Nokomis Loses Officer, May Gain Golf Carts
A discussion about the pros and cons of utilizing golf carts within city limits took up much of the
time before the Nokomis City Council when they met Monday evening, June 22. The majority of
those who attended expressed opinions in favor of the initiative.
Marty Dawson, an enthusiastic supporter for golf carts, was joined by Gary Compton and
Virginia Eller in recommending approval of them for use within city limits. Others including Mike
Charnisky and Jim Ryan were also supportive but cautioned that strict oversight needs to be
implemented to ensure public safety.
Mayor Keith Hancock and city attorney Michael Glenn will work together formulating an
ordinance that will be presented before the full council. The ordinance is to include safety
requirements, inspection and permitting procedures, proof of insurance and driver eligibility.
In addition, Hancock will also draw up a map of streets that would function as acceptable
routes although it would not include state or county highways.
In other action, the council passed an ordinance increasing water and waste water rates by 15
cents per 1,000 gallons. The rate hike becomes effective June 1, and will be seen on bills which
are due Aug. 15.
The resignation of full-time police officer, Tim Fortkamp, was accepted. He is taking a full-time
position with the Staunton Police Department.
Also up for discussion was the construction of restroom facilities at Fred B. Johnson Park.
Mike Charnisky and Jim Ryan raised concerns about the cost of the project and the possibility it
would become a target for vandalism. Nathan Ruppert countered the facilities are necessary to
accommodate the crowds that frequently utilize the park. He is planning for a Model A Ford rally
later in September that could attract as many as 40 drivers in addition to their families and guests.
During the course of the meeting, the council noted and/or approved the following:
The council will hold a public hearing to consider vacating Merle Street which runs through the
old skating rink property. It will be held at 6:45 p.m. on July 13, 15 minutes before the start of the
next regular council meeting.
A discussion about the pros and cons of utilizing golf carts within city limits took up much of the
time before the Nokomis City Council when they met Monday evening, June 22. The majority of
those who attended expressed opinions in favor of the initiative.
Marty Dawson, an enthusiastic supporter for golf carts, was joined by Gary Compton and
Virginia Eller in recommending approval of them for use within city limits. Others including Mike
Charnisky and Jim Ryan were also supportive but cautioned that strict oversight needs to be
implemented to ensure public safety.
Mayor Keith Hancock and city attorney Michael Glenn will work together formulating an
ordinance that will be presented before the full council. The ordinance is to include safety
requirements, inspection and permitting procedures, proof of insurance and driver eligibility.
In addition, Hancock will also draw up a map of streets that would function as acceptable
routes although it would not include state or county highways.
In other action, the council passed an ordinance increasing water and waste water rates by 15
cents per 1,000 gallons. The rate hike becomes effective June 1, and will be seen on bills which
are due Aug. 15.
The resignation of full-time police officer, Tim Fortkamp, was accepted. He is taking a full-time
position with the Staunton Police Department.
Also up for discussion was the construction of restroom facilities at Fred B. Johnson Park.
Mike Charnisky and Jim Ryan raised concerns about the cost of the project and the possibility it
would become a target for vandalism. Nathan Ruppert countered the facilities are necessary to
accommodate the crowds that frequently utilize the park. He is planning for a Model A Ford rally
later in September that could attract as many as 40 drivers in addition to their families and guests.
During the course of the meeting, the council noted and/or approved the following:
- Revenues were received from cable franchise tax, $1,083; telecommunications tax,
$6,958; sales tax, $12,575; and use tax, $2,555
- Monthly bills were approved totaling $45,655
- City owned property (the former skating rink) will be listed with realtor Jack Tosetti
- Tap Business Systems in Pana will provide copy machine maintenance for one additional
year
- A concrete slab will be poured at Fred B. Johnson Park for a bicycle rack
The council will hold a public hearing to consider vacating Merle Street which runs through the
old skating rink property. It will be held at 6:45 p.m. on July 13, 15 minutes before the start of the
next regular council meeting.