9.1 SR 11-15-2021Request for Action
To
Item Number
Mayor and City Council
9.1
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Work Session
November 15, 2021
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description
Reviewed by
ATV Ordinance
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discuss and provide direction regarding the city ATV ordinance
Background/Discussion
Resident Brian Fritch has requested the City Council review and reconsider the city ordinance prohibiting the
operation of ATVs on city streets.
In December of 2017, the City Council reviewed the ordinance with regard to the use of golf carts on city streets.
In October and November of 2002, the Council discussed the use of snowmobiles on city streets.
Mr. Fritch was invited to the meeting to explain his request.
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
The Elk River Mission
Attachments
■ Brian Fritch Email
■ City Ordinance Sec. 74 157 - Operation within the city limits ATV
■ December 4, 2017, Staff Report
■ December 4, 2017, Regular Meeting Minutes
■ November 12, 2002, Regular Meeting Minutes
■ October 26, 2002, Regular Meeting Minutes
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires pi ospei ly.
M
TUREJ
Updated.• August 2020
Send Tina Allard an Email
TO: Tina Allard
First Name Brian
Last Name Fritch
Reply Email Address brianfritch()cimail.com
Subject Utv
Comments I would like to add legalization of UTV on elk river city streets to
the future agenda at a council meeting.
Disclaimer
Information submitted is considered public data.
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
Sec. 74-157. Operation within the city limits, ATVs.
For defining where all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are permitted to operate, the city has been divided into two
parts:
(1) No ATV zone
(2) ATV zone
The city council, may, from time to time, adopt an official map defining the boundaries of the no ATV zone.
(1) No ATV zone: The operation of an ATV within the No ATV Zone is permitted:
a. On designated ATV trails accessed from established trailheads.
b. On property that you own or which you have permission on your person to ride. On property you
own, you may not operate an ATV in a repetitive, continuous manner.
C. In the winter, on Lake Orono not closer than 100 feet from the shoreline, skating rinks, fish
houses and pedestrians.
d. For agricultural or utility use as per state statute and after issuance of a city permit.
(2) ATV zone: The operation of an ATV within the ATV zone is permitted:
a. On designated ATV trails access from established trailheads.
b. On property you own or which you have permission on your person to ride.
C. On a private track in compliance with the following standards:
1. Located a minimum of 1,000 feet from any residence, except that of the owner
2. Located a minimum of 1,000 feet from a livestock shelter and/or arena, except that of the
owner
3. Must be setback 50 feet from any property line
e. For agricultural or utility use as per state statute and after issuance of a city permit.
e. In the ditch or outside slope of County Roads 1, 13, 21, 32, and 33 if they can be accessed directly
from your property.
Anywhere within the corporate limits of the city, ATVs shall not be operated:
(1) On public lands, including but not limited to: public parks, playgrounds, trails, sidewalks, paths, open
spaces, scenic and historic sites, schools, golf courses, and other public buildings and structures.
(2) On city streets and their related rights -of -way area per state statute.
(3) Within 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 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.
(Ord. No. 02-13, § 1(1104.09), 11-12-2002)
(Supp. No. 53)
Created: 2021-07-20 13:25:34 [EST]
Page 1 of 1
Request for Action
To
Item Number
Mayor and City Council
10.1
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Work Session
December 4, 2017
Ron Nierenhausen, Chief of Police
Item Description
Reviewed by
Should Golf Carts be Allowed and Regulated by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Permit
Action Requested
Discuss Council's opinion on whether golf carts should be permitted for use within the city.
Background/Discussion
See attached email.
