Monticello City passes golf code, talks annexation map

Monticello City Council passed a golf cart code, spoke about the update to the annexation map and heard from SJC-PAC at their latest meeting.
Members of the Monticello City Council approved the golf cart code at their April 8 meeting after months of work.
The code includes definitions of golf carts, as well as rules for operation including requirements of drivers licenses, speed limits, and night time operations requiring headlights.
The code also restricts carts from driving along the school zone on 200 West, or operating on Highway 191 or 491 except for designated crossing areas, as well as preventing carts from being used on sidewalks, parked in handicapped spots, or other restricted zones such as fire lanes.
Members of the council also considered limiting the area that golf carts can travel in town, such as to and from the golf course. Ultimately, they decided to allow carts to openly travel throughout town.
City manager Kaeden Kulow shared that after discussion with the city attorney they did provide an exception to allow golfers to drive with an open container of alcohol while on the golf course but not elsewhere.
The city attorney also assured Kulow that while the state requirement is more lax the city is allowed to require a driver’s license to operate the carts and they do require it.
Kulow also clarified that the section regarding headlights was copied from the ATV code. Golf carts that have headlights are required to have them on while driving around town, while carts without headlights cannot travel after dark.
The code passed with a vote of three to one with council members Kirk Crowley, Nathan Chamberlain and Kevin Dunn voting in favor and council member George Rice voting against.
Members of the council also reviewed the city effort to update the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) code as well, with the draft returning to the city attorney to assure that it is in line with state requirements as well.
Assistant city manager Megan Gallegos also provided information about the update to the annexation plan map noting that the current annexation policy was last updated in 2002. A meeting by the planning commission was held on April 15. Gallegos explained the update does not mean properties are automatically annexed into the city but gives property owners within the annexation expansion area the opportunity to petition to be annexed into the city. The planning and zoning commission is also working on updating permitted uses within the city.
Members of the council also heard a report from the city airport engineer. Noting upcoming large-scale projects including the rehabilitation of the runway slated for design in 2026 and construction in 2027, as well as the replacement of the airport beacon in the next year.
Members of the city council also asked for an update on the feasibility study related to the city’s power contract. Kulow shared that with the timeline given the feasibility study would be completed in six to eight weeks equaling a timeline at the end of May, or beginning of June. That gives the council about a month to review the information before making a decision.
Council member Rice asked that the item be brought forth for a discussion at an upcoming city meeting to have the city begin considering options sooner for the future of the city agreement with Empire Electric.
Monticello city council members also heard from the San Juan County Action Prevention Collaboration Coalition(SJC PAC). The organization seeks to combat risky youth behaviors including substance abuse and suicide prevention, the collaboration among a dozen county groups relies on SHARP survey data collected to weight and address risk factors in local youth.
The latest survey identified risks including low neighborhood attachment, poor family management, academic failure, attitudes favorable for antisocial behavior and depressive symptoms.
In addition to meetings discussing and planning the issues across community organizations the group is also aiming to foster positive community connections.
Among initiatives highlighted included partnerships with Monticello recreation with movie nights and prevention-focused crafts and lessons. SJC PAC also has collaborated on 24th of July events.
The coalition also reported they are looking to increase community involvement in their efforts.