Among the many items discussed during last week’s Town of Afton council meeting was whether to adopt new policies for electric bikes and scooters on sidewalks, especially within the downtown business district.

Citing complaints that had been made, safety concerns and potential injuries, the discussion centered around the proliferation of battery-powered vehicles being used as short-distance transportation. However, unlike traditional pedal-powered bikes and push scooters, these electric versions have top speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and can achieve that speed very quickly. The other part of the discussion centered about the fact that these vehicles often times do not fall into the same enforcement categories as gas-powered bikes and scooters.

A potential 10-mph limit for downtown and the attached business district was discussed, as was the idea that the bikes should be expected to utilize the road. However, concerns were raised as many of these vehicles are being used by minors and the idea of putting them into the roadway in an effort to avoid the sidewalks did not seem to be the proper course of action.

Ordinance 698 was discussed and altered as questions and parameters were examined. Revisions were made with the idea that a first reading could be made at the November meeting.

In other notes:

Utilities Director, Josh Peavler, noted that the 97,000 gallon tank project has been completed and that the town is back running on intermittent spring water.  He also reported that the sewer lagoons were up and working and line cleaning was performed and at 100-percent operation.

A no-dig order will be put in place for the town starting November 1.

Peavler stated that items near fire hydrants need to be cleared for impending  snow removal. The department expects to work with the fire department to flush the hydrants the first Wednesday of November.

In terms of Planning and Zoning, Town Administrator Violet Sanderson added that property taxes is down a bit this quarter and that those in the office will be keeping an eye on this trend.

A West Alley update was given, noting new questions pertaining to property lines. The process will continue to verify this new information and discuss potential options.

Mayor Jeff Jensen and the council passed a resolution recommending that the Lincoln County Commissioners to broadcast their meetings, joining with Alpine and Thayne in doing so. This motion was approved as Jensen also noted that Afton plans to stream their own meetings in the future. Currently, only audio recordings are availing for the Town of Afton.

The next town council meeting for Afton will take place on November 18 as not to conflict with Veterans Day.