12-16-1996 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River Cit.v Council Meeting December 16, 1996 Page 4 COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE 1996 BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND ENCUMBRANCES. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 7.4. Snowmobile Ordinance Amendments The City Clerk distributed an E-mail message submitted to the City from Mark and Barbara Lovell of 11783 191st Avenue NW in favor of the proposed snowmobile ordinance amendment. The City Clerk further indicated that the City received a letter in favor of the proposed ordinance amendment from Mr. Ken and Julie Case of 12951Meadowvale Road. (Both letters have been made part of the official council minutes). Police Chief Tom Zerwas reviewed the proposed amendments to the snowmobile ordinance. He explained that one amendments relates to restrictions in the urban service area and the other amendment pertains to restrictions city wide. The Police Chief indicated that the City has received several complaints regarding snowmobilers riding on lawns and boulevard areas and destroying grass and driveways. He further stated that the proposed snowmobile ordinance would not allow snowmobilers to ride on boulevards. Police Chief Zerwas indicated that the City has received comments both in opposition and in support of the proposed ordinance. The Chief suggested that the Park and Recreation Commission research the possibility of a snowmobile trail within the City of Elk River to allow snowmobilers to get from point-to-point. Councilmember Scheel indicated her concern that the ordinance should be city wide so as to protect the residents in the rural areas. Councilmember Farber indicated his concern regarding enforcement of the ordinance. Discussion was held on whether or not to include the county road rights-of-way. It was the consensus of the Council to include the county roads and to inform the county of the City's ordinance. Ken Case indicated his concern about snowmobiles ruining his driveway and lawn. He indicated he is in favor of the ordinance being adopted. Barb Lovell, 11783 191 st Avenue, indicated that she does not appreciate snowmobilers driving on her boulevard and driveway. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 96-32, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1104 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REGULATING THE USE OF SNOWMOBILES ON PUBLIC STREETS WITHIN THE URBAN SERVICE AREA OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-1. Councilmember Scheel opposed. Councilmember Farber indicated that the police department should look into the possibility of leasing or purchasing a snowmobile to enforce this ordinance. Chief Zerwas suggested looking into the possibility of paying a police officer for the use of a personal snowmobile to enforce the ordinance.