Public Safety Committee Special Meeting

MONROE CITY COUNCIL Councilmembers Public Safety Kyle Fisher Committee Meeting Heather Fulcher Brandi Blair Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 6:00 PM Monroe City Hall at 806 West Main Street and Zoom Online Meeting Platform Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 Meeting Participation Information: . Pursuant to Council Rules of Procedure and the 2022 Open Public Meetings Act update, the Monroe City Council meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Councilmembers, staff and members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings both in-person and remotely. In-person: Monroe City Hall 806 West Main Street Monroe, WA 98272 Join Zoom Meeting:  NOTE: If you are directed to a page that states "Webinar has expired", please input the Meeting ID, listed below, on the error page and you will be admitted into the meeting.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81197072085?pwd=aXB6bmpVQVFsOWZJeXB6ckFMTmx pQT09  Dial in: (253) 215-8782  Meeting ID: 811 9707 2085  Passcode: 311681 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1. Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2026 3-4 Public Safety Committee - 14 Apr 2026 - Minutes - Pdf 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1. Electric-Bicycle Regulations - Liam McKorkle 5 - 15 Agenda Bill - E-Bikes - Pdf ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. For assistance, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 360-794-7400 in advance of the meeting. THE GOVERNING BODY MAY ADD AND TAKE ACTION ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA Page 1 of 15 5. NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING October 13, 2026 6. GOOD OF THE ORDER 7. ADJOURNMENT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. For assistance, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 360-794-7400 in advance of the meeting. THE GOVERNING BODY MAY ADD AND TAKE ACTION ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA Page 2 of 15  Draft MONROE CITY COUNCIL Public Safety Councilmembers Committee Meeting Kyle Fisher Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6:00 PM Heather Fulcher Monroe City Hall at 806 West Main Street and Brandi Blair Zoom Online Meeting Platform MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1. Meeting Participation Information: Pursuant to Council Rules of Procedure and the 2022 Open Public Meetings Act update, the Monroe City Council meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Councilmembers, staff and members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings both in-person and remotely. Chair Kyle Fisher called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Fulcher, Fisher, Blair MAYOR: Present STAFF Jolley, Adams, Wycoff PRESENT: 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1. Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2026 Councilmember Heather Fulcher moved to approve the meeting minutes as listed on the agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Brandi Blair. On vote, motion carried 3-0. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1. Legislative Impacts to Public Safety - Jeff Jolley Jeff Jolley, Police Chief, reviewed recent legislative actions that affect the Police Department including Senate Bill (SB) 6002 on Automated License Plate Reader systems and driver privacy protections, SB 5855 on face coverings by Page Page31ofof15 2  Draft law enforcement officers, House Bill (HB) 2165 on false identification as a peace officer, and SB 5974 on law-enforcement leadership qualifications and use of volunteers/cadets/specially commissioned officers. Chief Jolley summarized each bill, the effective dates, and how they will likely impact the Monroe Police Department. 4.2. 2025 Annual Human Services Report DRAFT - Rachel Adams Rachel Adams, Human Services Coordinator, provided a presentation to review the draft 2025 Annual Human Services Report. Ms. Adams thanked Mayor, Council, and internal and external partners for their support and assistance in 2025. The presentation reviewed the Human Services Division mission and core functions including outreach and engagement and working with the Community Human Services Advisory Board. Ms. Adams reviewed the various programs supported by grants including peer support outreach, mental health co-responder, case management, rental assistance, and flexible funding. Ms. Adams added that the 2025 Community Needs Assessment is an appendix to the report. 5. NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING June 9, 2026 6. GOOD OF THE ORDER There were no items for good of the order. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, and no objections, Chair Kyle Fisher adjourned the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Public Safety Committee April 14, 2026 Page Page42ofof15 2  AGENDA BILL Meeting Date: July 14, 2026 Meeting Type: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Liam McKorkle, Management Analyst Department: Executive SUBJECT: Electric-Bicycle Regulations PREVIOUS DISCUSSION: P3 Committee - June 23, 2026 REQUESTED ACTION: None. Discussion only. PURPOSE: The Monroe City Council has requested a discussion on the use of e-bikes in the City of Monroe noting concerns surrounding pedestrian safety, use by minors, and impact to shared public spaces. The P3 Committee requested the item be reviewed by the Public Safety Committee. POLICY CONSIDERATIONS: Should the City Council pursue additional regulations, beyond state law, for electric-bicycles and/or electric-scooters to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility? DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND: P3 Committee Discussion On June 23, 2026, the Council P3 Committee reviewed and discussed potential responses to growing concerns regarding e-bike safety in the city of Monroe. Specifically, the committee expressed interest in pursuing the following:  E-bike