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Council hears plan to step up sidewalk enforcement and weighs e-bike ordinance as police install new equipment
Summary
City staff outlined plans to ramp up enforcement of sidewalk-blocking vehicles to protect school routes, previewed local ordinance work to align with incoming state e-bike rules, and announced a new fire engine arriving and police vehicle/radio upgrades.
City police and city staff briefed the Columbia Falls City Council on stepped-up sidewalk enforcement, the need to draft local e-bike rules to match state law changes and recent equipment upgrades for emergency services.
Manager Eric Hanks said the city will increase outreach and enforcement on blocked sidewalks so children have safe access to schools, including door‑hanger warnings and a sticker program before issuing citations. "We're gonna start stickering vehicles with nobody's home. We'll leave the door hangers, and then you may do conversations if we can," the police representative said.
Council and staff also discussed motorized bicycles and the changes coming from the state. Chief Stevens (mentioned in the meeting) and staff plan to model local ordinance language after the state’s tiered approach so pedal-assist bikes remain bicycles while throttle-only devices would be treated as motor vehicles subject to registration and licensing where the law requires it.
On equipment, Hanks said the fire department will receive a new engine the next day and the department has purchased mobile radios funded from restricted cash from a prior apparatus sale; police vehicles have new radios being installed and the city is evaluating integrated camera systems that could reduce per-vehicle replacement costs.
Why it matters: Enforcement and ordinance changes affect residents’ day-to-day mobility and public safety; equipment purchases affect emergency response capability.
What’s next: Staff will prepare ordinance language to mirror state law changes and return to council with recommendations; police will continue outreach and phased enforcement on sidewalk-blocking vehicles.
