City Council updates ordinance to regulate new scooter and hoverboard devices

The City of Pearland City Council convened on May 19, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including updates to local ordinances and insurance matters. The meeting began with a discussion on the revision of an ordinance regarding the use of roller skates, skateboards, and similar devices. The council aimed to update the existing regulations to include newer modes of transportation such as hoverboards, scooters, and e-bikes, which have become increasingly popular since the last update in 2019. The goal of this revision is to enhance safety by minimizing potential collisions between these devices and vehicles on city streets and sidewalks. The council unanimously approved the changes.

Following this, the council moved on to consider a resolution for the renewal of wind, hail, and driven rain insurance. The city’s insurance consultant, McGriff, reported a total premium of approximately $1.53 million, reflecting an $80,000 reduction from the previous year. This decrease represents a 9.9% reduction in the insurance rate, despite the addition of new insured properties, including a surface water plant. The council engaged in a detailed discussion regarding coverage limits and potential risks, particularly concerning catastrophic events like tornadoes. The consensus was to maintain the current $50 million per occurrence limit, which was deemed sufficient based on historical data and risk assessments.

The meeting concluded with the first reading of a budget amendment, indicating ongoing financial adjustments within the city’s fiscal management. Overall, the council's discussions highlighted a proactive approach to updating regulations and managing city resources effectively, ensuring safety and financial prudence for Pearland residents.