Aldermen Set Guidelines For Temporary Lodging
April M. Fronick • Editor
Bowling Green Aldermen gave the green light to trailer park owners in good standing with
the city to accommodate recreational vehicles/travel trailers with passage of a temporary
use permit.
A large influx of recreational vehicles/travel trailers are expected in the area as laborers
move through the area for work on the pipeline. At last night’s regular board meeting,
aldermen adopted a temporary use permit ordinance. The permit is designed to answer a
need for temporary lodging as pipeline work moves through this area.
The ordinance stipulates that owners of areas designated for manufactured/mobile homes
can file for a temporary use permit to allow recreational vehicles to occupy space. A permit
fee of $250 will be collected as prescribed in the ordinance. The space must be approved
by the building inspector (Mel Orf) and the public works manager (Bo Stinnett). A permit
will be granted for a period of 180 days and can be extended for up to 180 days more.
Permits will be issued to park owners in good standing with the city. Those visiting the
area must take city water and sewer, along with electrical services to ensure safety. A tag
will be issued to those moving into a trailer park and all of the stipulations will be checked
by city officials.
The measure passed 5-1. Alderman Terry Burris cast the dissenting vote.
In other business, aldermen discussed allowing golf carts on city roads with a speed limit
of 35 mph or lower. The city currently prohibits the use of scooters, ATVs, golf carts, etc.,
on city streets. Burris asked the board to consider changing the ordinance in light of the
high cost of fuel.
“It’s becoming really popular in places like Mexico,” Burris said.
He explained that brand new cats can be outfitted with gears to allow travel at faster
speeds, wipers, lights and other safety features. He noted a cart can even obtain a license
plate.
Police Chief Steve Kruse said more investigation needs to be done into the matter. He
indicated that he would check with other communities that allow golf carts.
Alderman Mary Grover noted that she was torn on the subject.
“I wouldn’t want to drive behind one.”
She noted, though, there are people in Hannibal investing in golf carts so it probably
wouldn’t be long before citizens in Bowling Green began exploring the option.
City Administrator J.D. Kehrman said he could check with other municipalities of similar
size to Bowling Green and have a report by the next board meeting.
The city will soon be looking to purchase two vehicles for city use. Kehrman requested the
board approve the allocation of up to $13,900 for a new truck. The vehicle will be utilized
in the water department. He further asked that the administrator’s vehicle, a late model
Ford Taurus with 130,000 miles, be switched to the police department. The car will be
used by the department’s detective and a used car will be purchased for the administrator.
Kehrman explained the supplier the city uses will have a limited ability to offer low-mileage
vehicles next year.
“It’s going to dry up pretty quick,” he said.
Alderman Mark Bair asked if the city planned to purchase a small pick-up without four-
wheel drive.
Stinnett explained a four-wheel drive truck is necessary for the type of work that is
performed. He explained the department has three other four-wheel drive trucks that are
utilized to move heavy equipment and even snow in the winter.
Bair questioned the need for another four-wheel drive truck with the cost of fuel. Burris
pointed out a half-ton truck isn’t big enough to carry a snow plow.
Stinnett explained the trucks are used to check lift stations and collect samples and
switching trucks for the different needs is not handy.
The board approved the measure 5-1. Bair cast the dissenting vote.
The board also:
•approved the designation of Mel Orf as the city’s floodplain administrator.
•approved a one-year garbage service contract with Dayne’s Waste Disposal.
•approved a grant application for $500,000 in funds from the Department of Natural
Resources for the upcoming water project.
Bowling Green Will Look At Allowing Golf Carts On Roads