MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry City Council clarified an ordinance that allows golf carts to be used on certain city streets during Wednesday’s regular meeting.

The clarification is meant to allow the city’s police officers to better enforce the existing law. Apparently some people, including resident Joe Charlton, have been using smaller recreational vehicles, known as utility terrain vehicles, to get around the city. However, the vehicle, a Rebel X, is not a golf cart and was not approved and inspected by the police department, city officials said.

Charlton said he did not understand the ordinance, as his vehicle is considered street legal by state of Ohio standards.

“It’s built for the street. … I don’t even drive it 20 mph,” he said.

However, Safety Director Jack Regis Jr. pointed out the state law also allows cities to decide what types of lower-speed vehicles can be used on their streets.

“Our ordinance is strictly for golf carts,” said Councilman Bruce Shrodes.

Councilman Rick Rodgers pointed out that council could consider approving a separate ordinance to allow vehicles such as Charlton’s to be used in the city in the future.

Charlton noted he purchased the vehicle in July as a birthday present to himself.

The current golf cart ordinance established in 2017 includes rules for the safe operation and inspection of golf carts in the city.

The ordinance states the carts must be approved by the chief of police, not weigh less than 1,000 pounds and not carry more than six people. To own or operate the cart, one must show proof of liability insurance for it and pay the city a permit fee of $35. A permit is good for one year.

The ordinance also notes golf carts are not permitted to travel past the intersection of Hanover Street and Third Street toward Ohio 7.

The carts are not allowed to travel in the industrial park area of the city, located between Ohio 7 and the Ohio River. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and also have a valid driver’s license.

In other matters, council approved allowing Mayor John Davies to tear down a dilapidated house at 511 Cemetery Road that was declared an emergency teardown by Regis Jr. Davies said it would cost between $4,000 and $5,000 to haul away the debris to the landfill after he tears it down with his own demolition equipment.

Meanwhile, council approved holding the city’s trick or treat session from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 31.

Council also approved donating an old Martins Ferry EMS ambulance to the Belmont County Animal Rescue League. The vehicle will help BCARL transport animals. Regis Jr. said the 2005 medical squad has not been used in three or four years and is just taking up space in the EMS garage.

In other business, residents who are looking to get rid of unwanted household items can set them out with their regular trash during the city’s Fall Cleanup being held the week of Sept. 20. Items should be placed in one’s regular trash area on their regular trash day. Unwanted mattresses should be wrapped in plastic. Hazardous materials, electronics and tires will not be taken.