Financial Impact
Unknown
Attachments
■ Email from resident, John Anderson
The Elk River Vision
A PehoMing community �a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional P 01 W E H E 8 6 T
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAMIRE1
From: <noreplygcivicplus.com>
Date: October 24, 2017 at 9:39:21 PM CDT
To: <Jerry.Olsen o,ElkRiverMN.gov>
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Send Jerry Olsen an Email
Reply -To:
Send Jerry Olsen an Email
TO: Jerry Olsen
First Name John
Last Name Anderson
Reply Email Address
Subject Utility Vehicles / Golf Cart - Ordnance
Comments Good evening Jerry, We have recently moved to Elk River and
first of all, love the area. We need some clarification on
ordinance in Elk River. We had come from Maple Lake
previously and have a golf cart to transport our 3 children back
and forth from the park. Purchasing our home now in Elk River,
part of deciding on this location was a park located the same
distance from home, using the cart to get back & forth. Our
daughters are 3 & 6, so very far for them to walk. Everything
had been going well, until talking to a neighbor and they stated
that golf carts are not allowed in the City. No one at the City
was sure of the answer, however the police department stated
Article VI in the City Code. Reading the code, it does not state
anything about golf carts, or is it clear on the operation. I did
see lic. available for snowmobiles, however nothing else. We
see UTV, ATVs, & Mowers on the street regularity. If there is
an ordinance banning them, how do we petition to
change?Thank you.
Disclaimer
Information submitted is considered public data.
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
City Council Nfinutes Page 8
December 4, 2017
MetilqAe Preservalion (,ommisw'on
M No update
Libray
Next ineeting, January 23.
Great River Regional Library and library board members are excited about
the increase in hours
PlanninA,
* Next meeting, December 19
® Two appeals from Board of Adjustments will come before Council.
1�lk Rh)er Munie7pal I Ifilifies
® 2018 budget discussions
W "Tentative increases in electric and water bills
E ]"Xpansion to shop discussed with architects
* Wage conlillittee presentation to come forward on December 12
* Water tower report, plan funded by utilities to try and obtain a grant to pay
for the tower
-`Irma Tls, Jrrrre
® Meetings are everMonday
* Construction manager presented some alternatives to renovate while being
cognizant of high school sports/ parking
C�
® More details to Council on Dec. 18 with further direction needed
Council was contacted by a student asking about having an Elk River celebration
day. They directed staff to look in to the possibility of hosting an event in May or
,June and to research what other cities do for celebrations and funding.
Council recessed at 8:09 p.m. in order to go into work session. Council reconvened
at 8:15 p-rn-
Chief Nierenhausen stated most cities don't allow golf carts on city streets with the
exception of Andover and Ramsey via a perratting process. Ile expressed his
concerns regulati-tig them such as conditions, insurance, monitoring, obstructed
pathways, and drinking and driving. He noted in.Andover an applicant must prove a
physical disability before getting a permit.
p a 92 f R f 1 07
NATUREI
City Council Minutes Page 9
Dcccinber 4, 2017
Council expressed concerns on how tea regulate golf carts, age restrictions., going to
the bars, crossing major s1 9 mxrhigh%vaydrivin dntown during inajor events, car
accidents, seatbelts, and general safety,
john Anderson, resident, stated it was never an issue in his former community. lie
said state law doesn't allow them unless the city allows them.
Attorney Beck stated if there isn't a city ordinance allowing it, then it's not allowed.
lie stated Council discussed this matter at length over 25 years ago and had inany
concerns and issues with allo-wing the carts so they did not pursue it.
A majority of Council stated they were not interested in establishing an ordinance to
allow golf carts,
Marty Brady, Lions Club president, questioned the city's plans with Lionjohn
Wei,cht- Park and Lions Park Center. He stated In 1983 there was an understandijag
an-iong all parties that Lion john Weicht Park be developed as a cornrnunity, park,
without organized sport league activities. He stated in '1995 the city approached the
Lions about adding soccer fields, the Lions did not agree, and the fields were not
constructed. He noted the Lions assisted with funding many items in the park. He
stated the Lions raised about $240,000 over four years to build Lions Park ('enter
and donate it to the city along with hundreds to thousands of hours to help
construct it. H e expressed concerns with the city not working with the Lions for the
betterment of the park. Fle stated the Lions are against tearing down Lions Park
Center and having sports fields in the park. He expressed concerns with 1-nore field
creep in the future.
Scott-Trenholin, referred to the mutes Indicating, no
january 30, 1995, CounciI] m
organized sports would be allowed in the park and he questioned if the current
Council would want to honor those rin'nutes.
Wilh, Weicht thanked Mayor Dietz and Councilmember Oval] for their tiine talking
on tiiis matter.
'Julie Grenholm, concurred with Mr. Brady's statements and wants to keep the park
for people and not organized sports activities.
