Jefferson Resident Urges Traffic Safety Crackdown on Golf Carts, ATVs and E-Bikes at Village Council Meeting

Resident Describes Children Riding Without Helmets or Seat Belts Elaine Lux, a retired pediatric and emergency room nurse, told council she has grown increasingly concerned as the summer went on, particularly since the Fourth of July parade featured many of the vehicles. She described one encounter that pushed her to act. She said a man driving a four wheeler in front of her had a young boy squeezed between him and the seat back with nothing to hold onto, and a toddler girl wedged in front of him with no restraints. Lux said she went to the Jefferson Police Department about a week and a half before the meeting to raise her concerns after witnessing the ride. "The point is the adults are not being examples for these kids that are on the bikes and the e bikes," Lux told council. She also described watching a golf cart run a red light near the school after waiting through what the driver apparently felt was too long a cycle. Lux said she is not opposed to golf carts on village streets but wants the rules publicized again so riders understand they must follow the same traffic laws as cars. She offered to help with any safety committee or public awareness effort the village wants to start. Police Chief Outlines Plans for Inspection Program Chief Christopher Mackensen told council his department has already begun drafting a Facebook post explaining the rules for golf carts, ATVs, e bikes and electric skateboards. He said the department is also developing a proposed 2027 program that would require an inspection before any of those vehicles could be ridden on village roads. Under the concept, the department would issue a sticker once a rider and vehicle have gone through the inspection and been informed of the rules. Mackensen said a golf cart plated by the state must stop at red lights just like a car and that riders can already be cited for running a light. He said a valid driver's license is required to operate golf carts and ATVs on the road, and unaccompanied children driving them at events like the recent Fourth of July parade is not permitted outside of that supervised setting. Mackensen also noted his department fields occasional questions about the village's license plate reading Flock cameras, and reiterated for council that the systems were approved publicly through the annual budget process in 2024 and 2025 and cost about thirty five hundred dollars per camera each year. July Police and Fire Statistics Jefferson police recorded 30 incident reports, two arrests, eight citations and three crashes in July, according to department statistics included in the council packet. Officers logged roughly 45 traffic stops and responded to 327 calls for service during the month. The Jefferson Fire Department responded to 47 incidents in July, including 13 in Jefferson Township, 11 in the village and 18 in Lenox Township, along with five mutual aid calls. Firefighters logged 116 man hours of training across eight classes and completed three inspections. Fiscal Officer Appointment and Council Business Mayor Steven Sekanina announced the official appointment of Fiscal Officer Jamie Arcaro. Council also approved her attendance at the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund's New Employer Portal Training on August 19, with mileage reimbursement of 75 dollars. Council gave third reading and adopted a resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2026 Ford Interceptor from Montrose along with equipment and installation from Northeastern Communications, for a combined cost of 60,962.16 dollars. Members also adopted a resolution authorizing a new facility use agreement with the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency for continued use of the Giddings Park Community Center kitchen, which the agency uses to prepare meals for area senior citizens. The agreement calls for rent of 3,000 dollars a month beginning September 13. Council gave second reading to an ordinance and companion resolution establishing a fire damaged security fund required under state law, and gave first reading to an ordinance supplementing the village's 2026 budget by roughly 234,939.51 dollars, largely for the clerk treasurer's office, the wastewater treatment fund and safety services. Council also approved Sergeant Joe Schor's move from a full time to an occasional part time position with the police department effective August 13, following his resignation as a full time sergeant. Other Business Council approved closing Poplar Street from Route 307 to Walnut Street for the upcoming county fair to manage traffic. Fire crews will provide standby protection for the fair's demolition derbies and Thursday night truck pulls. Mackensen reminded residents that National Night Out runs Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Giddings Park, with police, fire and EMS crews from around the county, food and a live band. A free child car seat inspection event follows Saturday, August 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jefferson Rescue. The mayor also asked staff to check on a dead tree near t