the operation of golf carts in the Cedar Grove Phase 1A subdivision:
Ø February 9, 2021: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, the Commission adopted Ordinance 2020-44 relating to the operation of golf carts on designated City roadways, which included all City roads in Cedar Grove, Phase 1A.
Ø April 27, 2021: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, the Commission heard Agenda Item No. 21-0637, Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Potential Amendment to Remove Cedar Grove from Ordinance No. 2020-44, pertaining to the Use of Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles on City Roads. The following highlights discussion during this meeting:
ü Discussion took place that the provisions of Ordinance No. 2020-44 allowing the operation of golf carts in the Cedar Grove Phase 1A may violate the Cedar Grove Phase 1A Homeowners' Association (HOA) rules and regulations.
ü A Board member from the Cedar Grove Phase 1A HOA expressed concern with the City Ordinance allowing the operation of golf carts in their subdivision.
ü A resident expressed concerns with the City allowing use of golf carts, speeding limits not being enforced, concerns with children driving the golf carts without supervision, and enforcing speed on Marton Oak Boulevard.
ü A resident expressed interest in allowing golf carts to transport children from school, the community swimming pool, and the park, environmentally friendly and HOA to set rules for usage.
ü Discussion took place regarding ability to have low speed vehicles based on Florida Statues and HOA inability to limit low speed vehicles.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a motion was made to direct the City Manager and the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance repealing B1 and removing Cedar Grove 1A from allowing golf carts in the community. Discussion took place regarding following the code and allowing the HOA to request an exemption if desired.
Pursuant to the Commission’s directive, staff has drafted Ordinance No. 2021-42, Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 74-151, Related to the Operation of Golf Carts in Cedar Grove Phase 1A for review and consideration by the Commission.
Ordinance 2021-42 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Background Information for Second Reading
During its Regular Meeting on November 9, 2021, Commission approved Ordinance 2021-42 as presented.
Strategic Plan
Effective and Efficient Government
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 2021-42
2. Ordinance No. 2020-44
Prepared by: Juliana B. Bellia, Acting Assistant City Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, City Manager