Broken Bow City Council will meet tonight (June 9) starting at 6 PM inside the Municipal Building on South 10th Avenue.
Two more fireworks applications, for Troy’s Hot Rocket Fireworks and Loud & Proud Fireworks, are a part of tonight’s consent agenda to begin the meeting.
Electric scooter, bicycle, hoverboard ordinance draft up for discussion
In new business, an ordinance regarding the regulation of electric scooters, electric bicycles, and hoverboard usage will be considered by council after a public hearing. The ordinance would establish restrictions on use in certain areas, a requirement of safety equipment, emphasize parental responsibilities, and provide guidance for penalties and impoundment. The subject was first brought to council by citizens concerned with safety regarding the vehicles during the May 12 meeting.
The drafted ordinance, which can be read in its entirety in the City Council packet linked at the end of this story, sets definitions for what is considered to be an electric bicycle, electric scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or hoverboard. The ordinance also defines what is to be considered the ‘business district’ and ‘Broken Bow city square’ area in its wording.
Some restrictions include no operation on roads with posted speed limits over 25 MPH, inside the business district, within the Broken Bow City Square, or within any city park, court, field, trail, cemetery, or other recreational facility. General careless, reckless, negligent, unsafe, and disruptive operation inside the city is also pointed to and defined.
Parents or guardians may be cited jointly with minors for violations committed by the minor. Penalties span from a first offense fine between $10 and $50 to a third offense within a 12 month period holding a fine between $150 and $500. Impounds can also be executed in addition to a storage fee for the impounded device. Third and subsequent offenses are stated to also face possible forfeiture, destruction, or other lawful disposition of the device.
Electric use fees public hearing, readings, ordinance approval consideration
Discussion on a possible increase in electric rates will continue during tonight’s meeting, after first being introduced at the May 26 meeting. The item was tabled at the time to allow the public to consider and give input in future meetings. The proposed increase comes as a result of the wholesaler the city buys electricity from increasing their rates by 5% according to Electrical Superintendent Blake Waldow (who said he sought a 4% increase for the city).
Electric rates were last raised in November of 2025 after a similar electric wholesaler price raise.
Other items on tonight’s agenda
- The annual audit report for the year ending September 30, 2025 will be considered for approval
- The re-appointment of Chad Schall, Scott Adams, and Jeff Winthrow to the Board of Public Works for a term ending June 2029 will be considered
- The appointment of Alecs Rumery and Justin French to the Board of Public Works for a term ending June 2029 will be considered
- Bids for the property commonly referred to as “The Armory” will be opened
- A public hearing and confirmation of the sale of surplus property to Jerry Haines in the amount of $12,000 will be held and considered after Haines’ bid was the highest received for property at 843 North 6th Street
- Council will consider approving the service agreement between Nebraska Public Power District and the City of Broken Bow
- A change order will be considered in the amount of $12,250 for a sub project
- The expenditure of KENO funds, not to exceed $65,000 with a sunset date of December 31, 2026, will be considered for authorization. Projects and purchases identified including pickle ball courts, bulk mulch/flowers/plants, bandstand improvements, flags, and Christmas decorations.
Link to the full City Council packet for June 9, 2026: 2026.06.09-City-Council
