Second reading of electric-assisted bicycles, scooters slated for Monday

Among the items on the Worthington City Council agenda for Monday is the second reading of a proposed ordinance that would provide regulations for the use and operation of electric-assisted bicycles within the city. 

"This has been in the works for quite some time," Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson explained. "One of the difficulties was educating ourselves on the different classes of all of these. And can you easily recognize them? And how do you enforce this state mandate — state statutes -- when it is so difficult to identify what class of e- bike or motorized bike it may be and what rules specifically apply to that class?

"I think our main goal is we want the public to be safe through education and conversations," Robinson added.

Through this work, the aim is to get people to comply and be cognizant of the risk that they're placing themselves and others in without having to engage city police to step up their enforcement.

Council members will also consider the first reading of a proposed ordinance regarding the imposition of civil penalties for liquor license violations. The proposed ordinance establishes a graduated penalty structure for violations by liquor licensees and provides a consistent process for imposing penalties.

The proposed ordinance is authorized by state statute and provides that prior violations occurring more than 36 calendar months before the most recent violation will not be considered when determining successive violations. It also establishes procedural requirements when a suspension or revocation is proposed.

In another item Monday, the city will discuss the potential purchase of a small parcel of land located adjacent to the south side of a parcel recently bought by the city that will extend East Flower Lane.