BROKEN BOW – The Broken Bow City Council hears public input on the e-mobility ordinance, approves the sale of the Armory and approve a moratorium for the data center.
E-Mobility Ordinance 1313
Presented during Tuesday’s meeting, Proposed Regulations (July 14, 2026)
Residents, including a 12 year old e-bike rider, voiced concerns Tuesday as the Broken Bow City Council held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance regulating electric bicycles, scooters and hoverboards.
The recent proposal “Ordinance 1313” would establish operating regulations, safety equipment requirements, parental responsibilities and penalties for violations involving electric recreational vehicles.
Broken Bow City Administrator, David Schmidt said the ordinance was rewritten after an earlier version was withdrawn during the last meeting on June 23, 2026. The new draft presented incorporates changes that were previously requested by council members.
Five youth members spoke during the public hearing, including a 12-year-old who told the council he supports safety measures but believes the proposed restrictions could unnecessarily limit responsible riders.
“I worked all last summer to buy my own e-bike on my own,” the twelve year old said. “It gives me independence, and I’m not trying to cause problems.”
He said he uses his e-bike to travel to school, sports practices, the pool and his job without relying on his parents for transportation.
“I am not asking for there to be no rules,” he said. “I’m just asking for rules that let us ride safely without taking away our independence.”
Council members discussed several clarification changes during the hearing, including making language regarding minors with provisional operator’s permits consistent throughout the ordinance. Schmidt noted that the proposed restrictions with riding on sidewalks and roadways would only apply within the downtown business district and park areas.
After the hearing, the council voted not to waive the required three readings of the ordinance, allowing additional time for review and future consideration before any final action is taken.
Sale of Armory Property
In other business, the council approved the sale of the former National Guard Armory property to Becton, Dickinson and Company for $900,000 following a public hearing. Council member Travis Kleeb abstained from the vote. The property, which was declared surplus by the city, will be transferred through a municipal deed.
Data Center
The council also approved a temporary moratorium on applications for high density data processing facilities, data centers and digital asset mining operations.
Broken Bow Zoning Administrator, Jacob Holcomb said the six month moratorium will provide time to develop permanent zoning regulations governing such facilities.
“We are currently in the very beginning stages of getting zoning on the books for data centers,” Holcomb told the council. “Enacting this moratorium would give us some time to really dial in this ordinance and get what we want to see, get some language in there that protects our community.”
During the meeting it was pointed out that, the moratorium will expire after six months or sooner if permanent zoning regulations are adopted before that time. The ordinance 1314, data center moratorium was approved after the council waived the remaining readings, allowing it to take effect immediately.
Other Comments
Matthew Denson spoke with the Broken Bow City Council about the temporary closure of streets on July 24, 2026 for the Custer County Tractor Drive. The council approved the potential closure of South D Street between South Eighth and South Nineth Avenue and South Eighth Avenue between South D Street and South E Street.
The next meeting of the Broken Bow City Council is scheduled for July 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Broken Bow Municipal Building.
