Mount Vernon resident Julie Becker may as well have brought a can opener to the Mon., Aug. 11, meeting of the Mount Vernon City Council.

Becker presented information and asked Council members to pass an ordinance to register and inspect golf carts for driving on Mount Vernon side streets, only crossing main highways. Becker says she can’t insure her own golf cart unless the City passes such an ordinance.

After a lengthy discussion, Council members followed the advice of Councilman Bill Curtis to conduct a study before taking any action on the proposed golf course ordinance. Discussion involved both Council members and citizens concerning the safety and feasibility of driving golf carts within Mount Vernon, considering its size and traffic patterns.

At the request of Council members, Chief of Police Grant Beloat addressed the issue, stating that such an ordinance would "open a can of worms" since Becker’s request falls into "a gray area" within Indiana State law. Beloat said it is his understanding that the State has left it up to individual towns to decide about golf cart usage as long as they aren’t driven on major highways.

Concerns were discussed, in addition, with the safety of mobility scooters, mopeds, and lawnmowers being allowed on the roads. Beloat said that these concerns served to punctuate his point about opening a can of worms since these vehicles would also fall under scrutiny.

In other business:

•Richard DeMarco of Johnson Controls gave an update on the water improvement project. DeMarco stated that the flood rate is cut down, the rebar is in and the concrete has been poured, preparing work for the next level. At the temporary pump station, he reported, the pumps are sitting in the hole, but aren’t tied in. He added that trenching will begin within a week and that the project should be complete with the intake ready to be used by September 1.

• Street Commissioner Roy Maynard reported that he had spoken with INDOT about the intersection of 4th and Main and that INDOT plans to repair the intersection by August 31. Maynard further reported that the Street Department has been working on storm sewers, including a collapse on 7th Street that is under the sidewalk. Regarding paving projects, Maynard announced that 17 blocks of street had been paved and clippings had been put down on 12 blocks of alleyways. Maynard also expressed concern about dying trees on Main and 2nd streets and has contacted a professional for an expert opinion. Maynard said the trees may need to be replaced next season.

• Chief of Police Grant Beloat reported that he provided a news release about the recent rash of thefts and burglaries, most of them occurring between July 19 and July 21. He said the investigation has been concluded and most of the stolen property has been recovered. There is some stolen stereo equipment that no one has stepped forward to claim, and Beloat asked anyone missing such equipment to identify it with Detective John Dike.

• Mayor John Tucker announced that Jungle Safari will be coming to Southwind Plaza, September 10-13. The free attraction will feature exotic animals, a petting zoo and pony and camel rides. Jungle Safari will coincide with the Mount Vernon River Days, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13. Councilwoman Becky Higgins, also President of the Mount Vernon Historical Society, reported that planning for the River Days continues to go well with new attractions still being added.