*** Scooter ban runs out of gas ***

Columbus, NE (AP) -- 06/23/2004
Gas- and electric-powered scooter owners
can continue to glide around the city for now.

An ordinance banning any scooter with a motor from operating
on public property stalled during a Committee of the Whole
meeting Monday night. The committee - consisting of all eight
city councilmen - told Police Chief William Gumm to go back
and rewrite a proposed ordinance he is hoping to get passed.

Gumm wants the city to consider prohibiting the small machines
from being operated on city streets and sidewalks.

"I don't think these vehicles mix with traffic on the streets
and pedestrians on the sidewalks," Gumm said.

"My primary concern is an issue of safety."

However, Dennis Worden, who sells the scooters
in town, said Gumm's request seems a little harsh.

These scooters not only provide a service for the children
and adults, but handicapped people," he said.

Worden said he does not oppose an ordinance that would add
some restrictions such as an age limit and a helmet requirement.
He said the scooters he sells come with a helmet.

"Being a scooter owner myself, I think there might be a time that
we need to put in a safety course," Councilman Bob Hiner said.
"But I agree this needs to be watered down."

Gumm said there are no safety courses
offered for these types of machines.

Councilman Joe Jarecke said limits and restrictions could be
hard to control. He favors banning the scooters from public
property.

"I guess I would be concerned with putting an age limit and
speed limit on it," he said. "How do you enforce it?"

An age limit of 16 was thrown around, which some council
members and Worden thought was too high.

The questions of the difference between operating a bicycle and
a motorized scooter was raised. Gumm said the difference is the
scooters have motors. He added that some scooters can go as
fast as 20-25 mph, and without any insurance, can put the rider
at a great risk. Motorized scooters are not licensable or insurable
in the state.

"Any 13- or 14-year-old child around here and pedal
a bike pretty fast," Worden said.

Some council members were skeptical about taking away the
motorized scooters, which are becoming more popular among
youngsters.

"I guess I don't want to play the parent for someone else's kids,"
Held said. "It's a parent's duty."

Worden said older people are even interested in
the scooters because of the high gas prices.

Gumm and City Attorney Jeff Tooley will meet again and put
together an ordinance that will attempt to satisfy the city officials
and the riders throughout Columbus.

Also at the meeting, a presentation was made regarding a potential
community development block grant application. Renay
Robinson-Scheer, executive director with the Northeast Nebraska
Economic Development District, said the agency is submitting an
application for a $250,000 regional down payment assistance program
and housing rehabilitation program grant. In order to get the funds, the

agency must go through a community as an applicant.

Robinson-Scheer said Columbus was chosen because the agency
has worked well with Columbus banks and have many Columbus
residents on its waiting list for funds.

The item will be addressed at a public
hearing at the next council meeting.

Other items addressed at Monday's meeting:

- In reports of the council committees, the council voted 8-0 in
favor of the vacation of 23rd Avenue between 27th and 28th
streets, which is located west of Columbus High School.

- The Council referred an item to the Public Property, Safety and
Works Committee regarding a request in change order for the
Pawnee Park retaining wall project.

- Title IIIB and IIIC grant funding from Northeast Nebraska Area
Agency on Aging for activities and meals at the Senior Center was
approved.

- Agreement was reached between the city and Columbus Rifle
Club Inc. for use of a rifle range in the basement of the Senior Center.

- Two temporary easement agreements with Becton Dickinson and
Loup Power District were approved in conjunction with the North
Arterial project.

- The council voted in favor of approving purchase agreements with
Three-E Realty and Ula and Rodney Jacobson concerning land for
the North Arterial project.

- The one-year Bookmobile contract
with Platte County was approved, 8-0.

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