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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10A - 2010 Snowmobile Task Force Report MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: PRESENTER: AGENDA ITEM: DISCUSSION: 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake. MN 55372 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT AUGUST 2, 2010 10A STEVE ALBRECHT, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS STEVE ALBRECHT CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2010 SNOWMOBILE TASK FORCE REPORT Introduction The purpose of this report is to provide a review of the 2009-2010 snowmobile season and identify any issues to be evaluated for the 2010- 2011 season. Historv On November 5, 2007, the City Council directed the Snowmobile Task Force to hold an annual spring meeting to address any issues related to the snowmobile season and report back to the City Council. The taskforce consists of interested residents, local snowmobile clubs, DNR, County Sheriff, Councilor Erickson and City Staff. Over the last several years it has been apparent that a pre-fall planning meeting was also needed. Based on the short length of those meetings Staff believed for 2010 that a single meeting could be held to achieve the Task Force goals. The Task Force which has fostered a cooperative effort between the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association (PLSA), City of Prior Lake, County and State has resulted in a safer and better snowmobiling in Prior Lake. It has also resulted in less private property damage and better compliance. Current Circumstances On July 26, 2010 the Snowmobile Taskforce met and reviewed the 2009- 2010 season and upcoming 2010-2011 season. There was no abnormal complaint issues noted for 2009-2010. The City did incur about $2,000 of damage to the lighting system meter box and a light pole base along the CR 21 trail between Franklin Trail and TH 13. It appears that a snowmobile hit the base of the pole and the meter box. The Prior Lake Snowmobile Association has indicated they will place more warning delineators in this area. Concerns noted for the 2010-2011 season include the CR 83 Trail and Crest Avenue status. R:ICounci112010 Agenda Reportsl08 02 10lAnnual Snowmobile Taskforce Report.doc CR83 The existing snowmobile trail along CR 83 between CR 42 and CR 16 has been replaced by a bituminous bike path as part of the CR 83 Reconstruction project. The Cities of Shakopee and Prior Lake along with Scott County will be meeting with the snowmobile associations on August 4th to discuss this issue. Crest Avenue Currently snowmobiles can travel down Crest from CR 42 and access the lake via the Sand Point Park access road and the DNR access. Travel on the Crest roadway surface is limited by snow cover conditions. Snowmobiles typically straddle the edge of the road and boulevard. This becomes an enforcement issue for law enforcement as currently use of the boulevard is prohibited. This is a heavily used access point to the lake by snowmobiles and sharing the road surface with cars can be a safety issue. In an effort to improve access and safety the Task Force has recommended that snowmobiling be permitted on the western boulevard of Crest Avenue. The City does not plow the sidewalk on this side and there is typically substantial snow pack due to plowing operations. Snowmobile speeds in the right of way are 30 miles per hour the same as the roadway limit. The Task Force has recommended that the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) review this request and take public input from adjacent residents at the next TSC meeting. The TSC would then make a recommendation to the City Council for consideration. Conclusion The 2009-2010 snowmobile season was fairly typical with no major incidents. Prior to the 2010-2011 season the Task Force recommends the County take action on CR 83 and the City consider establishing a trail on the western boulevard of Crest Avenue from the DNR access to CR 42. ISSUES: CR83 The reconstruction of CR 83 has eliminated a major north south trail for snowmobilers. Currently Scott County only permits snowmobiling on un- plowed trails with City approval. It is understood that damage associated with snowmobiling is the City's responsibility. Prior Lake has permitted routes on CR 21 and CR 82 trails for the past several years. The PLSA is very responsive to maintaining the snow pack and shutting down the trails if insufficient snow is present. There is wear to the adjacent curbs and some trail areas due to snowmobile studs. The City of Shakopee does not permit snowmobiling on these types of trails and therefore the CR 83 route would be eliminated for this upcoming season unless permitted by the City. The various snowmobile associations, County and Staff from the Cities of Shakopee and Prior Lake will be meeting on August 4 to discuss this and other trail related issues. Crest Avenue Trail While Crest Avenue is currently used by snowmobiles it is illegal for those snowmobiles to utilize the boulevard. The PLSA has proposed to groom a trail on the boulevard to allow for safe, defined two way access from CR 42 to Sand Point Park. The impact of this trail on adjacent backyards needs to be evaluated by the TSC. R:ICounci112010 Agenda Reportsl08 02 10lAnnual Snowmobile Taskforce Report.doc 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT: AL TERNATIVES: Accepting this report and permitting snowmobiling to continue within the City limits does not have a discernable financial impact to the City. There is some additional wear to trails and sidewalks but those impacts can be greatly limited by PLSA monitoring and cooperation. The alternatives are as follows: 1. Accept the report and provide staff with direction in preparation for the 2010-2011 snowmobile season. 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 MOTION: Re1:! I- Frank Bot7' R:ICounci112010 Agenda Reportsl08 02 10lAnnual Snowmobile Taskforce Report.doc 3