HomeMy WebLinkAbout5L Snowmobile Friendly Community Reports
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 15, 2018
AGENDA #: 5L
PREPARED BY: FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER
PRESENTED BY: FRANK BOYLES
AGENDA ITEM:
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN APPLICATION AND MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING DESIGNATING THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE AS A
“SNOWMOBILE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY”
GOAL AREA AND
OBJECTIVE:
High Value City Services
5. Grow Collaborations to Provide Efficient Cost-Effective Services to the
Community.
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to request that the city council approve the
documents which would designate the City of Prior Lake as a “Snowmobile
Friendly Community” under the guidelines of the,” American Council of
Snowmobile Associations.”
History
Various representatives of the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association attended the
October 1, 2018 Forum to request that the city council consider becoming a
Snowmobile Friendly Community. After some discussion, the city council directed
the staff to examine the materials presented and return to the city council on
October 15, 2018 with an agenda item which will accomplish the requested action.
Current Circumstances
During the last week, Angie Barstad has been working with Tom Schutz to review
and prepare the prerequisite materials. In preparation of this agenda item, I
contacted the author of the program guidelines to receive a clarification about the
apportionment of responsibilities between the city and snow mobile club. He said
that there are no hard and fast rules with respect to who is responsible for the
various items in the guidelines.
ISSUES: The first required document is the application form. Angie and Tom worked to fill
this form out. The two of them also assembled the required documents as
attachments. Because of their volume, the attachments have not been included
with the agenda report.
To become a Snowmobile Friendly Community, the City must also execute a
“Memorandum of Understanding” with the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association.
The memorandum outlines the expectations which both parties are expected to
meet to retain the above referred to status.
My reason for contacting the author was to determine the extent to which the
responsibilities set forth in the template memorandum had to be performed by one
party or the other. I learned that it does matter who performs the identified
functions, only that someone does.
So, what we have done is generalize the responsibilities set forth in the
Memorandum of Understanding, so they are not attributable to one party or the
other but will be accomplished by one of the two.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
The responsibilities of the two parties remain status quo so it is expected that
costs increases will be limited to inflation or costs attributable to growth of the
system.
ALTERNATIVES: 1. Motion and second as part of the consent agenda to approve the Snowmobile
Friendly Community Application and Memorandum of Understanding for
submission to the American Council of Snowmobile Associations.
2. Motion and second to remove this item from the consent agenda for additional
discussion.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
Alternative #1
CLlo)rn/6tz-otO
Program Guide:
Guidelines to
Enhance Snowmobile Tourism
American Council of Snowmobile Associations
January 2015
1
J
nowmobile Friend
Communi
assoctartoNs
Snowmobile Friendly Community Program Guide
Project Manager and Author: Kim Raap - Trails Work Consulting
3400 S. Florence Ave., Sioux Fatis, SD 57103 (605) 311-9799 Trailswork@gmail.com
ACKIVOWLEDGEMENTS AND DIS CLAIMER
This program guide was developed by the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) with
funding provided by the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) administered by the U.S. Department of
Transportation - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
ACSA's leadership and members are recognized for their participation and guidance during project
development. A special thank you to the International Snowmobile Tourism Council (ISTC) and its
members for promoting the concept to enhance snowmobile safety, access, and tourism. It is also
recognized that the concept for this program guide was spawned, in part, by The League of American
Bicyclists' much more elaborate Bicycle Friendly Community Program.
The sole pulpose of this publication is educational only, with no other intent but to help expand the
knowledge of local communities, businesses, clubs, associations, and trail managers. It should not be
assumed that all contributors agree with every written word, but are opinions only. The authors,
contributors, FIIWA, Trails Work Consulting, ACSA and its members accept no liability resulting from
the compliance or noncompliance with the findings or recofirmendations given herein, or for the accuracy
or completeness of information contained herein.
Provided by: American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA)
271 Woodland Pass, Suite 216, East Lansing, MI48823 (517) 351-4362
www.snowmobilers.org and www. snowmobileinfo.org
Copyright O 2015 Owned by the American Council of Snowmobile Associations
All Rights Reserved.
Information may be reproduced without permission by not-for-profit organizations and public agencies
for recreational trail safety, access education, or tourism promotion purposes.
