Regular Meeting Transcription

Type	Regular Monthly Council Meeting (7:00 PM)
Location	Village of Briarcliff, Texas
Present	Mayor Allen Hostetler; Aldermen Charlesworth, Johnston, Aldrich, Richmond, Elliott
Absent	None noted
City Secretary	Amber Rowe
Source	VID_20260325_190043_00_037_039_231152.mp4 (~83 minutes)

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Key Takeaways

1. E-bike/e-motorcycle ordinance tabled — After citizen comment from 30+ residents (mostly parents and children opposing the proposed ordinance), the council voted to table it until the next meeting to consult the village attorney on legal questions.
2. E-bike vs. e-motorcycle distinction discussed — Council discussion addressed the distinction between e-bikes (Classes 1/2/3, pedal-assisted) and e-motorcycles (no pedals). Alderman Charlesworth stated that most kids are riding vehicles that may classify as e-motorcycles under state law.
3. Annual resolution adopted — Resolution 2025-06 was approved unanimously — an annual adoption that has not changed in several years.
4. Water transmission line construction update — Detailed update on pipeline construction progress, including ductile iron pipe installation, road crossings, and restoration commitments.
5. BPOA dam maintenance concerns — BPOA representative reported budget strain from dam maintenance, TCEQ-mandated inspections, potential asbestos in some dams, and damage from bikes riding across dam tops.
6. Squatter house (103 Sinclair) update — City Administrator reported the village attorney is pursuing an administrative warrant to enter and inspect the property, which could lead to condemnation.

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Citizen Communication [00:00–46:15]

Approximately half the meeting was dedicated to citizen communication regarding a proposed ordinance that would restrict certain electric vehicles in the village. Approximately 30–40 residents attended. The proposed ordinance (referenced as “Exhibit A”) would have excluded Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles but restricted other motorized vehicles.

Citizen Speakers — Opposing the Proposed Ordinance

Speaker 1 — Jared West (parent) [00:15–02:30]

• Called for compromise rather than an outright ban or impoundment policy
• Noted the e-bike community has brought families together
• Estimated 30–40 people present asking for the same thing

Speaker 2 — Junior (child) [02:36–03:29]

• Young resident asking council to allow e-bikes
• “I’m asking you to allow [e-bikes] because they help kids like me be outside”
• Acknowledged that “sometimes kids, including me, have made mistakes”
• Asked for fair rules and expectations rather than a ban: “Most of us want to ride safely and respectfully”

Speaker 3 — Wayne Pottle (resident) [03:44–07:15]

• Asked what exactly was being proposed — total ban or specific restrictions
• The proposed ordinance would exclude Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles (those with fully functional pedals)
• Confusion arose because Exhibit A was not posted with the agenda
• Multiple audience members couldn’t hear the reading; asked for it to be repeated

Speaker 4 — Chareese Hatfield (parent and educator) [07:37–10:42]

• Acknowledged the need to preserve parks, trails, and neighborhood safety
• Argued the current approach feels like a “blanket response” that punishes responsible kids
• Drew parallel to the dog park — the community built designated space for pets; could do the same for e-bikes
• Proposed specific alternatives:
  • Designated areas/times for e-bike use
  • Guidelines focused on behaviors (speed, yielding) rather than outright restrictions
  • Progressive consequences for misuse
  • Partnership with families for safety education

Speaker 5 — Luke Hatfield (14-year-old resident) [11:10–13:24]

• Spoke about e-bikes keeping kids outside and active instead of on screens
• E-bikes provide transportation for teens who can’t always get rides from parents
• Asked for fair rules and teaching riders rather than a complete ban

Speaker 6 — Joe Carter (parent) [13:26–14:25]

• Asked about the state law timeline — when did it go into effect?
• Mayor confirmed this is a proposed village ordinance, not enforcement of existing state law
• Noted it’s better for constables to enforce a local ordinance than rely on state law alone

Speaker 7 — Anila Carter (parent) [14:35–17:36]

• Described the current situation as ranging from “no rules” on one end to a “ban” on the other
• Emphasized the issue is behavior, not the bikes themselves
• Proposed:
  • Share the Road initiative with signs warning of walkers and bikers
  • Safety classes taught by constables or community volunteers
  • Designated riding areas (like the dog park concept)
• Noted her son has developed mechanical skills working on his bike in the garage
• Pointed out kids are meeting new friends and engaging with the community

Speaker 8 — Michelle Ray (mother of three boys) [18:06–21:19]

