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<br />Park & Recreation Commission Minutes <br />January 10.2001 <br />Page 6 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />9.CA. Discuss Snowmobile Abuse of Trails <br /> <br />Lori Collins, representing the River City Snow Riders Snowmobile Club, discussed <br />recent activities of the Club to educate the public on snowmobiling laws in the <br />City. She noted that an article from the Police Chief regarding snowmobiling was <br />published in 3 local newspapers. She stated that the Club met with Police <br />Department representatives and Park & Recreation Commission representatives <br />to discuss illegal snowmobiling on City trails. Ms. Collins explained that the Police <br />Chief has asked for the Club's assistance by having two members ride with each <br />of the two groups of law enforcement officers when they are out on enforcement <br />patrol. Currently, the Club has been monitoring the City trails and calling in on <br />violators. They have also been busy putting out signs. The Police Chief has stated <br />that they will try to get officers out patrolling the trails as soon as possible after a <br />snowfall. <br /> <br />Commissioner Dave Anderson reviewed photos he had taken of snowmobiles <br />being ridden on City trails and trail damage that has recently occurred. <br /> <br />Commissioner Huberty asked what the cost was to repair the trails. Phil Hals <br />stated that the cost to resurface the trails is approximately $5,000 per mile, and <br />that micro-surfacing is approximately $10,000 per mile. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he has observed more damage done <br />on the trails during the 3-day New Year's weekend than was done in the past 3 <br />years. He commended the Snowmobile Club for doing an incredible job. <br />Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that it is difficult for police officers to get out <br />on the trails after a snowfall because they are so busy with road accidents. He <br />explained that Assistant Chief Beahen is trying to work with the judicial system to <br />simplify the process for snowmobiling violations so that it doesn't tie up so much of <br />the officers time doing the paperwork. Commissioner Anderson stated that he <br />would like to see some type of action taken to address the trail damage, beyond <br />what is in the current City Ordinance. He stated that if snowmobiles are only <br />allowed to run on designated trails, they will then understand that they cannot <br />ride where ever they choose. <br /> <br />Commissioner Reitsma asked where they are allowed to ride now. Commissioner <br />Dave Anderson explained that the current ordinance allows them to ride in City <br />streets; not on the boulevard, not on the sidewalks, and not on private property. <br />Commissioner Reitsma stated that he felt that it was too dangerous to ride on the <br />streets. He asked how close the Snowmobile Club was to getting their trail <br />through the City. Ms. McPherson explained that they are still need signatures <br />from two property owners to complete the last piece of the trail. Chair Kuester <br />stated that he felt the City needs to be more proactive in helping to secure the <br />trail. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Ms. McPherson asked if it would be possible to not plow certain sections of the <br />City trail and let the snowmobiles use it. like the Street Department is currently <br />doing on a portion of the Jackson Street trail. Commissioner Dave Anderson <br />stated that it would not be a problem if the snowmobiles did not use studded <br />tracks. He also felt there would be a problem maintaining snow on the trails. Ms. <br />Collins explained that the Street Department has been able to maintain snow on <br />the Jackson Avenue trail for the snowmobilers to use, by deliberately plowing <br />