Humboldt approves ordinance on electric scooters, two police officers sworn in
A group of Electric Scooters parked outside an establishment in Downtown Humboldt. Independent Photo.
Carrson Bothne (right) is congratulated by Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl after Bothne was sworn in as a new police officer at the Aug. 18 Humboldt City Council meeting. Independent photo.
Tanner Boyd (right) is congratulated by Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl after Boyd was sworn in as one of Humboldt’s newest police officers at the city council meeting on Monday night, Aug. 18. Independent photo.
By PHIL MONSON
HUMBOLDT - The long-awaited scooter ordinance was approved by the Humboldt City Council at their meeting on Monday night, Aug. 18.
The council approved a resolution updating its bicycle laws and addresses electric scooters, which have become popular in the community over the last five months, which have also drawn complaints over the spring and summer months.
The council waived the second and third readings, which means the ordinance will go into effect on Aug. 28 after it is published in the Humboldt Independent Newspaper.
It bans the operation of electric scooters on sidewalks along Sumner Avenue from Eighth Street to Fourth Street. The scooters can be operated on Sumner Avenue street through downtown but have to obey all traffic laws.
The council approved the hiring of two new police officers in Tanner Boyd and Carrson Bothne. Both hirings were effective on Aug. 4 at a probationary rate of pay of $26.63 per hour. Both officers have to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Boyd will attend the academy first, starting Sept. 2.
Bothne grew up Bode and graduated from Humboldt High School two years ago. Boyd graduated from Humboldt High School in 2011.
Boyd is married and has three children. He served in the military after high school and spent time as a military police officer as well as a medic in the ambulance crew.
“This is my community. I was brought up in Humboldt and I want to serve the community to the best of my ability,” Boyd said.
Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl then administered the Oath of Office to both Boyd and Bothne.
The council also approved the appointment of Adam Vitzthum to the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department. Vitzthum grew up in the area and moved away before returning two years ago. He is employed at Jet Company in Humboldt.
“After being away for several years my family and I moved back to the area a few years ago and I’m looking forward to serving my community through the fire department,” Vitzthum said.
Humboldt Fire Chief Jim Gronbach said the department now has 19 members and would like to see that number increase to 21. A total of 25 is the maximum number, Gronbach said.
Read the full story from the Humboldt City Council meeting in this week's issue of the Humboldt Independent!
