Agenda - Council - 07/23/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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OPEP~ATION OF OFF-ROAD RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (ORV) Regarding the operation of off-road recreaticnal vehicles (ORV), which~ includes 3,4 and 6 wheeled vehicles, Ramsey currently has no ordinances of its own specifically dealing with them. For enforcement purposes, the police department uses applicable state statutes, which seem to cover every situaticn. I have attached a handout prepared by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which we have copied, to give to citizens who come in with ques- tions. ~ Over the years we have addressed in our newsletters, the subject of oper- ating motorcycles and off-road vehicles several times. While there are ~ some persons, I am sure, who honestly believe such vehicles can be operated just about anywhere, they are in the minority. Perhaps scme dealers, anx- ious to make a sale, are a little less than truthful when prospective buyers ask about operating rules. I am con%rinced, however, that most people, young and old, know they aren't supposed to be on the streets, ditches or private property other than their own. At this time I see the city's .only active role to be that of public educa- tion regarding the applicable laws and safe operation. Our policy is to tag, and if certain conditions exist, tow away violators. As to operation on private property, our officers ~on't stop and inquire of operators in those areas to see if they have permission (we require per- missic~ to be in writing) from the landowner, unless there have been com- plaints from the owners or from citizens who a~e concerned about the noise. We do, however, have few complaints about noise from ORV's since they seem to be generally run with good muffling of sound. While we frequently see very .young kids riding these recreational vehicles on their own property without any supervision, I don't believe the city can or should, interfere in a private citizen's family affairs any further than the law already allows. While a youngster may be riding in his yard quite fast and near to the right-of-way of the highway, it is a parental respon-- sibility to foresee a potential problem, unless we want to get into monitor- ing all possible dangerous activities by citizens. I I I Currently the problem is not of such proportions as to require the city to take any special steps to deal with it. A certain few attempt to flee from the squad when about to be pulled over for an offense. Some are successful but most are caught. If they do bec~me a problem however, both in number of vehicles and in re- luctance to stop, the city would have to consider someone such as a Commun- ity Service Officer (CSO) to.patrol on an off-road vehicle (likely a small dirt bike), until the problems are resolved. I I The city could also look at being the prime mover, in conjunction with civic organizations to provide a large open area for operation of ORV's and motorcycles. This would require quite a bit of research into legalities, permission acquisition and insurance. There have been municipalities which have done this, however, notably Coon Rapids, and their precedents could be studied. MGA