9.C.7. PRSR 02-09-2000 ,(.r
Item #: '.-.7
ityof ��
�lk River MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
e4
FROM: Michele McPherso , irector of Planning
DATE: January 31, 2000
SUBJECT: Snowmobile Usage
Request
Commissioner Dave Anderson requested that the Commission discuss snowmobile
usage within the City of Elk River. There have been a number of observed abuses of
City trails by snowmobilers within City limits.
Attachments
• City Code Section 1104
• Snowmobile Rules
IIA request was made for the snowmobile trail map; unfortunately, staff was unable to
locate the map at this time.
Analysis
The Police Chief has reported an increase in the number of complaints regarding
snowmobilers this year. Most are from private property owners, but a number of them
have to do with trail usage.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Commission review Commissioner Dave Anderson's
information and discuss a course of action for addressing snowmobile use in the City.
II
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
411 SECTION 1104 - SNOWMOBILES
1104.00 - APPLICABILITY
This ordinance applies to the operation of snowmobiles on public
lands, property and waters within the jurisdiction of the City
and on streets and highways within the boundaries of the City.
1104.02 - DEFINITIONS
The words, combination of words, terms or phrases used in this
ordinance and defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 84 . 81, shall
have the meanings given them by that section.
1104. 04 - ADOPTION OF STATE LAW BY REFERENCE
The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Sections 84.87, 84 .871,
84 .872, 84 .873, 84.88 and 100.29, Subds. 5, 28 and 29, relating
to the operation and youthful operators of snowmobiles, mufflers,
signals from officers to stop, penalties and use restrictions of
snowmobiles are adopted and made a part of this ordinance -as if
set out in full.
1104.05 - OPERATION ON PUBLIC STREETS
410 The operation of snowmobiles on public streets shall be permitted
only when such operation is necessary to gain access to
designated snowmobile trails, private property or areas which, by
Minnesota Statutes, may be used by snowmobiles. Snowmobiles
operated on public streets in platted areas within the city' s
Urban Service Area must be operated on the further most right
hand portion of the roadway or shoulder surface (not on
boulevards or on portions of the right of way beyond the roadway
or shoulder surface) , and in single file.
•
1104 . 06 - OPERATING PROHIBITIONS
Except as otherwise specifically permitted and authorized, it is
unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile within the limits
of the City in the following manner:
1 . On a public sidewalk or walkway provided or used for
pedestrian travel.
2 . On private property of another without lawful authority or
consent of the owner or occupant.
3. Within one hundred (100) feet of any fisherman, fish house,
shelter, pedestrian, skating rink, sliding area or in any other
area where such operation would conflict with the use or endanger
other persons or property.
•
11.9
4 . At any place, while under the influence of intoxicating
liquor, narcotics or habit-forming drugs.
5. At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under
all the surrounding circumstances.
6. At any place in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so
as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause
injury or damage thereto.
7. Without a lighted headlight and taillight when required for
safety.
8 . Without a muffler in good working order which blends the
exhaust noise into the overall snowmobile noise and which is in
constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
9. With any noise-making device which amplifies noise emitted
from the snowmobile, including, but not limited to, tuned
exhausts cut-outs or straight pipes.
10. On public streets, highways, alleys or public property
between the hours of 12 : 01 a.m. and 7: 00 a.m. , except for
emergency purposes or except if the operator is returning to his
residence at a speed not in excess of ten (10) miles per hour
410 11. In any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or
destroys growing stock.
1104 . 08 - UNATTENDED SNOWMOBILES
It shall be unlawful for the owner or operator of a snowmobile to
leave a snowmobile in a public place without locking the
ignition, removing the key and keeping the same in his
possession.
1104 . 10 - APPLICATION OF OTHER LAWS
The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169, which relate
to the use and operation of snowmobiles, shall apply to the use
and operation of such vehicles upon the streets and highways of
the City. However, those provisions which by their nature have
no application shall not apply.
•
11.10
Operating Snowmobiles on Public Streets
• The operation of snowmobiles on public streets is permitted only when
such operation is necessary to gain access to designated snowmobile trails,
private property or areas which,by Minnesota Statutes, may be used by
snowmobiles. Snowmobiles operated on public streets in platted areas within
the City's Urban Service Area must be operated on the furthermost right
hand portion of the roadway or shoulder surface (not on boulevards or on
portions of the right-of-way beyond the roadway or shoulder surface), and in
single file.
SNOWMOBILING IN ELK RIVER
It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile within the city limits in the following
manner:
1. On a public sidewalk or walkway used for pedestrian travel.
2. On private property without lawful authority or consent of the owner.
3. Within one hundred (100) feet of any fisherman, fish house, shelter,
pedestrian, skating rink, sliding area or in any other area where such
operation would conflict with the use or endanger other persons or property.
4. At any place, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor,
narcotics, or habit-forming drugs.
5. At a rate of speed greater than reasonable under surrounding
circumstances.
Q. At any place in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to
endanger the person or property of another.
7. Without a lighted headlight and taillight when required.
8. Without a muffler in good working order.
9. On public streets, highway, alleys, or public property between the
hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. except for emergency purposes or except if
the operator is returning to his or her residence at a speed not in excess of ten
(10) miles per hour.
10. In any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or
destroys growing stock.
• s:\admire\newslett\snowmobi.doc