Residents urge action on e-motorcycles, fireworks and zoning for a proposed gym

Public comment at the July 28 Monroe City Council meeting covered three recurring themes: unsafe e-motorcycle use, fireworks enforcement limitations and a request from local business owners to resolve zoning barriers for a planned gym.

Several residents described high-speed, unlicensed e-motorcycles riding on residential streets and private trails. Eddie Nasonkla showed photographs and recounted bikes riding “at extreme speeds” that ripped up private HOA trails, exposing roots and creating fall hazards. A number of young riders also spoke to the council asking for a safe place to ride rather than blanket bans; one teen said, “we're not all reckless bad people,” and urged the council to consider riding space and education.

On fireworks, Ryan Schlemmer recounted prior council discussion and quoted an officer saying enforcement is difficult: “Officer Jolly… mentioned that it's basically impossible for them to enforce the laws on the books,” because fireworks can be legal and evidence is often not available post‑event. The comment revived earlier council debate about whether community events or different enforcement approaches could reduce illegal discharges.

Separately, entrepreneurs Moe (Mo) Kadan and Kimberly and Jordan Hubbard said they purchased property intending to open a gym but discovered zoning or code changes that preclude gyms in certain industrial areas; the Hubbards asked staff to review the zoning and follow up. The council asked staff to reach out to the Hubbards to review zoning options.

Council thanked youth speakers for participating and emphasized a desire to balance safety for pedestrians with opportunities for youth recreation, noting multiple follow-up items to be returned to council.