Hideout reports banner year, city talks golf carts

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Monticello City Council heard an end-of-year report on the Hideout Golf Course, approved a purchase for the city garbage truck and discussed the driving of golf carts on city streets at their latest meeting.
Members of the city council heard an end of year report from Hideout Golf Pro Jeff Simon at their November 13 meeting. 
Simon reported a 20 percent increase in total revenue for the Hideout and a 16 percent increase in rounds played.
A full tournament schedule, junior clinics, and an increase in annual pass sales were all attributed to the season’s success. Simon also thanked the city for their investment in new golf carts and equipment which helped with the course’s appeal.
Simon also recommended a modest increase in green fees for the upcoming season, citing a need to remain competitive with other courses in the region.
Members of the city council also heard from a resident asking the council to reconsider the inclusion of golf carts in recent city ordinances that emphasized curtailing use of electronic scooters, off-highway vehicles and golf carts on city streets.
Geoff McIntyre asked the city to limit their restrictions to children using vehicles and said that golf carts don’t qualify as OHV’s.
Adding the use of his cart including the social aspect is part of why he enjoys living in Monticello. “I hope you don’t go overboard and outlaw golf carts on city streets. I think that would be overreach.”
Later in the meeting, members of the council discussed golf cart usage on city streets. It was noted while state code does not permit licensing of golf carts, vehicles outfitted to meet low-speed vehicle requirements with the state could operate under corresponding regulations.
It was also noted that golf carts are not allowed on or to cross highways without approval from a municipality.
Other concerns were related to insurance coverage and liability in case of accidents involving golf carts. 
Council members also expressed concerns about golf carts being driven on sidewalks or parking illegally.
Council was in agreeance that regulations should be clear for both law enforcement and residents, asking City Manager Kaeden Kulow to gather additional information for the city to move speedily on developing a code.
Kulow shared he has been in contact with the city attorney about this issue and was open to exploring other small municipalities with golf courses to see how they address the issue.
Members of the city council also approved the purchase of a new part for the front of the city garbage truck.
The $28,000 purchase of a carry can which will replace a part on the current city trucks that have seen extensive damage to the bottom of them. Being an older model, the quote came in lower than was previously anticipated and the council approved the purchase.
Members of the city council also approved an agreement with San Juan Health to provide utilities to the new hospital ahead of a future annexation of the facility into Monticello city boundaries.
The agreement had been in conversation for the previous two city council meetings with the city and San Juan Health coming to an agreement on terms for the agreement.
While the property for the new hospital is currently outside of city limits, the timeline for annexation into the city did not align with the hospital’s timeline.
As a result, the city has agreed to provide utilities to the hospital for the same rate as properties within city boundaries, with the hospital agreeing to apply for annexation around the time the project is complete. 
Members of the council unanimously approved the agreement.
Members of the council also received a report on the latest from the city planning and zoning commission, which has been working on a few ordinance updates including updating the code for landscaping requirements to allow residents to apply for state funds to make lawns more water-friendly.
The commission has also been working on an ordinance to outline code requirements for a tiny home park.