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<br />The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional <br />service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated: August 2020 <br />Request for Action <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />To <br />Parks and Recreation Commission <br />Item Number <br />8.1 <br />Agenda Section <br />Discussion <br />Meeting Date <br />June 8, 2022 <br />Prepared by <br />Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director <br />Item Description <br />Unmanned aircraft in city parks <br />Reviewed by <br />Cal Portner, City Administrator <br />Reviewed by <br /> <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Discussion of (UAS) unmanned aircraft system or ‘drones’ in city parks <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />The Northwest Radio Control Club requested approval for their aeromodelling hobby in a city park. The club has <br />about 40 members currently using private property that will soon no longer be available. They want to make a <br />presentation in July to the Parks and Recreation Commission requesting a public park/property for their club. <br /> <br />Cities have little authority to impose regulations on drones because the FAA’s authority pre-empts city ordinances. <br />Cities have the authority to regulate the takeoff and landing locations for drones via zoning ordinances. However, <br />need to be careful not to use this authority to effectively ban drone operations within the city. The FAA <br />encourages this type of activity in parks/public lands wherever possible. <br /> <br />Staff recommends partnering with the club so this type of activity can be encouraged and done safely within the <br />city. A few undeveloped parks have been discussed with the club. The club is requesting an open space area of a <br />minimum 20-acres away from power lines and homes. The club will install a runway of about 400-600 feet they <br />will maintain. Potential undeveloped park sites include Burr Oak, Rice Lake, and Alba Ridge <br /> <br />If the Commission is supportive, is there an undeveloped park location that is preferred? <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />N/A <br /> <br />Mission/Policy/Goal <br />Ethical, efficient, and responsible <br /> <br />Attachments <br />• League of Minnesota Cities Drone Information Memo <br />• FAA News – Unmanned aircraft rules <br />• <br />