INFORMATION #1 03-20-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Mr. Tom Zerwas, Chief March 7, 1995 Elk River Police Department City Hall 13065 Orono Rd Elk River, MN 55330 Motorized Vehicles on Non-Motorized City 'Trails Dear Chief Zerwas: On Sunday afternoon, March 5, I was cross-country skiing on the trail system near the Elk River Country Club. I use this trail system often and appreciate having this significant recreational amenity in our community. On the old railroad grade, I flagged down a south-bound snowmobile and informed the rider that he was on anon-motorized trail. Although he had apparently just passed the no motorized vehicles sign at Co Rd 33, he said he was unaware of the restriction. (Hc demonstrated a little belligerence by asking me where I lived. The implication was that I hadn't lived in the area as long as he had. He noted that he had been going up and down the trail since he was two years old). Upon my asking, he noted that he has a license for the snowmobile and gestured to # AZ~V6877 on the hood. (If this is a current license, please • give hun a warning call). I repeated that it was anon-motorized trail and we cordially bid each other a good day. Several minutes later, I was approached from behind by three north-bound snowmobiles going quite fast. I moved quickly to the side to see what was approaching as the first two sped by. I moved tc~ the middle of the trial and waved with both arms for the third to stop. IIe did not slow down but sped by on the edge of the trail, just missing the tips of my skis. Chief Zerwas, I recognize that chasing rogue snow~nobilers is probably not high in your department's priority list. However, I hope this letter will heighten ,your interest in what i assume is a growing safety problem. I suggest that a better barricade system be installed at strategic points on the trail. Such a system could have ridged posts, spaced close enough to prevent passage of vehicles. Or, if there is a potential need for emergency vehicles to travel on the old railroad grade, a locking gale could be installed. I also suggest that more and more obvious signs be installed to inform even the recalcitrants of the trail restriction. Signs could include "by order of ER PD". Plcasc forward this letter, as appropriate, to others at city hall who may also be involved with managing our recreational facilities. ~~~~ ~~~ i,',, ,~ ~c '' Jun E ~~ ''n 1196 19th ircle `~~'~ Ells Iti 55330