INFORMATION #1 03-20-1995•
Elk
fiver
Police Department
March 15, 1995
Win`
Mr. James Eggen
11961 194th Circle NW
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Dear Mr. Eggen:-
I want to thank you for your letter regarding the safety of Elk
River's citizens. I certainly share your concern and .agree that
snowmobilers do present a danger on the cross-country skiing trail
near the Elk River Country Club.
I personally brought this matter to the attention of the Park and
. .Recreation Board at their March 8th, 1995, meeting. The erection
of some type of barricade system was discussed, as well as more
signs posted informing riders that the trail is for non-motorized
use only. Hopefully, this additional precaution will minimize the
possibility of any public accident.
The Elk River Police Department does enforce the City Ordinance
(1104.00) which applies to snowmobile operation. Unfortunately, it
is difficult without a unit specifically assigned to address this
issue. However, the registered owner of the snowmobile you
encountered has been acknowledged and I will be contacting that
person with a verbal warning.
Again, please accept my appreciation for bringing your concerns to
my attention. The safety of the Elk River community is a mutual
effort, thank you for sharing that responsibility.
Sincerely,
Thomas D. Ze s
Chief of Pol ce
TDZ/kma
•
P.O. Box 723 • 13065 Orono Parkway • Elk River, Minnesota 55330 • (612) 441-2324 • Fax (612). 441-8937
• Mr. Tom Zerwas, Chief March 7, 1995
Elk River Police Department
City Hall
13065 Orono Rd
Elk River, MN 55330
Motorized Vehicles on Non-Motorized City 'Trails
Dear Chief Zerwas:
On Sunday afternoon, March 5, I was cross-country skiing on the trail system near the Elk
River Country Club. I use this trail system often and appreciate having this significant
recreational amenity in our community.
On the old railroad grade, I flagged down a south-bound snowmobile and informed the
rider that he was on anon-motorized trail. Although he had apparently just passed the no
motorized vehicles sign at Co Rd 33, he said he was unaware of the restriction. (Hc
demonstrated a little belligerence by asking me where I lived. The implication was that I
hadn't lived in the area as long as he had. He noted that he had been going up and down
the trail since he was two years old). Upon my asking, he noted that he has a license for
the snowmobile and gestured to # AZ~V6877 on the hood. (If this is a current license, please
• give hun a warning call). I repeated that it was anon-motorized trail and we cordially bid
each other a good day.
Several minutes later, I was approached from behind by three north-bound snowmobiles
going quite fast. I moved quickly to the side to see what was approaching as the first two
sped by. I moved tc~ the middle of the trial and waved with both arms for the third to stop.
IIe did not slow down but sped by on the edge of the trail, just missing the tips of my skis.
Chief Zerwas, I recognize that chasing rogue snow~nobilers is probably not high in your
department's priority list. However, I hope this letter will heighten ,your interest in what i
assume is a growing safety problem.
I suggest that a better barricade system be installed at strategic points on the trail. Such a
system could have ridged posts, spaced close enough to prevent passage of vehicles. Or, if
there is a potential need for emergency vehicles to travel on the old railroad grade, a
locking gale could be installed. I also suggest that more and more obvious signs be
installed to inform even the recalcitrants of the trail restriction. Signs could include "by
order of ER PD".
Plcasc forward this letter, as appropriate, to others at city hall who may also be involved
with managing our recreational facilities.
~~~~ ~~~
i,',,
,~ ~c
'' Jun E ~~ ''n
1196 19th ircle `~~'~
Ells Iti 55330