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4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake. MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
NOVEMBER 21, 2011
AGENDA #:
7B
PREPARED BY:
LARRY POPPLER, CITY ENGINEER / INSPECTIONS DIRECTOR
PRESENTER:
LARRY POPPLER
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2011 SNOWMOBILE TASK FORCE
REPORT
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide a review of the 2010 -2011
snowmobile season and identify any issues to be evaluated for the 2011-
2012 season.
History
On November 5, 2007, the City Council directed the Snowmobile Task
Force to hold an annual 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, Council member Keeney and City Staff.
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 October 4, 2011 the Snowmobile Taskforce met and reviewed the
2010 -2011 season and upcoming 2011 -2012 season.
There was no abnormal complaint issues noted for 2010 -2011. A small
amount of private property damage, $60, occurred and was taken care of
by the PLSA. In Prior Lake, no DWI's were issued for snowmobiles nor
were there any fatalities or snowmobiles that fell through the ice in
2010/2011.
Crest Avenue
Last season the City allowed snowmobiles to travel down Crest on a one
year trial basis over an unplowed sidewalk from CR 42 to access the lake
via the Sand Point Park access road and the DNR access. Without this
designated snowmobile route within the boulevard snowmobiles straddle
the edge of the road and boulevard. This becomes an enforcement issue
for law enforcement as currently use of the boulevard is prohibited unless
designated. 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 on a
permanent basis. 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. Parks personnel did not note any issues or damage in
2010 -2011 with this snowmobile route or any of the other routes within
Prior Lake. Police personnel also did not note any issues with this route.
The Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) reviewed this request in 2010 and took
public input and ultimately recommended the use of the western boulevard
of Crest Avenue.
Conclusion
The 2010 -2011 snowmobile season was fairly typical with no major
incidents. Prior to the 2011 -2012 season the Task Force recommends the
City consider establishing a permanent trail on the western boulevard of
Crest Avenue from the DNR access to CR 42.
ISSUES: Crest Avenue Trail
While Crest Avenue is currently used by snowmobiles it is illegal for those
snowmobiles to utilize the boulevard unless the area is designated for use.
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.
FINANCIAL Accepting this report and permitting snowmobiling to continue within the
IMPACT: 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.
ALTERNATIVES: The alternatives are as follows:
1. Accept the report which includes making the Crest trail permanent and
provide staff with direction in preparation for the 2011 -2012 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:
2