The St. Ignatius Town Council passed the first reading of its golf-cart ordinance and swore in the returning council members during last week's meeting on Dec. 2.  

The golf-cart ordinance would allow carts to be driven on city streets once again. Due to St. Ignatius citizens requesting the return of this ordinance and improved safety features on these carts, council president Daniel Thompson decided to present it to the council.  

The ordinance follows state law, which authorizes carts on city streets as long as they have head lamps, a horn, rear-view mirror and a reflector. The golf cart must go slower than 25 miles per hour, and the driver must have a valid driver’s license.  

The golf cart must also be registered through the county and follow any motor vehicle regulations. The second reading of the ordinance will occur during next month’s meeting on Jan. 6 and if passed it will be a town ordinance within the following 30 days.  

The town clerk/treasurer Amberly Walker swore in the council members that will take office starting Jan.1. Mayor Daren Incasola was uncontested and councilman Chris Heffern and former mayor Steve McCollum won a four-way race for council. 

McCollum was elected mayor in 2017 and previously served on the council for 12 years, according to Lake County Leader reporting.   

St. Ignatius Police Chief Jason Acheson also provided an update on department grants. The department was awarded a $5,000 High Visibility Traffic Enforcement Mini Grant from the Montana Department of Transportation Highway Traffic Safety Section.  

According to Acheson, this will allow the department to work overtime for holidays, special events, community traffic enforcement needs, or special operations. This is for high traffic visibility presence, which includes DUI shifts or seatbelt-related shifts for citing drivers who are not wearing seat belts. 

Acheson also recently applied for a $2,200 Mason Moore Foundation grant to purchase three patrol rifles. He explained that the current rifles he has are 30 years old, two of which he’s had issues with. Acheson said he will know if this grant is approved in February.   

Acheson also applied for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant, which would provide his evidence locker with new shelving and a cooler for assault-related evidence. He said he should hear if this is approved or not by Dec. 31.