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MERCHANTVILLE (SBN) — Merchantville moved closer to regulating low-speed electric scooters and bikes on September 28, introducing an ordinance that would make the devices street-legal while keeping them off sidewalks, and separately advanced an amendment to its police department code that would allow officers to perform police work when off duty for private entities.

Council President Andrew McLoone said the electric-vehicle measure was needed for “the low speed e-scooters and bikes” so they are “permissible and not licensed,” while making sure “they’re not on our sidewalks”. The ordinance, which adds a new article on electric vehicles to the borough’s vehicles and traffic chapter, will receive final consideration at the regular meeting scheduled for October 12.

The council also introduced an ordinance amending the chapter of borough code governing the police department to create a system for administering off-duty police related work by officers for private entities. The measure was introduced on first reading and will be voted on at the October 12 meeting.

Both ordinances were introduced on first reading, along with a third measure amending the borough’s fee schedule, which drew no discussion. The three items now advance to the October 12 regular meeting for a second reading and potential adoption.

Earlier in the caucus session, the council approved three resolutions on a consent agenda, including a bingo license for St. Peter School, the rejection of bids received for a THUD grant, and authorization to go out to bid for the electrical portion of a related project.

During old business, McLoone raised the year-end meeting schedule, noting that caucus meetings fell on the Monday of Thanksgiving week and on December 28. He said the December 28 date was not a good idea, and staff noted the council eliminated second meetings in November and December last year without disrupting bill payments. The clerk confirmed proposed dates of November 16 and December 14.

The council adjourned shortly after, with no public comment recorded during the roughly 17-minute meeting.

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Merchantville council advances e-scooter, off-duty police work ordinances