Notice
This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the
U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of
information exchange. The U.S. Govemment assumes no
liability for the use of information contained in this
document.
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Federul tft hrYoryArtnlnhtmflot
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The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacfurers'names
appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the objective ofthis document.
The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy
of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the U.S.
Deparlment o f Transportation.
This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND DISCLAIMER . .
INTRODUCTION
SNOWMOBILE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY. .
What Helps Make A Community 'Snowmobile Friendly'.
DESIGNATION PROCESS . . .
The Snowmobile Friendly Community Designation Process . . . . .
1. Application Deadline
2. Guidelines
Club Criteria
Community Criteria. . .
AreaBusiness Criteria. . . .
Law Enforcement Criteria
3. Designation Decisions
Potential Community Benefits When Designated 'Snowmobile Friendly'. .
2
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
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6
6
6
6
6
6
6
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4. Memorandum of Understanding @OfD
5. Length of SFC Designation
6. Termination Clause
7. SFC Logos.
8. SFC Road and Trail Signs
APPLICATION. .
COMMTNITY CERTIFICATION CRITERIA AND SCORESHEET . . .
Example SFC MEMORANDUM OF TINDERSTANDING.
8
10
l1
3
INTRODI]CTION
Snowmobiling generates $22 billion in amual spending across the United States while also generating
millions of dollars in tax revenues for state and local governments. It is extremely important to many local
communities where it helps improve the quality of life during winter and brings tourism business in what
otherwise would be an off-season for many areas. Snowmobile tourism can be particularly important in
rural communities where it often helps businesses stay open and people ernployed year-round.
The Snowmobile Friendly Community (SFC) Program is provided by the American Council of
Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) to help state snowmobile associations recognize communities and
businesses that cater to the needs of snowmobilers. Communities and businesses designated as
snowmobile-friendly' can benefit from enhanced tourism promotion opporfunities. In turn snowmobilers
benefit from improved safety and access to services, along with easy recognition of communities and
businesses that will cater to their trip needs.
SNOWMOBILE FRTENDLY COMMI]NITY
What Helps Make A Community'Snowmobile Friendly'?
Snowmobile Friendty Community offers some or many of the following elements to ensure sufficient
snowmobile safety and access value is received to match SFC designation status:
1. Community is directly connected to a system of groomed snowmobile trails and has at least one
groomed snowmobile trail that runs through or directly adjacent to the community (suggested that this
be mandatory for SFC participation)
2. Community provides connections to services (fuel, food, lodging, repairs, etc.) within the community
that can be accessed by snowmobile through any or all of the following methods:
allows snowmobile operation on designated routes (hail and/or non-trail) within the
community
allows snowmobile operation on designated snow covered roadways
allows snowmobile operation within road right-of-ways
allows snowmobile operation on the shoulder of plowed roadways to cross bridges
allows snowmobile operation on plowed road shoulders or at the outside edge of plowed
streets or roads in order to reach businesses and/or residences
3. Community has 'snowmobile friendly' snow removal policies that help prevent:
creating safefy hazards caused by snow removal operations unnecessarily depositing snow
onto groomed snowmobile trails
umecessarily removing all snow cover from designated connecting routes (streets and road
shoulders) needed for snowmobile access to key fuel, lodging and food services
4. Community provides kail maps, signing and/or literature that clearly identifies designated
snowmobile travel routes, along with any other materials which assist snowmobilers with trip
planning
5. Community actively promotes snowmobile tourism and snowmobile-related businesses
6. Community educates area businesses about how to cater to the needs of snowmobilers
l. Community educates snowmobilers and motorists about proper ru1es and etiquette for road sharing
and road crossings
8. community regularly partners with local snowmobile club to promote:
snowmobile safety
equitable 1aw enforcement related to snowmobiling
coordination ofemergency response efforts
4
Potential Community Benefits When Designated'Snowmobile-Friendly'
There are many potential incentives for local communities to participate in the Snowmobile Friendly
Community Program. While every communit5r's circumstances will be different, potential benefits from
SFC designation could include:
1. New opporhrnities to market their SFC status on ACSA's website, the Minnesota United
Snowmobilers Association's website, and the local snowmobile club's website (if the club has one).
