GIRARD — City officials are proceeding with legislation for those on e-bikes, go-karts, golf carts and ATVs in the community, citing safety concerns for riders of these vehicles and other motorists.

Mayor Mark Zuppo said at Monday’s meeting he has spoken to officials in other communities, such as Salem, about guidelines and regulations they have to address individuals who are using such means of transportation on roads within city limits.

He said he wants to have legislation in place so the public knows what is permitted and not permitted and where. Officials said they have seen adults and children on e-bicycles, golf carts, ATVs and go-karts on streets.

Zuppo and Councilman Thomas Grumley, D-4th Ward, said a person needs to have a license to drive a golf cart on the street, and there also needs to be a license plate on the cart, as well as seat belts and turn signals.

Council President Reynald Paolone said he is concerned about children riding the scooters on the roads because children have been seen driving golf carts.

“There needs to be something in place for their own safety and the public’s,” he said.

The issue will be further reviewed.

Police Chief John Freeman said ATVs are not permitted on public roads or city property, such as parks. He said people can ride them on their own private property.

Freeman said there are barricades and guardrails set up at entrances to park walking trails at Tod Park to prevent drivers of ATVs from driving in the parks. He said barricades and guardrails also have been placed off U.S. Route 422 and Pittsburgh Avenue, which are near the parks.

He said police have been patrolling the city parks, where ATVs have been seen.

Freeman said there is signage indicating such vehicles are prohibited. He said e-bikes are allowed on certain roads with public service announcements posted on the police department’s website.

He said the proposed legislation will cover any vehicles that travel 20 mph or less.

Freeman also gave updates on the police department, noting he is in the process of getting more officers and current officers recently completed a sergeant’s exam. Freeman also has submitted an application to the Ohio Department of Transportation seeking grant money for drones, which he said will help safety service personnel handling accidents on busy intersections or highways.

In other business, council gave first reading to allow Safety Service Director Mark Ragozine to apply for Active Transportation planning assistance from the Ohio Department of Transportation for updating the city’s transportation plan. Ragozine said the city’s current plan was completed in 2013 and is overdue for an update.

He said the plan addresses walking and biking areas, sidewalks, streets, road signage, and other transportation issues. He said there will be no cost to the city for ODOT’s assistance. The motion is scheduled to receive another reading at the Dec. 15 meeting.

Also, Zuppo presented a proclamation to the Girard High School football team for being the regional finalists with a 10-0 season and two victories in the playoffs. Members of the team and coaches attended the meeting.