HomeMy WebLinkAbout10D - Snowmobile Use on Certian Streets
AGENDA ITEM:
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 902 OF
THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE WITH RESPECT TO SNOWMOBILE USE ON
CERTAIN STREETS
DISCUSSION:
Introduction
The purpose of this report is for the City Council to consider an ordinance
amending Section 902 of the Prior Lake City Code related to snowmobiles.
Historv
During the 2007/2008 Snowmobile Season the City Council created a
Snowmobile Park and Ride lot at Sand Point Park.
On April 28, 2009 the Task Force held a meeting at City Hall for the 2008-2009
Snowmobile Season. At that meeting the Task Force recommended permitting
snowmobiles on the access roads from Crest Avenue to the DNR lake access
and the park and ride lot located in Sand Point Park for the 2009-2010 season.
Current Circumstances
Currently it is legal to drive snowmobiles on Crest Avenue but not on the park
access roads located within Sand Point Park from Crest Avenue to the park and
ride lot and the DNR lake access. This results in snowmobiles illegally crossing
the park to access the lake.
The Task Force has recommended a change to Section 902 that would permit
use of these access roads. The Task Force believes these are logical and
prudent changes to the City's Snowmobile system.
ISSUES: Currently access to and from the lake is confusing in that snowmobiles can enter
and exit Sand Point Park to the lake but not to Crest Avenue unless they are on
a trailer. This creates additional enforcement issues and incidents where
snowmobiles cut across the turfed park areas.
ALTERNATIVES: The alternatives are as follows:
1. Approve an ordinance amendingSection.902 related to Snowmobiles.
2. Deny this item for a specific reason and provide Staff with direction.
3. Table this item until some date in the future.
RECOMMENDED Alternative 1.
MOTIO": l-
Revi'f.d b.~ ~ i
{~~, )Y-l~
Frank Boyl s, Cit M nager
RICO","",ofd,2, 10 19 omSoowmo"'I, Agoo',.dM'WW .cityofpno,lake. com
~ Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
4646 Dakota Street S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
ORDINANCE NO.1 09-xx
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 902 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE
The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain that:
1. Section 902.400 of the Prior Lake City Code is hereby amended to add the
underscored language as follows:
902.400: OPERATION GENERALLY: Except as otherwise specifically permitted and
authorized, no person may operate a snowmobile within the limits of the City:
~ On any sidewalk or pedestrian trail unless specifically designated for
snowmobiling within the City.
~ On City Streets at a speed exceeding ten (10) miles per hour.
~ On Main Avenue except to cross at right angles.
~ On any school property, church property or within a cemetery.
~ No snowmobile may be operated within the boundaries of tRe--Lakefront or
Sand Point Community Park~ of the City other than on trails. roadwavs or in
oarkina areas designated within the park for snowmobile traffic.
~ On a public bike path, unless it is posted with signs authorizing the use of
snowmobiles.
~ On property not owned by the person, without the written or oral permission of
the owner, occupant, or lessee of such lands. Written permission may be
given by a posted notice of any kind or description that the owner, occupant, or
lessee prefers, so long as it specifies the kind of vehicles allowed such as by
saying "Snowmobiles Allowed", or other works substantially similar.
~ 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.
~ Without a lighted head and taillight.
~ In any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or destroys growing
stock.
~ Except in a health related emergency, to tow any person or thing on a public
street or highway except through the use of a rigid tow bar attached to the rest
of the snowmobile.
~ At a speed greater than ten (10) miles an hour when within one hundred (100)
feet of any lakeshore, person, ice houses or skating rinks; nor shall operation
be permitted within one hundred (100) feet of any sliding area nor where the
operation would conflict with the lawful use of property or would endanger other
persons or property.
~ In a manner so as to create a loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which
disturbs, annoys or interferes with the peace and quiet of other persons.
~ There shall be no snowmobiling between the hours of eleven o'clock p.m.
(11 :00 p.m.) through seven o'clock a.m. (7:00 a.m.), except that on Friday and
Saturday evenings and New Year's Eve evening, snowmobiling shall be
allowed until two o'clock a.m. (2:00 a.m.) of the following day.
",' .w.:. c~t'8~JX:{3rk:I:3. C::1
r'\"o'lncil\2009 i'oe'10i' report'i\ 10 19 09'0'01 Oo_vv - cmowrnnhiloc> '1"'''
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
2. Section 902.1300 of the Prior Lake City Code is hereby amended to delete the
section in its entirety and to add the following language:
902.1300: PENALTY: Any person violating the terms of this Section shall, upon
conviction thereof, be found guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in
accordance with the penalties established by Minnesota Statutes.
This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 19th day of October, 2009.
ATTEST:
City Manager
Mayor
Published in the Prior Lake American on the 31st day of October, 2009.
Drafted By:
City of Prior Lake
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
r:\council\2009 agenda reports\10 19 09\ord109-xx - snowmobiles.doc
2