MIDDLEPORT — Middleport Village Council held the first reading on an ordinance to allow under-speed vehicles on its streets, after months of discussion and debate about the vehicles’ safety.

The proposed ordinance will take effect if council approves it after a third and final reading. It would allow the golf cart-type vehicles to operate on most village streets, with some major thoroughfares excepted.

While some see the vehicles as golf carts, they are not, supporters of their use say. They are licensed and inspected and safe for operation.

State law allows these vehicles to be licensed, after inspection, as long as they are driven on roadways with speed limits of 35 or less and under other requirements. Middleport has a speed limit of 25 or less.

By state definition, USV’s must be inspected and registered before they are permitted, and that service is now provided through the county sheriff.

The vehicles must bear valid license plates and registration stickers, two headlights and other safety lights, windshield and a wiper.

Other business

Mayor Michael Gerlach said the company that installed the village’s new water lines last year is about to return to Middleport to make repairs to private property needed as a result of the work. Anyone with yard repairs or other work to be completed by the contractor should contact the public works department, Gerlach said.

Council will consider an ordinance governing summer yard and garage sales. The proposed ordinance would limit yard sales to three days, twice each year. Council President Rae Moore said she agrees yard sales should be more closely regulated, but she noted many in the community rely on the sales to supplement their income, and said council should be sensitive to that fact given the current economic climate.

Council also:

• Approved hiring Tyson Lee, Middleport, as a part-time police officer. He will replace two officers, one of whom is now on limited duty and another who is leaving the force.

• Approved the mayor’s report of fees and fines collected in May, in the amount of $5,553.68.

• Approved monthly reports from the public works, finance, refuse and income tax departments.

Attending were Gerlach, Moore, Fiscal Officer Susan Baker and members of council: Sandy Brown, Craig Wehrung, Julia Houston, Shawn Rice and Emerson Heighton.