Coldwater safety committee to address e-bikes

COLDWATER - The Coldwater Village Council at Monday's meeting heard concerns about kids and motorized devices.

Steve Hennessey was spokesman for a group of residents questioning why moped drivers must be 14 years old, pass a test, and wear a helmet when 8-year-olds can ride an electric bike with no restrictions.

Village administrator Jason Eyink and Mayor Doug Bertke responded simultaneously, "State law."

Hennessey then asked if there were any town laws. "How long are we going to go before something happens?" he questioned, adding "It's almost out of control."

Bertke said the subject has been brought up at several recent council meetings and he believes it is something that needs to be addressed.

"We've got to be careful with the laws too," Bertke added. "That's one of the bigger hold-ups, how far can you go? You can't go too far because state and federal laws don't allow it."

The council thanked Hennessey for bringing the topic to their attention.

A safety committee meeting is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. July 27 to discuss the issue.

Police Chief Kevin Wynk expressed thanks to the Coldwater American Legion for their $3,500 donation to bring the VR Save a Life Tour to Coldwater High School next April. Wynk said the program raises awareness about the dangers of distracted driving through interactive simulators.

Also on Monday, the council approved two legislative items relating to the 2026 and 2027 budgets.

Under suspension of rules requiring three public readings, council passed an ordinance amending the 2026 budget.

Finance director Dylan Schwieterman said the amended budget moves funds to cover the Second Street project and the lights on Diamond 8 in Memorial Park. Due to the full-depth repair being needed on Second Street, the project ran $300,000 over budget.

Eyink said patching was originally intended on Second Street, but he was advised to do the full-depth repair and have it fixed properly.

Schwieterman said another $18,000 was added to the budget for the lights as there were additional material and labor costs.

He noted there is not an increase or a decrease to the budget. "We netted it out with the Fire Department capital fund. We didn't have to use the whole $1.1 million up front for the fire truck," he said.

In other action, councilors approved a motion to accept the 2027 tax budget. Schwieterman said this is the estimate that is turned into the county tax budget committee every July to receive local funding.

Eyink also reported on work being done around Coldwater. Ohio Department of Transportation crews started on the milling/resurfacing of Second Street last Friday. "Probably should be wrapping up hopefully by next week," he said.

He reported that the village lost three utility poles and some big trees at the park during the July 4th weekend storms. Numerous trees were trimmed and fences repaired from storm damage.

Bertke and the council expressed appreciation on how village crews and the police department responded with assistance and cleanup after the storm. Eyink thanked Coverall Tree Service for their help cleaning up the park for the Red, White and Blue celebration.

Upcoming village events include:

• community cleanup is July 16-18.

• remaining summer concert dates are July 16 and July 23.

• Coldwater Community Picnic is July 30-Aug. 2.

The Coldwater Village Council meets next at 7 p.m. July 27 at the village hall.