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Consent
Item No. 7.
| MEETING DATE: 08/19/2024 |
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| TO: | HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS |
| FROM: | JIM SADRO, CITY MANAGER By: Adam Foster, Chief of Police |
| SUBJECT: | PROPOSED RESPONSE TO THE 2023-2024 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT TITLED: "E-BIKES FRIEND OR FOE"
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RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
A. Receive and file the report;
B. Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached response letter; and,
C. Direct staff to send the signed response letter to the Orange County Grand Jury.
DISCUSSION:
The City of La Habra received the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury report titled, “E-Bikes Friend or Foe,” pursuant to California Penal Code 933.05(a) and (b), on June 20, 2024. The Grand Jury is aware that the sales of bikes powered and/or assisted by electric motors (E-bikes) has increased by 145% from 2020 to 2021. The Grand Jury believes that regulation of E-bikes has not kept up with their use and popularity. The Grand Jury's report further states that accidents, incidents and complaints related to E-bike riders have greatly increased. Accordingly, the Grand Jury determined that an investigation into E-bikes was needed for public awareness.
The Grand Jury stated that the information garnered during their study was collected and verified through multiple sources and statements as part of their investigation. The Grand Jury interviewed retail bike shop representatives, staff at the Orange County Transportation Authority, staff at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and representatives from the Central Newport Beach Community Association. Additionally, the Grand Jury attended City Council meetings at various cities throughout the County, participated in trainings hosted by an Orange County city, and reviewed proposed State legislation at various points of the legislative process. The Grand Jury also sent out a survey to the 34 mayors in Orange County. Of the 34 mayors, 22 responded to the survey and the survey results are included in the attached Grand Jury Report.
The City of La Habra is required to respond to the identified Findings and Recommendations contained within the report. The City has provided its response in the attached letter, as required by California Penal Code 933. The City's response to the findings and recommendations found in the Grand Jury's report is due by September 19th, 2024.
The Grand Jury stated that the information garnered during their study was collected and verified through multiple sources and statements as part of their investigation. The Grand Jury interviewed retail bike shop representatives, staff at the Orange County Transportation Authority, staff at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and representatives from the Central Newport Beach Community Association. Additionally, the Grand Jury attended City Council meetings at various cities throughout the County, participated in trainings hosted by an Orange County city, and reviewed proposed State legislation at various points of the legislative process. The Grand Jury also sent out a survey to the 34 mayors in Orange County. Of the 34 mayors, 22 responded to the survey and the survey results are included in the attached Grand Jury Report.
The City of La Habra is required to respond to the identified Findings and Recommendations contained within the report. The City has provided its response in the attached letter, as required by California Penal Code 933. The City's response to the findings and recommendations found in the Grand Jury's report is due by September 19th, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT/SOURCE OF FUNDING:
There is no fiscal impact regarding the response to the Grand Jury findings.
GENERAL PLAN RELEVANCE/CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Goal 1: Public Safety.