Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/24/2005

Home

City Administrator Norman noted a part-time position does have some restrictions and is not equal to a full-time officer. Mayor Pro Tem Elvig asked if there are any safety issues associated with utilizing a part-time officer. Police Chief Way replied the only restrictions have to do more so with the officer's off-duty time, such as not being able to carry a weapon off-duty. The officer has full arrest authority and there is nothing different in the training. ri'he consensus of the Council was to direct staff to proceed with bringing the authorization for the Police Department to submit an application to the POST Board for consideration of activation of Todd Brotkowski's PT license before the Council for approval. 2) Recreational Vehicle Ordinance Police Chief Way explained the proposed recreational ordinance contains revisions to City Code Section 6.04 "Snowmobiles". A similar recreational vehicle ordinance was introduced at a previous meeting. He indicated the City Attorney has not reviewed the proposed ordinance. He reviewed the following proposed changes: · Section to be titled "Recreational Vehicles" · Designated non-use area would be everything south of 167th Avenue, except as described within the ordinance. · Recreational vehicles would be allowed to operate in the ditch area of Armstrong Boulevard from Central Park to the North. · Allows for loading and unloading of recreational vehicles in the City's Elm Crest and Central parks. Councihnember Pearson asked if there would still be an open window for snowmobiling along I Iighway 10. Police Chief Way responded in the negative. He explained this would make enforcement very difficult. The area people like to use is already off limits along the railroad tracks, and Elk River is closed from Menards south on Highway 169. Mayor Pro Tem Elvig commented when he was in Florida he noticed they have a personal motorized vehicle ordinance that includes things such as go-peds. He inquired about distinguishing between gas powered and electrical powered vehicles in the ordinance. He suggcsted they may want people to have the ability to use golf carts in the Town Center area, and they could draw a line between gas powered and electric vehicles under a certain speed limit. Police Chief Way indicated there have been a couple of go-peds tagged for being on the road in violation of state statute, and they have also been on the walking trails. He explained some of these vehicles can legally be ridden on the roadway if they are licensed and insured. He is not as City Council Work Session/May 24, 2005 Page 3 of 5