The Arizona Republic, 1-5-05
GLENDALE - City officials tackled the issue
of banning motorized skateboards but couldn't reach a consensus on Tuesday
during a council workshop session.
They couldn't agree whether the underlying problem with the skateboards is the annoying noise they generate or the safety issues they create for users and other residents.
Police Chief Andrew Kirkland recommended on Tuesday that the city ban the motorized skateboards from public properties and rights of way.
They couldn't agree whether the underlying problem with the skateboards is the annoying noise they generate or the safety issues they create for users and other residents.
Police Chief Andrew Kirkland recommended on Tuesday that the city ban the motorized skateboards from public properties and rights of way.
City officials had asked in April that
police officials look at ways to strengthen the city's existing ordinance,
but their only recommendation was the ban. Motorized skateboards have
already been banned in other cities, including Phoenix and Tucson.
Glendale already restricts the use of motorized skateboards in various ways, including requiring parental permission, restricting use to children 14 years or older and requiring helmets for riders 17 years old or younger.
The council asked Kirkland to host several meetings to gauge how community members feel about a possible ban and then bring that input back to them.
Acting Assistant Chief John Krystek said police officials plan to host six public meetings, one in each council district, within the next couple of months. They will also set up a hotline and Web site on which residents can express their comments or concerns.
Details will be announced as dates, times and meeting locations are determined.
Mayor Elaine Scruggs said her concern about banning motorized skateboards is that it would affect those residents who rely on that type of vehicle as their primary means of getting around. "To just wipe out everyone's opportunity to use these . . . that disturbs me," she said.
Glendale already restricts the use of motorized skateboards in various ways, including requiring parental permission, restricting use to children 14 years or older and requiring helmets for riders 17 years old or younger.
The council asked Kirkland to host several meetings to gauge how community members feel about a possible ban and then bring that input back to them.
Acting Assistant Chief John Krystek said police officials plan to host six public meetings, one in each council district, within the next couple of months. They will also set up a hotline and Web site on which residents can express their comments or concerns.
Details will be announced as dates, times and meeting locations are determined.
Mayor Elaine Scruggs said her concern about banning motorized skateboards is that it would affect those residents who rely on that type of vehicle as their primary means of getting around. "To just wipe out everyone's opportunity to use these . . . that disturbs me," she said.
Councilwoman Joyce Clark
asked how police would enforce a ban. "I see an exercise in
futility in that this can't be enforced," she said. "I
think it's too heavy-handed. I feel like we're using a baseball bat to
kill a fly."
During the hours-long discussion, council members tossed around numerous ideas, such as requiring that residents register the motor-powered skateboards.
By doing that, Martinez suggested the city could get a better handle on the problems since the city would "know who had them and where they live."
"You hear that there is too much government in people's lives with laws and ordinances," he said. "But I do realize the issue doesn't go away."
* Reach the reporter at monica.dunsmoor@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-6925.
During the hours-long discussion, council members tossed around numerous ideas, such as requiring that residents register the motor-powered skateboards.
By doing that, Martinez suggested the city could get a better handle on the problems since the city would "know who had them and where they live."
"You hear that there is too much government in people's lives with laws and ordinances," he said. "But I do realize the issue doesn't go away."
* Reach the reporter at monica.dunsmoor@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-6925.