Elmwood Park council advances park dog, towing and e-scooter ordinances

Elmwood Park’s mayor and council advanced three ordinances on Jan. 22, approving them on first reading and scheduling final hearings for Feb. 19 where applicable.

Town staff explained that the proposed park rule (Ordinance 26-02) would permit dogs in borough parks provided they are leashed and owners remove waste; the ordinance as presented would set a minimum fine of $250 for violations. “Currently our ordinance does not allow dogs at all in parks,” the borough’s representative said. The council voted in favor of the ordinance on first reading.

The council also adopted on first reading Ordinance 26-03 to update towing fees so borough rates mirror state police rates; staff said towing fees had not been changed in many years and needed to be brought in line with surrounding municipalities.

On e-scooters and electric bicycles, the council introduced Ordinance 26-04 to regulate use, licensing and operating conditions. Members noted a recently signed state law that takes effect later in the year and emphasized that state law will supersede local rules where applicable; the town attorney said the new state law does not take effect until July, and the borough will review whether revisions are needed. Council members expressed support for local provisions that state law does not address, such as restrictions on riding on turf fields.

Councilors said the measures aim to balance public safety, accessibility and enforcement. The ordinances passed by roll call; final public hearings and any text edits were scheduled for the borough’s Feb. 19 meeting.