Agenda - Council - 02/08/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Response: Local law enforcement agencies should have the express authority to use photo enforcement technology to enforce traffic laws. Local law enforcement officers should have the express authority to issue citations for traffic violations by mail where the violation is detected with photographic evidence. SD-49. Operation of Motorized Foot Scooters Issue: Current state statute (Minn. Stat. § 169.225) regulates the operation of motorized foot scooters and treats motorized foot scooters similar to bicycles in terms of rights and duties. By statutory definition (Minn. Stat. § 169.011, subd. 46), motorized foot scooters must be powered by an engine or motor that is limited to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour. The law provides that an operator must be 12 years of age or older. Although the law contains safety provisions, including a requirement that operators under the age of 18 must wear helmets, it does not require training or permits for operators of any age. Motorized foot scooters that are part of organized sharing or rental businesses rely on the ability to park in the public right-of- way, especially on public sidewalks, to facilitate customer access and vending. Cities have express authority to regulate parking on city streets and sidewalks. Local government units should also have clear authority to regulate or proscribe unauthorized use of city right-of-way for motorized foot scooter parking, to require a permit or license for each scooter or sharing company, and to include terms and conditions dictated by the granting authority. In order to protect public health, safety and welfare, it is important that cities have clear authority to regulate motorized foot scooter parking and sharing options. 46 Response: State law should support the ability of local governments to regulate or proscribe unauthorized use of city right- of-way for motorized foot scooter parking, to require a permit or license authorizing motorized foot scooter parking or sharing in the public right-of- way, and to impose terms, conditions, and local rules on businesses seeking such a permit or license. SD-50. Drug Courts Issue: The League of Minnesota Cities recognizes the impact of substance abuse on individuals, communities and taxpayers. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the relationship between alcohol and drugs and crimes --including domestic abuse and violence, underage drinking, robbery, assault and sexual assault --is clearly documented. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports 65 percent of the nation's inmates meet certain medical criteria for substance abuse and addiction, but only 11 percent received treatment for their addictions. Drug courts are an effective problem - solving approach for dealing with alcohol and other drug addicted offenders in the judicial system. Drug courts closely monitor the defendant's progress toward sobriety and recovery through ongoing treatment, frequent drug testing, regular mandatory check -in court appearances, and the use of a range of immediate sanctions and incentives to foster behavior change. In drug court, judges collaborate with other traditional court participants (prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment providers, probation officers, law enforcement, educational and vocational experts, community leaders and others), whose roles have been substantially modified, but not