Committee of the Whole Meeting

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE City Hall – Council Chambers October 19, 2020 The Committee of the Whole met at City Hall via teleconference at 6:30 p.m. on October 19, 2020, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Mayor Robert M. Green, Frank Darrah, Susan deBuhr, Kelly Dunn, Simon Harding, Mark Miller, and Dave Sires. Daryl Kruse was absent. Staff members attended from all City Departments, as well as members of the community teleconferenced in. Amie Rivers with the Waterloo Courier, as well as members of the community teleconferenced in. The Mayor introduced the first item E-bikes. Chase Schrage Director of Public Works stated E-bikes have gained populatity in recent years. He reviewed the three classes of E-bikes. He stated State Code of Iowa’s definition of a ‘bicycle’ includes electric bikes classes 1 and 2, while excluding class 3. Mr. Schrage stated City ordinance is very similar to that of the state code. E-bikes classes 1 and 2 would fall under the definition of a ‘bicycle’, which would be allowed on recreational trails. He stated classes 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed on recreation trails in Waterloo, which includes George Wyth State Park. The Park & Recreation Commission recommends allowing classes 1 and 2 on recreation trails; however the Bike Pedestrian Committee recommends all three classes be allowed. Mr. Schrage stated the staff recommendation is to be consistent with the state code and its definition of ‘bicycle’ and allow class 1 and 2 E-bikes on recreation trails with a minimum age of 14 years old. He stated the class 3 e-bikes would be excluded and staff would continue to review as the State broadens the E-bike definition in the code. Mayor Green opened it up for discussion. Mr. Schrage stated it is recommended to stay with the definition in the Code of Iowa. He stated there is no posted speed limit on the trails. He said it is hard to distinguish between the three classes of E-bikes. Kevin Rogers stated there are no rules for passing bicyclists, just posted signage. Mr. Schrage stated the class 3 E-bike can be driven on the roadways but not on the trail with the staff recommendation. Mayor Green opened it for public comment. T.J. Frien 1319 Austin Way would like to see the class 3 E-bike approved for the recreation trails. Brent Johnson 1516 Franklin Street said the recommendation will restrict tourism if class 3 E-bikes are excluded from the recreation trails. He also recommends all bicyclists to announce themselves. Mark Wyatt Executive Director of Iowa Bike Coalition said there was legislation this past session to add class 3 E-bikes to the definition of the State code, ]but due to Covid-19 pandemic they were unable to vote on it; and said the Coalition will bring it forward again during the next legislative session. Mark Miller motioned to direct staff to draft ordinance amendments that would allow all class 1, 2 and 3 E-bikes (as defined as bicycles) on the recreational trails with a minimum age of 14 years old. Frank Darrah seconded the motion. Motion passes 5-1 (aye-Darrah, Dunn, Harding, Miller, Sires; nay-deBuhr) There being no further discussion Mayor Green adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Minutes by Lisa Roeding, Controller/City Treasurer