Ask the Chief

It seems that when some people get behind the wheel of a golf cart or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) they forget the safety rules that are in place to protect everyone. I am getting more complaints than usual, and if this trend continues, I will have no choice but to strictly enforce the city ordinance.
Here is a sample of the complaints and the law governing golf carts and ATV's. The law was enacted in 2012.
Golf carts are not to be driven on Highway 68, although you are allowed to cross the highway. This means that if you are using your golf cart or ATV, you need to drive on the city streets and alleys to get around town. You can park behind Gislason Ace Hardware and use their rear entrance or walk between the buildings to access the other businesses.
The City Hall Bar and Grill also has a rear entrance. If you need to come to City Hall, Cenex, Dollar General or Minneota Building Materials, you must cross Highway 68 and then use alleys or side streets to get to your location.
Sidewalks are not for golf carts or ATV's. Do not use the sidewalks to drive along Highway 68 in hopes of getting around the law.
You can’t drive your golf cart or ATV after sunset or before sunrise even if it has headlights. I will use the official sunrise and sunset time from the national weather service to enforce this part of the law.
The speed limit for golf carts and ATV's is 15 mph.
You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license to drive a golf cart. If you are driving an ATV, you must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license and follow all of the DNR ATV rules.
Golf carts and ATV's must follow all the rules of the road in the same manner as a motor vehicle. This means that they must stop at stop signs, yield at yield signs, and drive with care.
Golf carts and ATV's use in Minneota is not a right. It is only allowed because the Minneota City Council has authorized it. Right now I am concerned with gross or flagrant violations, but if complaints continue this will change and a violation will result in citations and the loss of your permit.
If you own or operate a golf cart or ATV, I encourage you to follow the rules and make sure that people using your golf cart or ATV are also following the rules.