helmet regulations  Require e-bike operators to have proper illumination at night (currently in state law)  Authorizing Police Department to impound e-bikes and set additional regulations to reclaim a devise: o Parental permission o Completion of safety course o Small administrative fee Page 5 of 15   Requiring completion of an online e-bike safety course - or as a condition of releasing devises from impound  Enhanced Signage in Parks Following this discussion, the P3 committee requested this item be reviewed by the Public Safety committee for additional comment. State Regulations Washington state law regulates electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and e-scooters as part of RCW 46.04, 46.20, and 46.61. State law defines e-bikes as a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor. The electric motor must have a power output of no more than 750 watts. Washington law further classifies e-bikes into three categories (see table below). Each classification of e-bike is regulated separately. Generally, any provision that applies to a bicycle or bicycle operator will apply to an e-bike and an e-bike operator. By definition, an e-bike is not a motorcycle or motorized foot scooter, and a drivers license or vehicle registration is not required to operate an e-bike. Additionally, a manufacturer or distributor of new e-bikes offered for sale or distribution in the state must affix a label classifying the e-bike and comply with all other requirements for bicycles as instructed by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is unlawful to tamper with or modify an e-bike to change its speed capability without replacing the label. Importantly, state law does not preempt local regulations. The City of Monroe is authorized to regulated e-scooters (RCW 46.61.715(1)) and e-bikes (RCW 46.61.710(7)(8)) according to local preference including by setting additional age restrictions, access to trails/sidewalks/parking, or use of helmets. The following table summarizes the general classifications and regulations for e-bikes and e- scooters: Where It Can Be Device Definition Age Requirement Operated*  Motor provides assistance Formal bike lanes No statewide age E-Bike (Class 1) only while AND shared-use minimum pedaling, AND trails/paths  Motor ceases when bicycle Page 6 of 15  reaches 20 MPH  Motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, AND  Motor is not Formal bike-lanes No statewide age E-Bike (Class 2) capable of AND shared-use minimum providing trails/paths assistance once the bicycle reaches 20 MPH  Motor provides assistance only while Formal bike-lanes. pedaling, AND May only be used on  Motor ceases Minimum 16 years of sidewalks if there is E-Bike (Class 3) when bicycle age no other safe reaches 28 alternative or if local MPH, AND code allows.  Bicycle is equipped with a speedometer State law allows use on roadways and bike lanes.  Device has MMC 10.18 prohibits handlebars use on: and a No statewide age  a public floorboard, minimum. Children roadway with AND under 10 must be a speed limit E-Scooter accompanied by a greater than  Motor has parent (MMC 25 MPH maximum 10.18.040)  a city street at speed of 20 a speed MPH greater than 15 MPH  a bicycle path or trail designated for Page 7 of 15  bicycle use at a speed greater than 10 MPH  a sidewalk at a speed greater than 5 mph  any public equestrian, hiking, or recreational trail  Motor vehicle Must meet the same designed to requirements as travel on no motorcycles. This more than 3 includes standard wheels; AND Minimum 16 years of equipment  Device has a age. Must have (headlights, breaks, seat and proper licensing, E-Motorcycle etc) and helmet handlebar motorcycle requirements. E- steering; AND endorsement and Motorcycles may not  'Typically' do registration be operated on not have sidewalks, paths, pedals and bike lanes, or multi- exceed 750 use trails. watts * State law prohibits all classes of e-bikes and e-scooters from being used on trails designated as non-motorized or that have a natural surface. MMC 10.18 E-Scooters Monroe Municipal Code 10.18 specifically regulated motorized foot scooters - inclusive of e- scooters - in the city of Monroe. MMC 10.18 was originally adopted via ordinance 004/2005 and amended by ordinance 025/2022. MMC 10.18 includes the following provisions applicable to motorized foot scooters:  Operation of Scooters o It is unlawful to operated a motorized foot scooter:  On a public roadway that has a speed limit greater than 25 mph  On a city street at a speed greater than 15 mph; or a bicycle path/trail at a speed greater than 10 mph  On a sidewalk at a speed greater than 5 mph Page 8 of 15   On a bicycle path/trail that is not a designated bicycle use lane or on any public equestrian, hiking, or recreational trail  At anytime from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise  In a manner that is likely to endanger a person or property  That is not equipped with a switch, level, or other mechanism that, when released, will cause the motor to disengage  With an internal combustion engine that is not always equipped with a muffler in good working condition  Without a protective helmet  In a manner that creates continuous sound associated with a gasoline- powered engine. o Anyone using a motorized foot scooter on a public way must obey all rules of the road as specified by MMC Title 10.  Age Limit o No age limit for operating a motorized foot scooter on a bicycle path o Children under the age on 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian before operating a foot scooter on a city street.  