5.2. SR 01-22-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 9, 2002 Page 2 Open Mike - Use of 193rd Avenue Trail by Snowmobiles Ms. McPherson stated that there have been several telephone calls regarding the snowmobile trail map that was adopted by the City Council in November. A number of those calls have been from residents in the Lafayette Woods/Cherrywood Hills developments which lie north of the 193rd Avenue trail used by snowmobilers. The trail on 193rd Avenue has been identified on the snowmobile map as a trail connection between The Great Northern Trail and Highland Road in order to provide a cross-city link to Highway 169. The trail is also posted as pedestrian use only, as are all city trails. The city owns approximately 60' of right-of-way; there is 24' of pavement within the right-of-way, half of which will be plowed for pedestrian use, thus, leaving the remaining 12' of pavement and approximately 18' of right-of-way for travel by snowmobilers. There were several residents who presented in opposition for the use of this trail by snowmobilers, mostly for safety issues in light of the fact that this trail is used by many pedestrians, including many school-aged children who also utilize the trail to commute to and from school every day. Todd Bauman, resident on Macon Street, was also in opposition of another section of the snowmobile trail which runs along the ditch near his property. He reported that there has been substantial damage to his property, and the snowmobiles ride over the posted speed limit at all hours of the night, and do not stay on the posted trail. He stated that there has been no one in the City to enforce the snowmobile rules [which states that snowmobilers are not allowed to snowmobile after 11 p.m.]. He further stated that there is one police officer in the city who rides a snowmobile and with all the miles of trails in the area, there is no way he would be able to enforce these laws. He suggested two solutions to this concern: Keep the snowmobile trail on the opposite side of the street where a walking path exists and there would be ample space (15-foot span between the walking path and the street) for snowmobilers. Eliminate the trail altogether as a trail currently exists along Highway 10, which is three blocks from the horseshoe trail located along Macon Street. Commissioner Dana Anderson replied that the map is already in effect for this 2001-2002 season, but consideration will be given to the input at tonight's meeting for future adjustment to the map. Ms. Harris, an Elk River resident and college student at Eau Claire, WI, presented information about disc golfing. She gave detailed information describing the sport, providing reasons for having a disc golf course in the community [Lions Park], and including approximate costs for a 9- and 12-hole course. The Commissioner thanked her for the detailed information, and stated they would discuss this topic at a future meeting. Ms. McPherson stated that this topic would be discussed at the Retreat Meeting this weekend, January 12. She also stated that although the Commission did not take any action regarding the snowmobile trail this evening, it will be part of the Park and Recreation Commission update at the January 22, 2002 City Council meeting.