Minutes - Council - 06/12/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. 7.02: Adopt Ordinance No. _ Amending Chapter 54 of the Ramsey City Code, Known as the Traffic and Vehicle Chapter, Article IV, Sections 96 -105 — Recreational Vehicles Police Chief Way reviewed the staff report and responded to questions of the Council. He indicated a valid driver's license is required as part of the application process. However, Ramsey would not be aware should a permit holder receive a DUI and lose his/her license if that violation occurred out of Ramsey's jurisdiction. Police Chief Way indicated State Statute takes away the right to drive an ATV or snowmobile due to DUI but that is not true with golf carts. Councilmember Backous stated his intent to not support the ordinance because of the staff resources it would consume for vetting applications, issuing permits, training permitees, enforcing the ordinance, and because it allows someone that has lost his/her license due to DUI or negligent driving to drive this type of vehicle on the City's streets. Councilmember Strommen stated her intent to not support the ordinance due to concerns she had previously expressed relating to the safety of Ramsey residents, both those driving ATVs /golf carts and those driving other vehicles. She indicated she would feel more comfortable if confined to rural areas or to facilitate trail access. In addition, given the current condition of many City streets, she did not support adding ATV and golf cart traffic. A majority of the Council spoke in support of the ordinance amendment, thinking it would not result in a safety concern or overwhelming number of requests and would provide additional freedom to the City's residents in terms of transportation options. Following discussion, Fire Chief Way indicated he will add language relating to an age requirement of 18 years, requiring a slow moving sign on golf carts, and break lights if on the road at night. Motion by Mayor Ramsey, seconded by Councilmember Wise, to adopt Ordinance No. 12 -07 Amending Chapter 54 of the Ramsey City Code, Known as the Traffic and Vehicle Chapter, Article IV, Sections 96 -105 — Recreational Vehicles. Further discussion: Police Chief Way indicated the $10 permit fee will cover the $5 to $8 per permit cost and a Code citation would be a petty misdemeanor requiring a fine of up to $300 but no jail time. A roll call vote was performed by the Recording Secretary: Councilmember McGlone aye Councilmember Elvig absent Councilmember Backous nay Councilmember Tossey aye Councilmember Wise aye City Council / June 12, 2012 Page 7 of 12