Attorney Beck stated this is not a legal Issue but a policy matter to the Council. fie
stated he reviewed all the documents provided on the matter and sees no legal
restrictions binding the Council. I le further stated for a city to be bound be an
agreement, it triust be done by the formality, of the law, which means it must be acted
on by the whole Council and executed by the Mayor and city clerk. His further
stated, in his opinion, the City- Council is free to address this as a policy matter and
take the action they feel appropriate for the park at this time.
UP 0 V [ a [ I I V
ATURIF"
NM
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2002
Members Present: Mayor Khrizing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Motin, and Tveite
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Pat Klaers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson,
City Engineer Terry Maurer, Finance Director Lori]ohnson, Chief of
Police Tom Zerwas, Assistant Police Chief Beahen, Street/Park
Superintendent Phil Hals and City Clerk Sandra Peine
1. Call Meeting To d r, �
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 7:25 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing.
5.5. Consider Amendments to City Code Chapter 1104 Snowmobiles and ATVs)
Director of Planning Michele McPherson indicated that after the October 219C Council
discussion pertaining to the use of snowmobiles and ATVs, staff has made some revisions
to the proposed regulations. Michele reviewed the recommended ATV "No Riding" area
and the revisions to the proposed snowmobile regulations.
Michele suggested that a local access sticker be issued to local snowmobilers to assist the
police department in enforcement.
City Council Minutes
November 12, 2002
Page 3
The Council discussed the maps (showing trail locations and "no snowmobile" areas)
labeled Option 2 and Option 3, with Option 3 being the most recent proposal.
Councilmember Tveite indicated that he prefers Option 2 because he does not agree that
snowmobiles and cars are a good mix on roads. Councilmember Dietz indicated he prefers
Option 3 as long as the snowmobile club. assists with enforcement. Councilmember Motin
indicated that he prefers Option 3. Mayor Klinzing indicated that Option 2 was too,
restrictive and Option 3 was too lenient. She indicated she would like to see the two options
combined Councilmember Kuester indicated that she preferred Option 3 and further
indicated that she would like to see the local access sticker idea implemented to assist in
enforcement and awareness. Councilmember Dietz indicated that he also likes the idea of
the sticker and suggested that the City pay for the sticker the first year. He indicated that he
would also like to see a copy of the snowmobile map and regulations go to each person
receiving a sticker.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE SNOWMOBILE MAP
LABELED OPTION 3 AND TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 02-13 AMENDING
SECTION 1104 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES (SNOWMOBILES
AND ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES) WITH THE PROVISION THAT A LOCAL
ACCESS STICKER, A COPY OF THE SNOWMOBILE ORDINANCE AND A
COPY OF THE SNOWMOBILE MAP BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF ALL
REGISTERED SNOWMOBILES IN THE CITY. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-2. MAYOR
KLINZING AND COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE OPPOSED.
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2002.
Members Present: Mayor Minzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Motin, and Tveite
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Pat Klaers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson,
City Attorney Charlie Wilson, and Recording Secretary Tina Allard
Also Present: Park and Recreation Commissioner Dave Anderson and Planning
Commissioner Dana Anderson
a
1. Call Meeting To Order
w
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:00 pm. by Mayor Kiinzing.
City Council Minutes Page 2
October 21, 2002
.. aide"" 4.1. � � unsider Atnendmen r r � � _hapler 1104 (Snowm� b�..iles_and
Director of Planning Michele McPherson gave a review and history of the snowmobile and
ATV ordinance. She presented four maps to the City Council; one displaying prohibited
ATV use and the other three displaying options for snowmobile use. She stated that the
language in the ordinance prohibiting snowmobiling on private property less than three -
fourths of an acre has been removed from the current draft.
Mayor Klinzing stated that this was not an official public hearing but that she would allow
people to provide public comment on this issue.
Greg Strommen, 8433 Palmgren — Stated that he is a snowmobile club member and was a
member on the city task force for this issue. He felt it was wrong to establish a moratorium
on snowmobiling within the city last year. He stated that the complaints to the police
department were very low compared to the number of riders in the area. His group
volunteered to ride with officers to provide education to citizens violating trail rules. He felt
that the snowmobile ordinanc6 approved by the city last year did not have time to, become
established and to allow citizens to learn it.