• Sons have been riding e-bikes for about 1.5 years
• Boys saved their own money to buy bikes — teaches values and responsibility
• Noted that since COVID, kids being back outside has been “amazing”
• Fathers are working with sons in garages — “something we have not seen in like a decade”
• Suggested that outside visitors (kids visiting grandparents/single parents) may be the source of complaints
• Proposed a permitting system:
  • Sticker on bikes identifying permitted riders
  • Families sign off acknowledging neighborhood rules
  • Helps distinguish resident kids from outside visitors
• Analogy: “If we give a 15-year-old or 16-year-old a car that can go 100 miles an hour, we still expect them to stop at the damn stop sign”

Speaker 9 — Henley Roberts (child/teen) [21:25–22:00]

• “It doesn’t feel fair to punish everyone before everyone gets a chance”
• “We want to be a part of the solution”

Speaker 10 — Rachel Roberts (teen) [22:13–23:27]

• Addressed concerns about riding behavior
• “We’re not causing problems… we’re being kids outside, spending time together”
• Pointed out friends in other neighborhoods don’t have the same freedom
• “We’re not asking for special treatment, we’re just asking to be treated fairly”

Speaker 11 — Nolan Roberts (parent) [23:36–25:44]

• Described the proposal as “a sledgehammer” approach
• Asked what specific locations or behaviors are at issue — “If the concern is kids riding recklessly, then let’s address that”
• “A citywide ban is not a solution. It’s an avoidance of one.”
• Claimed 40+ people present were opposing the ban — “That’s not a fringe group. That’s a cross-section of this town.”
• “Good leadership finds solutions that work for everyone”

Speaker 12 — Mia Roberts (parent) [25:56–29:06]

• Spoke about freedom vs. restriction, laws vs. liberty
• “We don’t shut down roads because some people speed. We don’t ban driving because accidents happen.”
• Cited youth mental health statistics: one in five teens have considered suicide, one in ten have attempted it
• Argued e-bikes give kids independence and capability through real-world experience
• Noted over 200 million e-bikes worldwide — this is the future of transportation

Speaker 13 — Benny Dusenburry (20+ year resident, no children) [29:12–29:58]

• Observed that the kids he’s seen have been “very responsible”
• Supported giving kids the opportunity to be outdoors rather than on screens

Speaker 14 — Ricky Willis (father, medical/addiction background) [30:36–33:10]

• Works in a field requiring knowledge of medical research on addiction
• Claimed the following statistics:
  • Kids 10–14 are the fastest growing demographic for suicide
  • Screen addiction causes brain damage and shortens attention spans
  • 70% of military-age young people too unhealthy to serve
• E-bikes are “the only invention powerful enough to pull these kids off their screens”
• Family has met new neighbors through the e-bike community
• Offered to help purchase land for a riding area if needed

Speaker 15 — Zai Willis (teen, personal testimony) [33:13–35:04]

• Shared personal story of screen addiction that affected baseball skills, health, and social connections
• E-bikes helped him get outside and reconnect: “I have made new friends, learned new things”
• “Please, do not take this away from me”

Speaker 16 — Christina Womack (10-year community member, snow cone/ice cream vendor) [35:12–37:50]

• Lives at corner of Southland and North Dunkeld; operates the local snow cone trailer and ice cream truck
• Spoke on behalf of her son who rides dirt bikes (different bracket than e-bikes)
• Dirt bikes brought him out of his room, back into friend groups
• Praised the constables for being constructive with riders
• Son built a dirt bike from scratch with blinkers, headlights, horn, turn signals
• Shared near-accident story: almost hit an e-biker who was looking at his phone — chose not to post about it on social media
• The young rider immediately apologized and admitted he’d been looking at his phone to find his friends
• Encouraged parents to reinforce phone-free riding
• Told the kids: “I’m proud of you for speaking tonight”

Speaker 17 — Gina McFadden (parent, ER nurse) [39:25–40:58]

• 13-year-old son’s first bike was an electric bike
• As an ER nurse: “I understand the safety concerns probably more than anybody”
• Described strict household safety rules: helmet, gloves, and chest protector every ride; no wheelies, no standing while riding; must follow rules of the road
• “A full ban is not the right solution. That punishes families who are doing this the right way.”
• Advocated for reasonable guidelines and accountability for rule-breakers
• “These bikes, when used responsibly, give kids confidence and a reason to be outside”

Speaker 18 — Donovan (parent, Gina McFadden’s husband) [40:41–42:19]

• Called for compromise: “We just don’t want an overall blanket ban”
• Reminded the room what it was like growing up outside without internet or regulation
• Noted current e-bikes are quieter than the two-stroke engines from the 80s
• Acknowledged some outside kids (from across the street) may be causing problems riding the levees, but objected to lumping all kids together
• Pointed out many people in the room without kids came to support the riders
• His son is outside and active for the first time in a long time

