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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 <br />December 10, 2025 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Goodwin to recommend <br />that park dedication for Elk Ridge Center Seventh Addition be paid in cash for one <br />commercial parcel, at the applicable rate at the time of recording. Motion carried 6-0. <br /> <br />6.2 E-Bike and Electric Powered Device Ordinance <br /> <br />City of Elk River Police Chief Kuhnly was in attendance to answer questions. He shared that <br />he reviewed the proposed ordinance draft and sent it to the City Attorney for additional <br />review for consistency. He said it would be important to discuss the city sidewalks etc. as <br />well as the trails in relation to an ordinance, possibly even downtown. He said the 20-mph <br />speed limit seems to be an accepted speed limit but not a requirement. He questioned <br />whether their trail systems can handle that speed limit when it comes to their designs and <br />curves etc. He said that he understands the direction that the group conversation is going in <br />as far as their concerns with safety on the trails. <br /> <br />Chair Anderson asked if anyone had any questions. Chair Anderson shared said that the <br />Commission had purposely shied away from discussing sidewalks because it wasn’t under <br />parks. The Chief said that while the ordinance drafted so far is within the commission’s <br />scope, the City Council will probably add more to it to make it a broader holistic approach. <br />He asked the Commissioners what their intent is on enforcement from a public safety <br />standpoint. <br /> <br />Chair Anderson said he spends a lot of time in Woodland Trails Regional Park, and he says <br />he has seen a significant shift in all things electric. He said e-bikes have changed everything <br />and there is a definite concern for safety. He is shocked at their speed. Chair Anderson said <br />there is an educational component needed for all, to understand what is allowed and what <br />isn’t. He said that for example if e-motos aren’t allowed, then it is up to the parents to tell <br />their kids where they can ride them. When they buy them, they need to check where they <br />can ride them. <br /> <br />The Chief shared that he thinks most of the people driving these devices are adolescents, or <br />10 and 12 years old. He doesn’t think the kids know how to navigate the roadway, but they <br />know how to navigate the sidewalks because that’s what they were taught when they were <br />toddlers. He is concerned that when children are forced to use roadways, they don’t know <br />how to navigate them, and it becomes dangerous. <br /> <br />Chief Kuhnly understands that when they are driving 20 mph on a path that also puts <br />pedestrians and dogs at risk. Chair Anderson said this whole discussion started out of safety. <br />Commissioner Stewart said that one of the things they have discussed is an educational <br />component and includes a possible bike rodeos event with the community. Chief Kuhnly <br />agreed this was a good idea and said that he also believes they should do an educational <br />Page 3 of 36