Steve Parker, 19530 Albany Circle — Stated that there should not have been a ban on
snowmobiling. He felt that ATVs and snowmobiles should not be lumped into the same
category with the same rules.
Troy Morns, 13445 179th Avenue — Stated that most people obeyed the snowmobile
ordinance and that the city is not going to stop the violators by creating a ban. He stated that
there should not be a ban on snowmobiling anywhere within the city.
Barron Collie, 19872 Watson Circle — Stated that he moved to Elk River because he could
access snowmobile trails from his home. He stated that only a few citizens violate the
ordinance and there should be deterrents such as fines, confiscation of snowmobile, and
fines against parents of kids riding snowmobiles illegally.
Jill Crumb, 18162 Hudson Street — Stated that she chose to live in Elk River due to the
access to trails from her home. She stated that more enforcement should be provided to
stop violators.
Kurt Holmgren, 13478 182na Avenue — Stated that he should be able to access the trails
from his home.
Andy Bosser,19540 Boston Street — Stated that he moved to Elk River because he could
access the trails from his home. He stated that there should be more enforcement.
Todd Bouman, 18083 Macon Street — Stated that there should be more enforcement
provided by the police department.
Diane Vack, 9940 2091h Avenue — Stated that there should be more enforcement and
ticketing by the police department.
Peter Kneissel, 12879 195th Avenue — Stated that snowmobilng should be promoted and
not regulated. He stated that banning snowmobiling in the city would not stop violators.
City Council Minutes
October 21, 2002
Page 3
Paul Vacl, 9940 209th Avenue — Stated that a ban is excessive. He felt that this was a law
enforcement issue.
Michelle Goiseng, 19895 Zane Street — Stated that the city should use the resources of the
local clubs to help with enforcement. She stated that more classes could be offered.
Lori Collins, 10046 1461h Street — Stated that more education should be provided to
snowmobilers and it takes time to educate citizens.
John Finch,18554 Queen Street — Stated that the city should look at statistics before
making any decisions.
Mayor Klinzing closed the public comment period.
Councilmember Dietz questioned whether citizens could become involved with
enforcement of the snowmobile ordinance similar to a Reserve Officer.
City Attorney Charlie Wilson stated that it is possible but that the city would have to be
careful on the type of tasks that they assign and they would have to properly educate and
instruct these individuals.
Assistant Police Chief Jeff Beahen stated that the police department is limited on the type of
enforcement that they can provide. He stated that legal signage must be installed in order to
enforce the ordinance. He discussed the complaints received over the last two years.
Assistant Chief Beahen stated that it is up to the court system to enforce the fines. He
encouraged citizens to contact the courthouse and request that stiffer penalties and fines be
enforced on violators of the snowmobile ordinance.
Councilmember Kuester stated that she believes enforcement of the snowmobile ordinance
is the issue. She stated that the city does not have enough manpower or funds to keep up
with enforcement of snowmobile violators. Councilmember Kuester stated that a substantial
amount of volunteers would be needed from the community to help law enforcement with
enforcement and education.
Councilmember Tveite stated that the low volume of complaints that were called in to the
police department surprised him. He felt that enforcement of the ordinance is the issue. He
requested staff to contact the City of Osseo and inquire as to how they monitor and enforce
their ordinance. He stated that the moratorium was put into place due to safety concerns of
and for residents. He would like staff to explore other options for establishing a trail system.
Councilmember Motin stated that the city should consider applying a minimal amount of
restrictions and to allow people to snowmobile from any home to a trail.
Councilmember Dietz stated that enforcement of the snowmobile ordinance is the issue.
Mayor Klinzing stated that the city has also heard many concerns from residents that would
like more restrictions on where citizens can snowmobile. She stated that she didn't know if
it would be possible for everyone to go from his or her home to a snowmobile trail. Mayor
Klinzing stated that there should be greater enforcement of the ordinance but that if
City Council Minutes
October 21, 2002
Page 3
Paul Vack, 9940 209th Avenue — Stated that a ban is excessive. He felt that this was a law
enforcement issue.
Michelle Goiseng,19895 Zane Street — Stated that the city should use the resources of the
local clubs to help with enforcement. She stated that more classes could be offered.
Lori Collins, 10046146'h Street — Stated that more education should be provided to