Other Citizen Communication

Squatter House & Construction Property Inquiries [37:54–38:58]

• Resident asked for an update on the squatter situation — mayor said he would address it later in the meeting (see Squatter House (103) — Enforcement Update below)
• Same resident asked separately about a different property — “the big building that never ceases to finish being built” — on Briarcliff Drive
  • Mayor confirmed fines have been issued on that property (exact amount is private information)
  • Construction expected to be done by mid-April
  • Trash will be removed

Transparency & Budget Questions — Mark De Zeeuw (Alderman Candidate) [42:52–46:15]

• A resident running for the Alderman position raised several questions:
  • Law enforcement budget discrepancies: Budget shows full-time, part-time, and part-time constable, but monthly financial reports show inconsistent payments
  • Flock/ALPR cameras: Asked how they are used and monitored — said a village employee came to his house and stated “we see people coming and going” and identified people; asked “is that what the purpose of the flock cameras are,” whether anyone sits and monitors the cameras, and “who is ‘we’”
  • Water fund and road maintenance: Cited the City Administrator’s October 29 statement that $200,000 of road maintenance was funded by the Water Department; reached out to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, who directed them to ask the council as a first step in their inquiry
  • Asked directly: “What part of my water bill goes toward paying for the roads?”
  • Running for Alderman in part because they believe the village needs “more transparency, more accountability, and overall respect for our citizens”

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Resolution Adoption [46:26–47:20]

• Resolution 2026-03-25-06 (annual investment policy) was presented for adoption
• Required annually per the village auditor; has not changed in several years
• Motion and vote: Motion made, seconded — all in favor, passed unanimously

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Skipped Speaker — Larry (resident) [~47:30–51:00]

After the resolution vote, a resident raised a point of order noting the mayor had skipped remaining citizen communication speakers. The mayor acknowledged the mistake and returned to the sign-up list.

Larry — Long-time Briarcliff resident:

• “I met my wife 53 years ago in sociology class. Two things I remember: a pretty girl with a nice smile, and something our teacher said — the difference between a normal child and a juvenile delinquent is that the normal child didn’t get caught.”
• “Issuing citations and impounding their bikes is not the solution”
• Has been organizing a working group with parents to find a workable solution — collecting information but not yet ready to present
• Claimed “we the people of Village of Briarcliff own about 15 to 20 acres of parkland that we are not allowed to use”
• Asked the village to place a moratorium on citations unless constables have witnessed reckless behavior
• Asked kids to police themselves and not tolerate bad behavior
• Asked the village and BPOA to work together to free up parkland for a dirt park
• Noted pedal-bike riders have trails nearby: Pace Bend (~15 minutes by bicycle) and the Lake Travis Mountain Bike Team trails with coaches who compete at the national level
• Asked if the trail from Briarcliff to Thurmond Bend / Lake Travis Club is open — answer: no

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E-Bike/E-Motorcycle Ordinance — Council Discussion [47:20–73:30]

After citizen communication, the council moved to discuss the proposed ordinance.

Key Distinction: E-Bikes vs. E-Motorcycles

• Alderman Charlesworth raised the distinction: most kids are riding e-motorcycles (without pedals), not e-bikes (with pedals)
  • According to Charlesworth: e-bikes (Class 1, 2, 3) have functional pedals and are treated as bicycles under Texas law
  • E-motorcycles have no pedals and fall under motorcycle regulations
• Charlesworth stated that under Texas Transportation Code:
  • E-motorcycles require: age 16+, motorcycle license, helmet, license plate, turn signals, headlights
  • E-bikes (Class 1/2/3): no special license or age requirement
• “I think the major confusion that’s going on here is we’re not talking about e-bikes at all. We’re talking about e-motorcycles.”

State Law Discussion

• Alderman Johnston stated that as a Type A general-law municipality, Briarcliff must follow state law as a minimum — can be more restrictive but not less
• Council discussed the golf cart precedent: Briarcliff adopted an ordinance permitting golf carts on public roads; a similar approach might be possible for e-bikes
• Former Mayor Hammond was credited with helping pass the golf cart ordinance approximately 10 years ago
• Concern raised: if the village knowingly allows underage riders on e-motorcycles on public roads, it could face legal liability if someone is injured

BPOA Dam/Park Land Issues [68:00–72:30]

A BPOA board representative spoke about the challenges of using BPOA-owned park land for a potential bike/dirt park:

