Agenda - Council - 10/24/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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! I SNOWMOBILE AMENDMENT CASE AND RELATED By: Police Chief Mike Auspos CASE # COMMENTS I I I I I Background: On October; 10, 1995, an ordinance amending the City's snowmobile code, 6.04, was introduced and a public hearing date was set for October 24, 1995. This amendment provides for isanctions against the registered owner of a snowmobile that is observed being operated in 9iolation of the City Code, regardless of who the actual operator is. For the first observe~d violation, a warning letter is sent to the owner. If a second violation is observed within a twelve (12) month period, then the owner can be charged with a misdemeanor. Notwithstanding the outcome of any criminal prosecution, when a second violation is 6bserved in that period, the owner must obtain a City permit and identifying sticker. An~ operation of the snowmobile without that permit is prohibited. The amendr0ent also requires a permit be obtained if, during any time period, there are three (3) or more separate violations observed. There is wording that allows for revocation of this permit and a hearing process. If the revocation i~ upheld in the hearing, further operation of that specific snowmobile within the City is prohibited. (The City Attorney will have further comment on this particular sanction during the rr~eeting.) During thelmeetings held in the summer of 1995, other methods of controlling snowmobiles were also discussed. A brief synopsis of those follows: Operation on farm lands: Work with the owners of the land to determine ways to stop trespas~ upon these open lands, particularly those that have winter crops planted. The snowmobile!club is going to work with A1 Pearson to attempt to create marked trail areas bordering th~ese crop fields in order to control the trespass. Incr~,ase County Patrols: This will be done as soon as the season begins. We will attempt to schedule some weekends for the County snowmobile unit as their schedule allows. EduCation: We will continue to publish the ordinance and various articles in the Ramsey Newsletter. Limitation of operating areas: The subject came up as to the limiting of operation of snowmobile~ to only on the actual street surfaces throughout the City. Now that limitation only applies~ to the MUSA. Of those present at the meetings (mostly pro-snowmobilers) the majorityfdid not favor further limitation to streets only. Creating trails within the City for "in-house" operation or establishing trails connecting with existing trails in other communities for transient use. Council Action: Discussion 0f the proposed amendment and Council action on that proposal. discussion of other related items. Reviewed iby: Copies also distributed to: Further Police Chief; CC: 10/24/95 /jmt City Administrator