Minutes - Council - 03/23/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I$ I I I I I$ I I I I I I Mr. Nord suggested that maybe some of the younger drivers really don't know where it is legal for them to drive. He felt they should be educated about this because he really wants to see snowmobiling remain a sport in Ramsey. He stated they have organized snowmobile runs from his store. Mayor Gilbertson stated that the City Council and City Staff really want to get this issue worked out. Mr. Nord stated that the property owners, along with the drivers, should be educated. Some of the property owners are putting death threatening obstacles up in the known paths of the snowmobilers. He added the ditches are legitimate riding areas. Joe Novak, 6711 - 137th Avenue N.W., Ramsey, stated he is in favor of keeping the ordinance as is. The majority of the people here belong to a snowmobile club and abide by the laws. He stated he works for the Anoka-Ramsey Sports Center where they have the organized, no alcohol allowed, rides. He stated snowmobiling is vital to their business. Marlin Perry, 16237 Kamacite Street N.W., Ramsey, stated he is a member of the Snow Rams Snowmobile Club, a past president of the club and a certified safety instructor. He stated they have put on safety programs for 12 to 18 year olds, as a free service. The only charge is the DNR costs. He stated he supports snowmobiling in Ramsey and asked the the ordinance remain as is. He stated it is hard to get parents to attend the classes with the young people and he felt they should also attend. He said people do not know the rules and regulations, they don't realize the young people need a safety certificate and some just don't care. He suggested the City has a very good media to educate the citizens which is the Ramsey Resident and expressed disappointment that an article regarding snowmobiling was not printed this winter. Bruce Corteau, 164th Lane N.W., Ramsey, stated that the City needs a trail system so snowmobilers know where they can ride. He suggested asking for volunteers to ride the snowmobiles Mr. Nord would donate to help with the patrol of illegal snowmobiling. He stated the streets could be used as connecting links between a trail system and expressed support for more education for the young riders. Klm Flessner, 153rd and Iguana Street N.W., Ramsey, stated she lives close to a high traffic road and expressed concern for the safety of her small children. She stated the snowmobile drivers cut corners and if a child was in the yard, they could really get hurt. She has had snowmobiles cut through the middles of her yard. She added she is not against snowmobiles but precautions must be taken. She stated her daughter's friends come over on snowmobiles and when other snowmobilers see the tracks in her yard, they assume they can drive there also. She suggested working with snowmobile clubs at the beginning of winter to educate residents where snowmobiling is allowed. She doesn't feel more laws are needed, but she fears for her children's safety. Ron Bolin; 16280 Andrie Street N.W., Ramsey, stated there are both good and bad snowmobilers. He has tried to grow trees and grass and snowmobiles have been driven over the attempted growth. He has confronted snowmobilers coming here from other cities who seem to think they can drive anywhere in the City of Ramsey. He felt more enforcement is needed. Bob Peterson, 15621 Erkium Street N.W., Ramsey, stated he is a member of the Snow Rams SnOwmobile Club and is also a certified safety instructor. He worked with the Committee when the snowmobile ordinance was passed. He feels there are no changes needed in the ordinance; the change is needed in the enforcement. He offered help from the Public Hearing/Snowmobiling/March 23, 1993 Page 2 of 3