Violation/Penalty o Violation of local regulations may result in a traffic infraction o Monetary penalty may be imposed to the order of $250. MMC 10.18 does not regulate bicycles or e-bikes. ESSB 6110 Recent State Legislation In the 2026 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature passed ESSB 6110 addressing electric-assisted bicycles and electric motorcycles. The bill aims to help clarify the difference between e-bikes, which have minimal state regulations, and e-motorcycles, which have higher regulatory standards. The bill took effect June 11, 2026. Namely the bill clarifies the definition of e-bikes as excluding:  any vehicle capable of exceeding 20 mph solely on its electric motor; and  any vehicle designed, manufactured, or intended by the manufacturer of seller to be easily configured to not meet the requirements of an e-bike, whether by a mechanical switch or button, by changing a setting in software controlling the drive system, by use of an online application, or through other means intended by the manufacturer or seller. The bill further directs the Department of Licensing to convene a work group to study and recommend a revised regulatory framework for electric motorcycles including by recommending how e-motorcycles (e-motos) should be defined, the extend to which e-motos should require licenses or educational requirements, and appropriate enforcement measures. The work group must submit its recommendations along with draft legislation to the governor and legislature by December 15, 2026. Page 9 of 15 Although further legislation and clarification is expected in the 2027 legislative session, the ESSB 6110 effectively:  Categorizes an electric cycle capable of exceeding 20 mph under motor-power as an e- motorcycles  Restricts minors under the age of 16 from from riding said devices (same as other motorcycles) Options for Further Restrictions State law largely does not preempt local authority from applying additional regulations to e- bikes or e-scooters. Other Washington jurisdictions have adopted ordinances and regulations that further restrict electric devices. The City Council may consider the following regulations to improve community safety and access: Parking Regulations E-bikes and e-scooters are often heavy and difficult to maneuver. Several cities have adopted regulations regarding where e-bikes and e-scooters may be parked as well as authorization for impoundment in cases of obstruction or abandonment (i.e. Bellingham, Lake Stevens). Location/Use Regulations Monroe has already adopted location/use regulations for e-scooters - including restricting certain roadways, setting speed limits, and setting acceptable times for use. The city may consider extending these regulations to e-bikes as well. Some city's have adopted regulations that mirror state location/use requirements (i.e. Tacoma, Seattle, Wenatchee). Others have adopted ordinance to restrict their use in public parks (i.e. Everett and Pierce County) and sidewalks (i.e. Bremerton, Spokane Valley, Vancouver). Helmet Regulations May jurisdictions require e-bike and e-scooter riders to wear helmets (i.e. Aberdeen, Washougal, Lakewood, Port Orchard, Lynnwood, Snoqualmie). Monroe currently requires e- scooter operators to wear a helmet. The city may consider extending this requirement to e-bike operators. Age Regulations The city may impose additional age requirements for all classes of e-bikes. Alternatively, the city may require a guardian to accompany children using e-bike under a certain age. The city currently requires children under 10 to be accompanied by a guardian prior to operating e- scooters on city streets. Page 10 of 15 Fines & Penalties The city may adopt fines and penalties for persons violating any e-bike regulations adopted by the city. This may include the following:  Issuing a civil infraction or parking infraction o Monroe currently classifies violations of MMC 10.18 (e-scooters) as traffic infractions  Take custody of and impound e-bike/scooter o Additional regulations for reclaiming the devise including requiring approval of parent/guardian and must receive approved instruction for safe operation of said devices  Setting a fine o Monroe currently has a penalty of no more than $250 for violating e-scooter regulations under MMC 10.18. Other jurisdictions have set lower fine amounts ($25-$50) noting most violators are children with limited capacity to pay FISCAL IMPACTS: N/A TIME CONSTRAINTS: N/A ALTERNATIVES TO REQUESTED ACTION: N/A ATTACHMENTS: Chapter 10.18 MMC (1) Page 11 of 15 Ch. 10.18 Motorized Foot Scooters | Monroe Municipal Code Page 1 of 4 Chapter 10.18 MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS Sections: 10.18.010 Purpose – Applicability. 10.18.020 Definitions. 10.18.030 Operation of motorized foot scooters. 10.18.040 Age limit – Parent or guardian responsibility. 10.18.050 Violation – Penalty. 10.18.060 Severability. 10.18.010 Purpose – Applicability. A. This chapter applies to motorized foot scooters. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein this chapter does not apply to motorcycles (RCW 46.04.330), motor-driven cycles (RCW 46.04.332), mopeds (RCW 46.04.304), electric-assisted bicycles (RCW 46.04.169), electric personal mobility devices (EPMD) (RCW 46.04.1695), or power wheelchairs (RCW 46.04.415). B. It is expressly the purpose of this chapter to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public and not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of this chapter. It is the specific intent of this chapter that no provision nor any term used in this chapter is intended to impose any duty whatsoever upon the city or any of its officers or employees. Nothing contained in this chapter is intended nor shall be construed to create or form the basis of any liability on the part of the city, or its officers, employees or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from any action or inaction on the part of the city related in any manner to the enforcement of this chapter by its officers, employees or agents. (Ord. 025/2022 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 004/2005) 10.18.020 Definitions. A. “Child” means any person under eighteen years of age. B. “City street” means every public highway, as defined in Chapter 46.04 RCW or part thereof, located with the city limits of the city of Monroe. C. “City