Carson, CA — The Carson City Council advanced a proposed ordinance Oct. 6 that would restrict electric bikes and other mobility devices on sidewalks and in city parks, as residents urged the city to involve the community in cleanup plans for the former Phillips 66 refinery site.

The council approved the ordinance’s first reading. It would prohibit riding e-bikes on sidewalks and riding mobility devices, including bicycles, scooters and skateboards, in city parks.

Riders would have to dismount before entering parks and walk or carry their devices to designated bike racks. The proposal includes exceptions for people who use mobility devices for accessibility.

The city said violations could bring administrative citations of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for a third and later offenses.

Under the proposal, sheriff’s deputies could seize a minor’s bike for certain dangerous conduct, including racing or stunts.

A parent or guardian could retrieve a seized bike after at least 48 hours, once the minor completed a safety class and the family paid a processing fee.

“These electronic vehicles can be very problematic because they’re quiet and they move much too fast for pedestrians to get out of the way in some cases,” Councilmember Jim Dear said.

He asked whether the ordinance would address e-bikes fitted with loud noisemakers. Staff said the city’s existing noise regulations would apply and offered to research whether the proposed ordinance or state law could address the issue.

The council proceeded with the first reading and asked staff to examine the noise provisions before the next reading.

The council also heard 16 speakers on the Phillips 66 site. Speakers, including residents and representatives of community and health organizations, called for a community-focused task force and a full cleanup before redevelopment.

Some described concerns about pollution, illness and the site’s potential effects on nearby residents.

“It’s never too late for transparency and accountability and to involve the community in the discussion of what’s rapidly changing around us,” said Kya Marina-Le of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network, urging the council to launch a task force.

Dr. Mark Mitchell, a public health and environmental health physician with the National Medical Association, said, “Early community input into the decision-making leads to better and more acceptable outcomes.”

City staff said the environmental review process is at an early stage. Phillips 66 has submitted an application, and two consultants are reviewing the project, one focused on refinery decommissioning and public safety, the other on redevelopment.

“We’re at the very beginning of that,” Assistant City Manager Dr. Robert Lennox said.

The environmental review would be shared for public comment before later planning and council hearings.

Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes said, “We have not forgotten” the issue. Dear asked staff to provide a timeline for community involvement.

Officials clarified that a council task force had met, but said they had not committed to forming a separate resident task force at this stage.

Because the refinery matter was raised during public comment and was not on the agenda, the council took no formal action on it.

The meeting also opened with the mayor’s statement about Shari Sanders, who died during the Carson City Jazz Festival at Anderson Park.

Davis-Holmes said the Carson Sheriff’s Station was investigating the incident.

“We ask that the community and the media respect the family’s privacy and allow them to grieve in peace,” she said.

The city would not provide additional details while the investigation remained active. Several speakers offered condolences and expressed support for city staff and the event’s organizers.

In a report to the council, the Carson Sheriff’s Station described recent town halls and community events and introduced deputies assigned to its parks team.

Councilmembers praised the park enforcement program. Davis-Holmes urged deputies to “be visible,” get to know park directors and attend staff meetings to hear their concerns.

The council discussed management of the Marathon/Tesoro settlement funds, with the stated goal of preserving the principal, increasing lawful investment income and supporting long-term infrastructure and community needs.

Davis-Holmes called for the city’s finance committee to be activated, saying, “I’d like to meet with the finance committee next week.”

Staff said they would bring updated language and proposed committee membership to a future meeting.

The council also approved October as Senior Citizen Appreciation Month, including a citywide campaign to connect older residents with resources.

During closed-session reporting, City Attorney Mary Jo Levinger said the council gave direction to settle Sylvia de Cervantes v. City of Carson.

The settlement agreement will be finalized and made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office. Levinger also said the council directed the office to file a complaint in one potential case.