2. Enhanced opportunities to tap into the local snowmobile club and Minnesota United Snowmobilers
Association's networks for snowmobile tourism marketing and community promotion.
3. Heightened awareness to snowmobilers that the community is a worthy snowmobiling destination
that is accommodating to their needs.
4. More business and local tax revenues generated within the community from increased snowmobile
tourism.
5. Heightened awareness to snowmobilers that the community's snowmobile friendly policies make it a
safer snowmobiling destination.
6. Improved safety margins for snowmobilers and the communit5z's motorists.
7. Enhanced winter recreation opporhrnities for the communit5r's residents and visitors.
8. Enhanced partnerships with the community's local snowmobile club for emergency response efforts.
DESIGNATION PROCESS
The Snowmobile Friendly Community Designation Process
In order for a city, town, or area community to be deemed "snowmobile friendly" it will have created a
partnership between the snowmobile club, communitlr, businesses and law enforcement and must meet a
criteria set forth by the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA).
1. Application Deadline: Application will be accepted by Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
by mail:
Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
7040Lakeland Ave., N. #212
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
byemail: nancy@popp.net
Application deadline is October l't of each year to be considered for the upcoming season.
2. Guidelines: The following guidelines must be met for any community before it receives MnUSA's
Snowmobile Friendly Community designation:
Club Criteria
Is the club a 100Yo MnUSA member club?
Is the club a member of the chamber of commerce and/or convention and visitor's bureau?
Does the club promote safety and provide snowmobile safety training for youth?
Community Criteria
Does the community have a comprehensive, connected and well-maintained snowmobile trail
5
network?
Does the community have up-to-date maps and community information readily available to
snowmobilers?
Does the community celebrate snowmobiling with community recognition of snowmobiling and
media outreach to the snowmobiling community?
Does the community actively pursue making sure that city trails have adequate snow cover by not
plowing trail routes?
Does the community host any major community snowmobiling events, shows or rides?
Does the community actively pursue the promotion of snowmobile tourism?
Do community officials meet regularly with the loca1 snowmobile club?
Does your cornmunity promote businesses with the community that are snowmobiling specific?
Area Business Criteria
Is access to the community's business dishict and/or services readily available to snowmobilers?
Do the businesses have an adequate number of services that cater to snowmobilers?
Do the businesses know the snowmobile trail system to provide information to travelers?
Law Enforcement Criteria
Are there community-wide ordinances or other policies that allow the accommodation of
snowmobiles?
Do law enforcement officers receive training on the rights and responsibilities of snowmobilers in
the community?
Does the community or other law enforcement providers have law enforcement officers on
snowmobiles?
Do local ordinances treat snowmobilers equitably in regards to other trail users?
Does law enforcement meet with local clubs to discuss enforcement issues?
3. Designation Decisions: The Executive Board of MnUSA, or its designee(s)s, will review each
application and determine the approval of the application.
4. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): There must be a written agreement signed by the
community or business, sponsoring local snowmobile club, and MnUSA. This can be the MOU
included in this document or another type of written agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities
of each party based upon local preference.
5. Length of SFC designation: The SFC designation expires five (5) years from the date of approval
by MnUSA unless extended by an executed modification signed and dated by all parties.
6. Termination Clause: Any of the parties, may terminate the SFC designation by notification in
writing to all parties at the addresses on the MOU or written agreement.
7. SFC Logos: Snowmobile Friendly Communities and businesses will be provided with a logo for use
on advertisements, brochures, publications, etc.
8. SFC Road and Trail Signs: SFC signs for posting either along entrance roads to the community
and./or along snowmobile trails where they enter the community will be provided at a nominal charge.
AII signs posted along roadways must be coordinated and approved by the state deparlment of
transportation (state ol federal highways) or the local road manager. All signs posted along trails
qrir" coordination and approval by the landowner or trail manager. Signs will be a minimum 18"
high by 24" wide.
6
Examples of the roadside and trailside SFC signs are shown below. The 'white letters and black
symbol on a forest green background' conforms to the Manual for Uniform Traffic Conkols Devices
MUTCD) for recreation signs. Additionally the green color is consistent with MUTCD guidance for
permissive' activities. An extra tag line advising motorists to 'Watch for Riders' has been added to
the roadside sign while an extra tag line advising snowmobilers to 'Ride Responsibly' in the
community has been added to the trailside sign.
