Council approves infrastructure and budget ordinances; debate surfaces over e-bikes and trail safety

The Granville Village Council heard public hearings and approved ordinances related to infrastructure and the village budget, then spent substantial time on community concerns about e‑bikes and dirt‑bike riders on sidewalks and bike paths.

On Ordinance 15‑2025, the council opened a public hearing and discussed acceptance of infrastructure improvements associated with a waterline extension to Granville Intermediate School for public maintenance and operation by the Village of Granville. A councilor noted that the project followed almost two years of planning and that extending the waterline will support clean water for students.

Councilors also introduced and approved Ordinance 16‑2025, an appropriations ordinance for current expenses and other expenditures for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026. Staff clarified that the budget is effectively balanced but includes transfers between funds, which can make high‑level numbers appear greater than projected revenue if transfers are not considered.

Ordinance 17‑2025 was introduced to amend a prior 2024 ordinance and adjust 2025 operating sums; the council took roll‑call votes and recorded approvals for the amendments and related items.

Following the ordinance business, council members and residents described recurring incidents of e‑bikes and dirt bikes riding at high speeds on the village’s bike path and sidewalks, including reports of groups riding up a dead‑end hill and returning down into traffic. Speakers described a mix of vehicles — unpowered scooters, pedal‑assisted e‑bikes, and off‑road electric dirt bikes — and asked whether local licensing, stickers or enforcement options could reduce unsafe behavior. A representative of village law enforcement noted the village cannot require licensing for e‑bikes and described the department’s preference for education and complaint‑based enforcement.

Councilors requested clearer rules about which devices are permitted on sidewalks versus roadways and asked staff to return with guidance on enforcement options and educational outreach. No new ordinance or licensing program was adopted at this meeting; councilors indicated the village will emphasize education and complaint response while exploring any allowable regulatory actions.

Other community items included announcements from the Brandhoe Community Foundation about volunteer opportunities and a recap that a recent ghost‑walk fundraiser drew roughly 300 participants and raised more than $1,000.

The council closed the public hearings and moved on to other agenda items; staff will provide follow‑up information on e‑bike guidance and on the waterline acceptance procedures as required by ordinance.