The Electra City Commission has approved first readings of two ordinances that would set new rules for generator use and for scooters, electric bikes, and similar personal transportation devices, according to KFDX/KJTL.
Both ordinances must pass a second reading before they can take effect, because they include penalties and fines.
Generator rules
The first ordinance addresses where and how generators can be used at homes and in travel trailers. City Administrator Joey Hodgkins said the proposal is intended to prevent fires of the kind the area has experienced.
"Just looking out for the safety of others, one of the previous house fires, where it started, spread to another structure, so it involved multiple structures," Hodgkins said. "We're just trying to prevent that. This is not going to determine whether you get to use one or not. There's a lot of exemptions of how you use it, but, just for permanent use, we're not going to allow temporary generators."
Scooters and electric bikes
The second ordinance covers scooters, electric bikes, and other small personal transportation devices. It includes operating guidelines, enforcement provisions, and penalties.
Hodgkins said electric bikes have become popular with younger residents and that the ordinance is intended to improve safety as more children ride them, particularly during the summer.
"The electric bikes, they're getting real popular now, and a lot of kids are out," Hodgkins said. "Especially, the summertime coming, they're going to be out and about riding them."
Both ordinances will return to the commission for a second reading before final adoption.