Roadside
Trailside
Snowmobile
Community
WATCH FOR RIDERS
Friendly
Snowmobile
Friendly
ommunl
RIDE RESPONSIBLY
ac ty
7
APPLICATION FOR RE COGNITION
MINNESOTA ANITED SNOWMOBILERS ASSOCIATION
I. COMMITNITY CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Name: __fuof fake-MN
Contact Person's Name and Title:I( o. q oy l..i-]-B nit e s
u.
Mailing Address:41, D^t L' Sl.-..\lJ. .rss 7z
Phone Number: 4 f z--4( Z - ? f oo FaxNumber: ? tz-//7- 4 z(S
E-mail:R br.q \ e fE r-i I,. Jt'io., I "L", 0or,r^-.Jr \ r
SPONSORING SNOWMOBILB CLUB CONTACT INFORMATION
Snowmobile CIub Name: Prior Lake Snow Mobile Association
Contact Person's Name and Title: Tom Schutz. Chairman rs
Mailing Address: t0Z+: tvta*tey I.ate Cou
Phone Number: 61212845-5 Fax Number:
E-mail: myc90touring@gmail.com ortom.schutz@keylandhomes.com
UI. REQUESTEDCOMMfINITYINFORMATION
A. Services Available By Snowmobile: Please check which, along with how ffiffiy, of the following
services can be accessed by snowmobile in your community:
x
x
x
E
x
Fuel
Lodging
Food
Snowmobile repairs and parts
Other:
How many: -1_How many: 1
How many: li0_
How many: _
How many: 1
lndicate how this snowmobile access is provided (check all that apply)
X On a groomed trail
n On an ungtoomed designated route
X Along a road shoulder
! On a plowed street or roadway
D Other:
Communi tY
Snowmobile Friendly
a
Please provide the following information about your communify, as applicable, with your
completed application:
B. Maps: Provide copies of maps, brochures, web links or other information showing area
snowmobile trail systems and designated snowmobile routes through the community.
C. Tourism Promotion: Provide examples of community snowmobile tourism promotion eff,orts or
plans.
D. Special Rules: Provide copies of any pertinent special rules (laws, policies, ordinances,
regulations, etc.) which demonstrate how the community is 'snowmobile-friendly.' This could
include rules that help:
1) facilitate access by snowmobile to services within the community,
2) facilitate access by snowmobile for residents from their homes to area trail systems, or
3) preserve snow cover on snowmobile access routes.
E. Community Support Statement: Provide a resolution, proclamation, or other statement of
support for the community's 'snowmobile-friendly' application from its goveming body or
official.
F. Law Enforcement: Describe community efforts to provide equitable snowmobile enforcement in
the area, snowmobile road sharing/road crossing safety education, or special training provided by
or to local law enforcement specifically related to snowmobile use.
G. Community Education Efforts: Describe any community efforts to educate businesses about
how to cater to snowmobilers and promote snowmobile tourism.
H. Promotion of Organized Snowmobiling: Membership of Chamber and/or tourism organization
in local club and Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association.
TV. REQUESTED SNOWMOBILE CLUB INT'ORMATION
Please answer the following questions:
A. Is your club affiliated in good standing with Minnesota United Snowmobilers
Association by collecting MnUSA dues for all of your club members and submitting the
dues to MnUSA? tY.t ! No
B. Is your club a member of the local chamber of commerce and/or convention and visitors bureau?
g?es n No
C. Does your club help provide snowmobile safety information or training in the community?
U'Yes ! No
D. Does your club provide assistance to the community for emergency response needs?
!Yes lNo
E. Does your club support Snowmobile Friendly Cornmunity designation for this community?
U1les E No
V. SIGNATI]RXS
(Community Signature)(Club Signature)
i,. I 6"r
- typed
o
(I.trame and Title - typed or printed)
)o/lb/zotg
(Name
(Date)
printed)
ra,6
Th"*r (. 5o-Iu^l'-,boo..cJ 4hci.
