Kids driving golf carts raise ire at Council meeting; 2022-23 budget passed
Demopolis City Council members covered a long agenda Thursday, but the most debate occurred at the end of the meeting when Councilman David McCants complained again about children driving golf carts on city roads.
“Golf carts are out of control,” he said. “We need help from police, Council and the public.”
His fellow councilman, Jim Stanford, echoed McCants’ remarks. “Parents aren’t taking this seriously.”
Discussion then centered around the instances in other cities where underaged drivers were seriously injured or killed. Demopolis Police Chief Rex Flowers said the only stipulation in golf cart usage is that it be driven by a licensed driver. So far, he said, the police department has received no complaints.
Heading the Council’s agenda was the approval of the 2022-2023 budget. Mayor Woody Collins said getting the budget passed early will give department heads a month to review the figures “to do any fine-tuning” before the budget takes effect Oct. 1.
Expected revenue for the year is $10,880,844, and anticipated expenses are $10,503,270.
The Council also approved updated rules and regulations for the use of the Demopolis Civic Center. The changes primarily included updating the requirements to meet existing codes and defining the uses of the building, said the mayor.
After a public hearing, the Council okayed an amendment to the zoning ordinance related to Areas of Special Flood Hazard. Previously the U.S. Corps of Engineers determined flood zones. Those areas now are governed by FEMA, and the amendment reflects the change in wording.
The only question concerning the change was from Harold Park who was told the amendment does not change how the city can use the property in the flood zone.
Three convenience stores once owned by Parr’s Chevron now are under new management. The company received approval for the sale of retail beer and table wine off premises only.
The Council recognized the Demopolis Pilot Club on its 75th anniversary Sunday, Aug. 28. President Charlotte Owens and members Eleanor Park and Nadeen Ivory said the club is in the process of re-starting the Anchor Club at Demopolis High School and starting a club at the middle school. Pilot Club International was 100 years old in 2021.
In other action, the Council approved:
- Financial reports inadvertently not approved in previous months.
- Raised the Municipal Business License Issuance Fee from $12 to $14.
- The Breast Cancer Walk Oct. 8 sponsored by Christian Chapel Baptist Church, including street closures.