Council asks staff to draft e‑bike rules and an economic‑development policy; asks legal staff to revisit waterline agreement

Councilmembers spent an extended portion of the meeting debating how to respond to resident complaints about e‑bikes, scooters and other small motorized devices on sidewalks and public roads, and they gave staff two formal directions: draft possible sidewalk/greenway regulations and prepare an economic‑development policy.

Town Attorney Melanie Cox and sheriff’s office staff outlined statutory limits on municipal regulatory authority for electric bicycles: state statute defines e‑bikes by power and speed thresholds (750‑watt motor and a top assisted speed of 20 mph) and constrains municipalities from regulating insurance, license or registration requirements on state highways. Cox said towns generally have clearer authority over sidewalks and greenways, where a civil ordinance (rather than criminal penalties) can set speed or location restrictions.

Sheriff’s office staff presented local enforcement data and argued safety concerns are rising; the captain said crash numbers at the Indian Trail Road/Gribble intersection fell after a speed‑limit reduction and that the town and sheriff planned to install delineators on Highway 74 the coming Sunday to limit unsafe turning movements. The sheriff recommended a civil ordinance limiting sidewalk operation and other practical enforcement steps rather than criminal charges for youth riders.

On economic development, Councilmember Marcus McIntyre asked staff to draft a formal policy that would guide how the town uses existing incentive funds (staff commented that roughly $320,000 is set aside for incentives). McIntyre said a written policy should include measurable performance milestones, conflict‑of‑interest safeguards and reporting requirements before the council commits funds or creates a dedicated economic‑development position. Council agreed and directed staff and the town attorney to prepare the policy for future review.

McIntyre also asked staff to revisit a previously negotiated three‑party waterline agreement tied to commercial development along Indian Trail Road. Staff reported the tie‑in under the railroad remains incomplete and that county participation was not fully executed; the manager and the attorney will draft a new agreement and bring the original documents back to council for review.

Outcome: Council directed staff to draft an e‑bike/sidewalk ordinance, to prepare an economic‑development policy and to redraft the outstanding waterline agreement for council consideration. Staff committed to return with proposed language and background materials at a future meeting.