Agenda - Council - 12/12/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sergeant Gustafson stated that the question of liability always arises when you get citizens to do police work. He asked ff anyone read the City of Champlin or the City of Ham Lake's snowmobile ordinances. The basis of the ordinance from Ham Lake is that the owner of the snowmobile is giving permission to the rider to do whatever they do. After the second warning, they require a city sticker and permit to operate that machine. It is a violation to drive that sled without the sticker. If there is a third violation, they will not issue a sticker and they are not allowed to drive that snowmobile in the city. Most of the come from more heavily populated areas. A lot of the time, they know who the snowmobile riders are; we could use volunteers to make the observations. There does not have to be contacts made then. He felt that was something to think about. A resident inquired of the complaints fled, how many drivers were cited. ChiefAuspos quoted 63 incidence of complaint for the 1993 - 1994 season and six or nine citations issued. The resident then inquired if the problem is lack of manpower. Chief Auspos responded that it's a matter of priorities. The fa'st snowfall will bring out snowmobilers but it also brings out traffic problems, and the priorities lie with the traffic problems. A resident inquired if there is a key area in the City where you see more damage than in other areas. ChiefAuspos replied the damage is rather broad. That resident then inquired if it would take of lot of people for a volunteer snowmobile patrol. Chief Auspos responded that the patrol would be limited to observations or handing out informational materials. The volunteers cannot do much. The resident suggested that having an officers present might be a help. Jim Connelly inquired if the City has utilized the Anoka Count~, Snowmobile Patrol to which Sergeant Gustafson replied once last year. Mr. Connelly asked why it's not used more to which Sergeant Gustafson responded that they are scheduled quite heavily throughout the County. Mr. Connelly stated he talked to that patrol a couple years ago and they.said they are looking for places to go. He asked if the City had actually issued them an invitation. Sergeant Gustafson reported that the City has, but on the nights we have them scheduled for, maybe there's no tiding because of the weather/snow conditions. A resident stated that the police have said it's hard to catch the violators. If snowmobiling is banned, how will you catch the people who are riding anyway. Chief Auspos stated that the fa'st year of a ban, the enforcement would be difficult; however, he felt that by the second and third year, it would be much better. He suggested that about 90% of the people obey laws. Snowmobile Committee/August 28, 1995 Page 4 of 7 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I