BROKEN BOW – The Broken Bow City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1313 on Tuesday, adopting regulations governing the operation of electric scooters, electric bicycles, and hoverboards on public property within the city.
(Approved regulations Ordinance 1313 pages 35-41)
“We’ve put a lot of work into finding the right balance, and I think we’re at a good spot,” Council member, Travis Kleeb said.
City Administrator, David Schmidt said there has been a couple revisions to help with the organization and clarification of the ordinance since the last council meeting.
“The primary change is made on page two under the section titled ‘Operation Restrictions” Schmidt said. “The language from paragraph C … was copied and pasted into paragraph A. So those restrictions would apply to somebody that did not have a valid provisional operator’s permit or operator’s license for items A and C.”
Schmidt said another change removed references to the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction because, “this is a municipal code and not a zoning ordinance.”
In previous meetings, council members noted that the ordinance can be amended in the future if needed, emphasizing that the primary purpose is to establish an initial framework for public safety.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. However, council members reflected on how the ordinance had evolved through multiple revisions, noting that it had been refined significantly from the original draft while balancing safety concerns and practical use.
“Some of these changes took some of the restrictions off and allowed minors to drive in place if they have a driver’s license and meet the other requirements,” Joe Wamsley said.
Council members also clarified where riders would be prohibited from operating.
Wamsley asked on clarification for whether restrictions applied to both sidewalks and streets surrounding the city square. Schmidt explained the prohibition applies only within the interior of the square.
Following the public hearing, the council voted to waive the required three readings before unanimously approving Ordinance 1313.
Budget Workshop
The council scheduled the annual budget workshop for 11:00am on Monday, August 11, 2026 ahead of the regular monthly council meeting later that day.
Public Comment
During the public comments, residents voiced concerns about a neighboring property in Broken Bow noting issues involving free-reign livestock, odors, overgrown weeds, noise and other alleged nuisance issues. During the meeting one resident noted that they have called the Broken Bow Police multiple times, however the issue has not been resolved.
“The smell is just … you can’t stand being out in your own yard,” one resident said.
Another resident, echoed similar concerns, alleging numerous poultry, livestock and manure accumulation on the property. Both residents asked the board for guidance on the next steps that can be taken.
Council member, Paul Holland said that he has been told about complaints on that street as well.
Mayor Rod Sonnichsen said the complaints are currently being reviewed under the city’s nuisance ordinance and noted that an outside professional has already inspected the property. Sonnichsen noted the inspection will help the council with more information on how to move forward with the issue. The two residents were thanked for their comments and told they will be notified of updates.
Other
Before adjourning, Deputy Clerk Jake Holcomb reminded council members and residents that the Broken Bow Planning Commission will hold the second public meeting on the proposed data center ordinance at 12:00pm on August 6, 2026 in the Municipal Auditorium, encouraging residents to attend and learn more about the proposed regulations.
