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Proposal for two police motorcycles draws split council reaction amid scooter and e‑bike problems
Summary
Police proposed buying two motorcycles (funded from a tax note) to enhance interdiction on trails and enforce micro‑mobility ordinance; supporters said motorcycles would add enforcement and community policing capability, while opponents worried about optics as the city scales back events and considers staff freezes.
The most contentious agenda thread was a police proposal to buy two motorcycles — a capital purchase the department argued would add an interdiction and community‑policing tool to address high‑speed e‑bikes and scooters damaging parks and endangering trail users. Police described rising calls for service related to micromobility devices (88 calls so far this year) and said motorcycles can access trails, respond to calls and serve multiple functions across a shift.
Opponents of immediate purchase said the optics of buying motorcycles while asking residents for a voter‑approved tax rate increase and trimming community programs would be poor, and they urged delay until staff can demonstrate prioritization and community outreach. A number of council members said they wanted more data on the scope of scooter‑ and e‑bike‑related vandalism and the projected park damage costs before committing capital funds. "If I put that number in, the noting revenue changes," a councilor said; "I can't support [purchasing motorcycles] this budget year," another said. Staff noted the motorcycles could be procured with the tax note before the end of FY2027 but that the purchase can be deferred for further consideration.