• BPOA managing dam maintenance with serious budget implications
• TCEQ has mandated inspections of all dams
• Bikes riding across dam tops are causing erosion damage that TCEQ has flagged as a concern
• Some dams contain asbestos and other chemicals requiring specialized removal
• Park land floods regularly, making permanent improvements impractical
• The village only owns a single lot; BPOA owns the parks and common land
• Estimated cost to address the most critical dam: [amount unclear from transcription — possibly $100,000]
• In the next 10 years, all dams will likely need removal or major remediation
• Lakeway has built pump tracks for bicycles, but they are only available for pedal bicycles — no motorcycles of any kind
• Nearby trails (Bee Creek area, Lake Travis Mountain Bike Team trails) are available for pedal bikes

Motion to Table

• Alderman made a motion to table the vote until the next meeting so the council can consult with the village attorney about the legal questions raised
• Seconded by another alderman
• All in favor, passed — the ordinance discussion is tabled
• The audience applauded

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Water Transmission Line Construction Update [76:40–78:30]

An infrastructure update was provided on the water transmission line project:

• Ductile iron pipe installation in progress
  • Noted alignment issues with older pipe on peripheries — they had to fill and case through those sections
  • Uses 24-inch steel casing at bore points
• Pipeline route continues up to Pace Bend Road area
  • Directional bore of 3–4 inches through that section to avoid surface disruption
  • All road crossings will be bored under the road
• Narrow section near Pace Bend Road/Briarcliff Drive intersection:
  • Limited workspace due to curves and tree lines
  • Barriers in place along the route
• Fire hydrants will be installed along Pace Bend Road side — to be restored after construction
• All BPOA property impacted by construction will be fully restored
  • Contractor doesn’t get paid if restoration isn’t completed
• Construction is in progress

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Squatter House (103 Sinclair) — Enforcement Update [78:38–82:16]

City Administrator provided an update on the ongoing code enforcement issue at 103 Sinclair:

• Village attorney is pursuing an administrative warrant to enter and inspect the property
• If the condition is sufficiently bad, the property could be condemned
• Background:
  • Original owner passed away
  • Son initially occupied the property and invited a woman to stay
  • Current male occupant reportedly lives there as well
  • Eviction previously fell apart because occupants are technically “invited guests”
• The occupants’ truck (used for hauling tires to make income) was reportedly stolen
• Property has multiple pit bulls — officers will accompany any inspection (likely two constables)
  • Even after removing one dog, occupants acquired two new ones plus puppies
• Citations have been piling up
• Village is following the legal process step by step

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Constable/Security Report [82:44–82:56]

• Brief mention that the security board report is done
• No detailed discussion captured in the recording

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Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:23 PM (83 minutes)

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Action Items

#	Item	Owner
1	Consult village attorney regarding e-bike/e-motorcycle ordinance legal questions (state law, liability, Type A municipality restrictions)	Mayor Hostetler / Village Attorney
2	Bring e-bike/e-motorcycle ordinance back for discussion at next council meeting with legal guidance	Council
3	Continue pursuing administrative warrant for 103 Sinclair property	City Administrator / Village Attorney
4	Continue water transmission line construction and restoration	Contractor / City Administrator
5	BPOA to report back on dam inspection results from TCEQ	BPOA Board

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People Referenced

Name	Role
Allen Hostetler	Mayor
Charlesworth	Alderman (raised e-bike vs. e-motorcycle distinction)
Johnston	Alderman (state law discussion)
Aldrich	Alderman
Richmond	Alderman
Elliott	Alderman
Amber Rowe	City Secretary
Jared West	Resident, parent
Wayne Pottle	Resident
Chareese Hatfield	Resident, parent, educator
Luke Hatfield	Resident, 14 years old
Joe Carter	Resident, parent
Anila Carter	Resident, parent
Michelle Ray	Resident, mother of three
Henley Roberts	Resident, child/teen
Rachel Roberts	Resident, teen
Nolan Roberts	Resident, parent
Ricky Willis	Resident, parent (medical/addiction background)
Benny Dusenburry	Resident, 20+ year Briarcliff resident
Zai Willis	Resident, teen
Christina Womack	Resident, local vendor (snow cone/ice cream)
Gina McFadden	Resident, parent, ER nurse
Donovan	Resident, parent (Gina McFadden’s husband)
Mia Roberts	Resident, parent
Mark De Zeeuw	Resident, Alderman candidate
Larry	Resident (organized parent working group, parkland advocate)
Former Mayor Hammond	Former Mayor (referenced re: golf cart ordinance)

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Notes generated via automated transcription (Whisper small model) of VID_20260325_190043_00_037_039_231152.mp4, cross-referenced against the Village of Briarcliff Transcription Corrections Dictionary.