DUBLIN, Ohio — Dublin City Council on Monday unanimously adopted new regulations for electric scooters and other micromobility devices, including a reinstated helmet requirement for riders under 16, as the city continues to refine rules for the growing number of small electric vehicles on its streets.
The 7-0 vote on Ordinance 15-26 came after a second reading. The measure amends chapters 72 and 75 of the city code to clarify that riders must travel on the right side of the roadway and strengthens safety requirements for the devices.
The meeting opened with a special presentation from state Auditor of State representative Scott Brown, who presented the city with the 2025 Auditor of State Award with Distinction. Brown said the award places Dublin in the top 4% of roughly 4,200 audits conducted annually across Ohio, recognizing the city for a clean audit report with no findings for recovery, material weaknesses or other deficiencies.
“This award represents all of your staff and employees’ hard work as they work constantly to attain accounting excellence,” Brown told council. Finance staff members Matt Rabino, Megan Murray and Ryan Reichley accepted the award on behalf of the city.
During citizen comments, residents Jennifer and Daniel Hamill raised ongoing concerns about industrial uses in the West Innovation District near their homes. Jennifer Hamill told council the issue has seen no progress since April 2025, when council tabled a rezoning request. She urged the city to eliminate industrial zoning near residential areas, citing safety concerns.
Council took no action on the WID issue Monday. The matter remains a contentious topic in the community.
In other business, representatives from the City of Columbus presented an update on the Columbus 4th Water Plant transmission main project. Officials outlined alignment refinements, including shifting the route from Brand Road to Erlington Parkway and preserving the median on Mirfield Drive. The update included details on phasing and public outreach plans. Council received the information but took no formal vote.
The Community Services Advisory Committee delivered a report on deer management, presenting survey results showing 59% of respondents support population management. On the question of lethal removal, 49% supported the method, 33% opposed it and 18% were neutral. Council voted unanimously to schedule a work session to hear from experts on the issue.
Council also approved bids for path maintenance, sidewalk repairs and tree pruning, and received an IT quarterly briefing on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity initiatives.
The meeting concluded with council reports and announcements about upcoming community events, including the St. Patrick’s Day parade scheduled for Saturday.