property” means all property owned by the city of Monroe, including all city rights-of-way. D. “Guardian” means (1) a person who, under court order, is the guardian of the person of a juvenile; or (2) a public or private agency with whom a juvenile has been placed by a court; or (3) a person who is at least eighteen years of age and authorized by a parent or guardian to have the care and custody of a juvenile. The Monroe Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 001/2026, passed February 24, 2026. Page 12 of 15 Ch. 10.18 Motorized Foot Scooters | Monroe Municipal Code Page 2 of 4 E. “Motorized foot scooter” means a device with two or three wheels that has handlebars, a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that has a maximum speed of no greater than twenty miles per hour on level ground. F. “Parent” means a person who is a natural parent, adoptive parent, step-parent, or foster parent of a juvenile. G. “Wheeled recreational device” means any wheeled recreational object designed to propel the person using that object with an internal combustion or electric motor, whether it be stood or sat upon or ridden in, and that is not required to obtain and display a Washington State vehicle license (Chapter 46.16A RCW). (Ord. 025/2022 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 009/2018 § 10; Ord. 004/2005) 10.18.030 Operation of motorized foot scooters. A. It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following: 1. Operate a motorized foot scooter on a public roadway having a speed limit greater than twenty-five miles per hour; 2. Operate a motorized foot scooter on a city street at a speed greater than fifteen miles per hour; bicycle path, or trail that is designated for bicycle use at a speed greater than ten miles per hour; 3. Operate a motorized foot scooter on a sidewalk, except as may be necessary to enter or leave property adjacent to the sidewalk at a maximum speed of greater than five miles per hour; 4. Operate a motorized foot scooter on any bicycle path or trail that is not a designated bicycle use lane, or on any public equestrian, hiking, or recreational trail; 5. Operate a motorized foot scooter at any time from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise; 6. Operate a motorized foot scooter with a passenger in addition to the operator; 7. Operate a motorized foot scooter in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property; operation of a motorized foot scooter in excess of fifteen miles per hour shall be prima facie evidence of operation in a manner likely to endanger any person or property; 8. Operate a motorized foot scooter that is not equipped so that the drive motor is engaged through a switch, lever, or other mechanism that, when released, will cause the drive motor to disengage or cease to function; 9. Operate a motorized foot scooter powered by an internal combustion engine that is not at all times equipped with a muffler in good working order; or 10. Operate a motorized foot scooter without wearing a protective helmet that meets or exceeds the safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Standard Z-90.4. The helmet must be The Monroe Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 001/2026, passed February 24, 2026. Page 13 of 15 Ch. 10.18 Motorized Foot Scooters | Monroe Municipal Code Page 3 of 4 worn over the head and equipped with either a neck or chinstrap that must be fastened securely while the motorized foot scooter is in motion; 11. Operate in a manner that creates continuous sound associated with a gasoline-powered engine so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or occupants of real property. Nothing in this section shall limit enforcement of MMC 9.08.050 relating to disorderly conduct. B. Any person operating a motorized foot scooter upon a public way shall obey all rules of the road as adopted by MMC Title 10. (Ord. 025/2022 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 004/2005) 10.18.040 Age limit – Parent or guardian responsibility. A. There shall be no minimum age limit when operating a motorized foot scooter on a bicycle path, or trail that is designated for bicycle use. B. It is unlawful for a child under the age of ten years to operate a motorized foot scooter on a city street when not accompanied by a parent, guardian or other person having control or custody of such child. C. It is unlawful for any parent, guardian or other person having control or custody of a child to authorize or permit a child to operate a motorized foot scooter in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 025/2022 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 004/2005) 10.18.050 Violation – Penalty. Any person violating any provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to have committed a traffic infraction and shall be punished by the imposition of a monetary penalty not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars, exclusive of statutory assessments; provided, conduct that constitutes a criminal traffic offense may be charged as such and subject to the maximum penalties allowed for such offenses. (Ord. 025/2022 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 004/2005) 10.18.060 Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter. (Ord. 025/2022 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 004/2005) The Monroe Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 001/2026, passed February 24, 2026. Page 14 of 15 Ch. 10.18 Motorized Foot Scooters | Monroe Municipal Code Page 4 of 4 The Monroe Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 001/2026, passed February 24, 2026. Disclaimer: The city clerk’s office has the official version of the Monroe Municipal Code. Users should contact the city clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above. City Website: www.monroewa.gov Hosted by General Code. The Monroe Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 001/2026, passed February 24, 2026. Page 15 of 15