Barnesville Village Council Talks Scooters
The Barnesville Village Council discussed regulations on riding scooters in the village at Monday evening’s council meeting.
Solicitor Richard Myser discussed the low-speed micro mobility device (scooter) ordinance. Citizens attending council meetings in the past had asked about regulations for the scooters. After doing research, Myser presented his findings.
Myser said the village does have an ordinance regarding scooters and the regulations of them. The Ohio Revised Code and the ordinance defines a scooter as a low speed micro mobility device. As Myser further explained, this includes any device that weighs less than 100 pounds, has handlebars, is propelled by an electric motor or human power and has an attainable speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
Myser noted that scooters should not be confused with Segways nor Hoverboards which have their own regulations.
An operator must follow requirements: yield the right of way to pedestrians, give audible signals before passing a pedestrian, have lights on at night and not exceed 20 mph. Whoever violates the ordinance is subject to a minor misdemeanor. Any age can operate a scooter under the ordinance and Ohio Revised Code.
“The reason I’m bringing it up is because people wanted to know, ‘Do we have any regulations regarding scooters?’ We do have regulations,” Myser said. “The most important thing here is that you may regulate or prohibit the operation of low speed micro mobility devices on the public streets, highways, sidewalks or shared use paths of the village.”
Myser questioned that if the village prohibits scooters, will it start regulating bicycles, skateboards, electric wheelchairs and more?
“Our technology has allowed the scooters to be motorized and can sometimes cause a problem, but they are regulated,” Myser said, “and if anybody abuses the use, they can be cited for violation of a minor misdemeanor.”
Police Chief Rocky Sirianni noted the police department has not had many problems with them, but people are seeing more of them. He added a couple incidents happened, such as not safely crossing intersections, but nothing major.
“I just think that people and parents need to make sure that their kids and other adult operators are aware of all the traffic regulations and what they need to do and how to do so safely,” Sirianni said.
Sirianni added that most of the operators the department has observed are using scooters responsibly.
“There’s been just maybe a handful that we’ve had to stop and talk to and say, ‘Hey, you need to make sure you’re stopping at these intersections,” he said.
Mayor Jake Hershberger added he believes having a police officer in uniform will do the trick when it comes to informing children of the safety rules.
PARK DIRECTOR CERTIFICATION
Roger Deal recognized park director, Rich Wells, for completing the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Project Management Training Program. Wells is now certified to manage and administer projects funded by ODOT, such as the park trail.
MINUTES
Council approved the minutes from the Oct. 20 meeting. Councilman Tim McKelvey abstained as he was absent from the last meeting.
FINANCE
Fiscal Officer, Jeannie Hannahs, was given approval for a payment of $253,990.92
FIRE REPORT
In the month of October, Fire Chief Tim Hall reported the fire department was dispatched 10 times, while emergency medical services were dispatched 97 times. There were five transports from WVU Medicine/ Barnesville Hospital to another facility.
Hall also presented to council copies of Belmont County run totals from January to September covering fire departments and EMS.
“The county was very, very busy,” he said.
POLICE REPORT
Sirianni asked council to approve mayor Jake Hershberger’s appointment of Joshua Oppenheimer to the police department.
The Barnesville PD needed to hire an on the road patrol position after Officer Cody Daugherty became a school resource officer.
MAYOR’S COURT REPORT
Hershberger reported collections for October totaled $3,620. Of this amount $975 was remitted to the state, $39 to the county while the village retained the balance of $2,606.
BULK CHEMICAL BID
The bulk chemical bid opening will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 25 in the council chambers, administrator Roger Deal reported.
PERMITS
Council approved of two permits:
Amista Wilson (Hair Impressions) – 215 East Main St. – siding and new awning
Jefferis Real Estate – 1181 East Main St. – new storage units
MEETINGS
A Finance committee meeting is set for 9 a.m., Nov. 13
The Building and Grounds committee meeting will follow on Nov. 13
Main Street Program – Ohio Heritage will conduct a two-day workshop on the Main Street program. As part of the program, residents, business and building owners are invited to participate in a two-hour public meting from 6-8 p.m., Nov. 18 at the New Life Center, 219 W. Church Street. At the meeting, team members will report their observations and findings on Barnesville’s downtown and provide a community presentation on revitalization benefits and visioning. The meeting will also allow the public to participate and ask questions about the program.
The next council meeting is set for 7 p.m., Nov. 17.
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