Wrangell’s borough assembly will discuss micromobility devices, otherwise known as e-bikes and e-scooters, at its meeting tonight [Tues]. Residents have been expressing a lot of concern about the high usage of these devices in town without current regulations. To change this, the assembly will discuss placing town ordinances on their use.
This includes requiring operators to be at least 14-years-old and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. The operators must follow motor vehicle traffic laws. If passed, the borough will ban the scooters and bikes from certain public spaces, like playgrounds, docks, schools, sidewalks, the golf course and trails. The proposed ordinance also requires anyone under 18 to wear a helmet.
The assembly will discuss the speed limit. If public safety considers the devices unsafe or in violation of a law, they could impound them. Additionally, the borough may hold parents and guardians liable if minors violate city rules.
School budget and timber initiative
Also at the Tuesday meeting, Wrangell’s assembly is set to discuss contributing $1,425,841 to next year’s school budget. The school district submitted a budget request of the maximum contribution allowed by law, which is $1,757,994. The local contribution for FY26 originates from a 20% sales tax, Secure Rural Schools funds and property tax revenue.
Additionally, the borough has been figuring out how to localize and improve the economy.
One proposed solution is the new Wrangell Timber Initiative, which would revitalize the local timber industry through sustainable harvest and wood processing. Wrangell’s assembly will consider approving a timber appraisal contract with O’Brien ForesTree LLC. This would ensure the borough can professionally and accurately assess, market and execute timber sales, according to Borough Manager Mason Villarma.
View the full agenda packet for the meeting on our website [WEB: here], or by visiting wrangell.com.
KSTK will air the meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday (May 13) on 101.7 FM and online at KSTK.org. A workshop on the Waterfront Master Plan will be held before the meeting at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.
Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting can sign up on the “Persons to be Heard” sheet.
Both meetings will be held in the Nolan Center classroom. It’s also available through a Zoom link, email clerk@wrangell.com for the link. KSTK will broadcast tonight’s meeting through the Zoom link since we do not have broadcasting equipment set up at the Nolan Center.
