7.0. SR 01-22-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

action taken to address the trail damage, beyond what is in the current City Ordinance. He stated that if snowmobiles are only allowed to run on designated trails, they will then understand that they cannot~ride~where ever they choose. Commissioner Reitsma asked where they are allowed to ride now. Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that the current ordinance allows them to ride in City streets; not on the boulevard, not on the sidewalks, and not on private property. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he felt that it was too dangerous to ride on the streets. He asked how close the Snowmobile Club was to getting their trail through the City. Ms. McPherson explained that they are still need signatures from two property owners to complete the last piece of the trail. Chair Kuester stated that he felt the City needs to be more proactive in helping to secure the trail. Ms. McPherson asked if it would be possible to not plow certain sections of the City trail and let the snowmobiles use it, like the Street Department is currently doing on a portion of the Jackson Street trail. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that it would not be a problem if the snowmobiles did not use studded tracks. He also felt there would be a problem maintaining snow on the trails. Ms. Collins explained that the Street Department has been able to maintain snow on the Jackson Avenue trail for the snowmobilers to use, by deliberately plowing snow onto the trail from the street. Commissioner Reitsma agreed that the snowmobiles would run down the snow, unless snow was continuously put back on it to maintain it. Phil Hals stated that there are some areas in the City where there is simply no way to get from "Point A" to "Point B". He stated that if snowmobiles were allowed on certain trails, the most critical areas to maintain are starting and stopping points, which is where most of the damage occurs. Commissioner Sladek asked how much damage has been on the Jackson Avenue trail. Mr. Hals stated that he would'not know until the snow melts, which would likely be in April. Commissioner Reitsma moved fo recommend that snowmobiles be banned from rtding in the urban service area, except for designated main east-west and north-south trail. commissioner dave anderson seconded the motion. Ms. McPherson stated that the Club is still missing a link on the Babinski site and also a piece by the railroad track, in order to complete the trail. Chair Kuester stated that he felt that if the Commission is going to make a recommendation to ban snowmobiles, he felt that detailed findings must be provided to the City Council. Commissioner Reitsma suggested that his motion could be amended to specify the ban to begin next winter. Commissioner Dave Anderson agreed that more preparation is needed before the recommendation is presented to the City Council. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he was in favor of making a recommendation to the Council now. Ms. McPherson stated that there are other cities such as Otsego, that are looking at a possible ban on snowmobiles. She noted that Otsego has designated a 16-member task force to study the issue. She suggested that there may be other options to look at before making a decision. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated he did not feel it would be possible to keep snow on the trails, because of the heavy use by snowmobilers. Commissioner Huberty stated that she did not feel it is fair to the taxpayers to ask them to pay for damage to the trails. She felt that there are many more taxpayers who use the trails for hiking and biking, compared to the number of snowmobilers. She felt it was important to present the Council with information regarding the costs to repair trails, as well as enforcement costs. Commissioner Reitsma felt that the snowmobilers would be accommodated, if there