Commission approves motorized scooters at Marion County Lake
Staff reporter
Changes to the county lake's regulations for motorized scooters were approved Monday by Marion County Commission.
The original regulation prohibited any type of motorized scooter on county property (Lakeshore Drive and property between Lakeshore Drive and the lake).
The change would allow any licensed driver 16 years of age and older to operate a gas or electric motorized scooter on the county property.
Jim Newkirk, a lake resident, requested a change because he would like to be able to ride a four-wheeled electric scooter from his home on Cherry Street to the lake.
Newkirk said he was disabled and uses the scooter to "get around." He said the scooter runs 15 mph and he plans to get liability insurance.
Before approval, commissioner Randy Dallke asked lake superintendent Dale Snelling how he would enforce the change. Snelling said if he had a concern he would ask for a driver's license.
In other business:
— The commission approved the purchase of dock padding for the public boat dock for $750 plus freight. Originally the commission had approved $455 but further research by Snelling determined the need for additional pads.
The next commission meeting will be 9 a.m. Friday. There will no commission meeting Monday.
