The Orange Beach City Council had the first public reading for an ordinance to amend Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances to regulate the operation of golf carts on certain streets within the city.

There was not a unanimous consent to suspend the rules to consider the ordinance so it will move forward to the next meeting. Councilperson Annette Mitchell’s reasoning for voting no was to give residents more time. Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon also voted no. Jeff Boyd, Joni Blalock and Jerry Johnson voted yes. Jeff Silvers was not in attendance at the Nov. 2 city council meeting.

During the Oct. 19 city council regular session, there was a first reading of a new golf cart ordinance, but Councilperson Jeff Boyd voiced some concerns regarding the minimum age requirement.

“If someone’s child has a driver’s license with a motorcycle and boating on it at the age of 14 which is legal, I think it’s very difficult to tell that parent they can’t drive a golf cart but they can drive a 125-cc motorcycle. I think that should be changed to 14 with a motorcycle endorsement on your license,” Boyd said.

Police Chief Steve Brown spoke to the city council and voiced similar concerns to Boyd’s. He said he has encountered someone driving a golf cart that was licensed to operate a motorcycle and it made him think.

“If they can operate the motorcycle, why can’t they operate an electric golf cart?” Brown said.

The Orange Beach ordinance will enforce the minimum required by law according to Kennon. Some of the equipment required by state law are headlights, brake lights, blinkers and a windshield.

“We are not asking for extras or anything more. I just hope people understand,” Kennon said.

The Orange Beach Police Department posted on its Facebook page Nov. 4 that the new golf cart ordinance will not go into effect until March 1, 2022.

“Our officers will not be enforcing the ordinance until that time. Please review the ordinance if you are a golf cart owner,” the post said.

Residents can view the full ordinance by visiting orangebeachal.gov. The ordinance will be voted on during the Nov. 16 city council meeting which will take place at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center at 5 p.m.

During the regular council meeting, the council:

• Passed a resolution authorizing the execution of a professional service agreement with J.F. Morris Performance, LLC. for theater performance direction and choreography for Thoroughly Modern Millie in the amount of $15,250 paid in three monthly payments of $5,083.34.
• Passed a resolution authorizing electrical changes at the Performing Arts Center in an amount not to exceed $27,318.
• Passed a resolution authorizing the execution of a Facility Usage Agreement with the Coastal Ballet Company for The Nutcracker at the Performing Arts Center.
• Passed a resolution authorizing the execution of a professional service agreement with Cowles, Murphy, Glover and Associates, Inc. for Alabama Point Seawall repair design.
• Passed a resolution authorizing the execution of a service agreement with NXTsoft Cybersecurity Solutions, LLC. doing business as ThreatAdvice for IT services related to cybersecurity.
• Passed a resolution authorizing the purchase of a tanker truck for the Utilities Department through Sourcewell in the amount of $290,993.29. The manufacturer canceled all 2021 orders due to part shortages. This resolution is for a 2023 Kenworth T480.
• Passed a resolution declaring 35 Christmas pole decorations as surplus and unneeded and authorizing the donation to the city of Centreville.
• Passed a resolution declaring 40 Christmas pole decorations as surplus and unneeded and authorizing the donation to the town of Elberta.
• Passed a resolution authorizing the sole source purchase of security cameras and installation at the Orange Beach Sportsplex from Inner Parish Security Corporation in the amount of $40,983.78.