GIRARD — City officials say they are concerned about electric scooters and bikes, whose users include young children, being on public roads.

Interim police Chief John Freeman told council Tuesday that such vehicles are allowed on roads, but riders must be age 16 and older or have adult supervision for those 14 to 15 years old. Freeman said no one under age 14 is to be on the vehicles on the roads.

He said the vehicles are to be driven no faster than 20 mph.

Freeman said e-scooters are legal on roads in Ohio as “low-speed micromobility devices” under state law, provided they do not exceed 20 mph and weigh under 100 pounds. Riders must be at least 16 years old, although a supervised 14- or 15-year-old can ride. Key rules include yielding to pedestrians, using lights at night and not carrying passengers.

Councilwoman at-large Lily Martuccio said she was driving her car recently when she saw two youths go around a curve and slide off their scooters. Martuccio said parts of the road that day were very wet.

Martuccio said parents need to be made aware of the guidelines for who can ride such vehicles and where.

Council President Reynald Paolone said he also is concerned for the safety of those on such vehicles because of traffic.

Freeman said police patrolling watch for those on such vehicles.

Freeman said Oct. 21 will mark eight years since the death of police officer Justin Leo. On that day, police officers will wear special T-shirts and badges to honor and remember Leo.

“Many of the officers worked with him and remember him,” he said.

Freeman said residents are also asked to remember Leo.

Freeman also reported that he has applied for a $25,000 reimbursable state grant for police cameras. He said efforts are being made to seek more state and federal grants for the police department.

POLICE CHIEF STATUS

In other business, Mayor Mark Zuppo said the written test for police chief has been completed with an oral exam scheduled for Oct. 23.

He said once the test results are checked, a new police chief should be named by mid-November.

The position became open when former Chief John Norman retired in September. Freeman was named interim chief.

Also, Zuppo recognized Girard resident Kris Doran, a multimedia instructor at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center. Doran, a Girard High School graduate, recently was presented the “Ohio Technical Education Teacher of the Year” for his advancement of educating students and his work in the Girard community.

Zuppo said Doran’s students video record the mayor’s monthly informational podcast.

In other business, council:

• Heard from Zuppo that Robert Berk of Berk Properties LLC, 419 N. State St., is planning to expand the business and was given approval by the Girard planning commission this week on a lot replat.

• Gave first reading to legislation to apply for funding to purchase a new senior transit van at a cost not to exceed $110,000.

• Gave first reading to legislation to submit an application to Eastgate Regional Council of Governments for surface transportation block grant funding for resurfacing of Highland Avenue from Morris Avenue to Churchill Road.

• Scheduled a finance committee meeting for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 to review city funds.