SAMPLE
COMMUNITY CERTIFICATION
CRITERIA SCORESHEET
To be Completed by MnUSA)
SCOKING:1 pointfor every Yes; 0-3 : community needs intprovement to qualifufor
designation; 4-6 : good start, community can applyfor Snowmobile
Friendly designation with approval subject to association's discretion;
7-10 : community caters lo snowmobilers and should likely qualifl for
Snowmobile Friendly designation
Local Snowmobile Club Criteria (club must be 100% members of MnUSA)
Yestr No Club Active in Community: Is the club a member of the area's chamber of
commerce, convention and visitors bureau, or/and assist with emergency response needs?
Community Related Criteria
Yes! No Trail Connection: is the community directly connected to a groomed snowmobile trail?
D Yes[ No Tourism Promotion: does the community help provide area snowmobile trail maps,
provide other information to assist snowmobilers with trip planning, acfively promote
snowmobile tourism, or host special snowmobile events?
tr Yes! No Snow Removal Doesn't Create Hazards: does the community manage local snow
removal efforts to help prevent creating safety hazards caused by snow removal
operations unnecessarily depositing snow onto groomed snowmobile hails and
connecting routes?
Yesfl No Aggressive Snow Removal Doesn't Ilurt Access: does the communit5r manage local
snow removal efforts to help prevent unnecessarily removing all snow cover from
designated connecting routes (streets and road shoulders) needed for snowmobile access
to key fuel, lodging and food services?
Local Community Business Related Criteria
Yes! No Fuel Available: does at least one business have fuel available and accessible by
snowmobile?
tr Yes[ No Lodging Available: does at least one business have lodging available and accessible by
snowmobile?
n YesE No Other Services Available: does at least one business have food or repair parts available
and accessible by snowmobile?
Local Community Law Enforcement Related Criteria
Yes! No Business Access: does the community have an ordinances or other policy that allows
snowmobilers to access businesses by groomed trails and/or other designated over-snow
routes including designated plowed streets or roadways?
YesE No Residential Access: does the community have an ordinance or other policy that allows
snowmobilers to travel from their homes by following designated plowed skeets or
roadways to the outskirts of the community or to designated snowmobile trail routes?
TOTAL SCORE:
10
t.
ME MORA ND UM O F UND E RS TA ND ING
This MEMOITANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (Mou)made and entered into by and between
the €ormfirnitycf (hereinafter "community"), the
bile Club (hereinafter "club"), and the
Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (hereinafter "association")
PURPOSE: The purpose of this MOU is for the parties to cooperatively work together to advance and
promote safe snowmobile access routes to services located within the community while endorsing the
community as a 'Snowmobile Friendly Community' to benefit its tourism development efforts.
STATEMENT OF MUTUAL BENEFIT AND INTERESTS:
A. The community hosts a variety of businesses which offer fuel, food, lodging, and/or repair
services required by snowmobilers.
B. The club and association represent the organized snowmobiling public and work to foster safe
and dependable access routes for snowmobilers.
C. Snowmobiling provides important winter tourism that generates substantial economic impacts
through visitor spending and tax revenues.
II.THE COMMUNITY ztGREE€rfO: A$b Pn\o. t AEL Soo,^l"tob;\e- AS coc,+tro^l A CtfiELa 0,
A. Provide safe and reliable access routes by snowmobile to designated community businesses
which can provide fuel, lodging, food, repairs and supplies for snowmobilers
B. Promote itself as 'snowmobile friendly' to aid snowmobilers with their trip planning
C. Provide trail maps or other informational material to aid snowmobiler trip planning
D. Consider ordinances or policies that allow residents to travel by snowmobile from their homes on
designated plowed streets or roadways to either the outskirts of the community or to designated
snowmobile trail routes
E. Consider ordinances or policies that allow snowmobiles to access businesses by either groomed
trails or other properly designated over-snow routes including plowed streets or roadways
F. Manage local snow removal efforts, to the extent feasible, to help prevent creating safety hazards
caused by snow removal operations unnecessarily depositing snow onto groomed snowmobile
trails and connecting routes
G. Manage local snow removal efforts, to the extent feasible, to help prevent unnecessarily removing
all snow cover from designated connecting routes (streets and road shoulders) needed for
snowmobile access to key fuel, lodging and food services
H. Promote good road sharing etiquette and road crossing regulation for snowmobile-automobile
interaction
I. Have designated representatives meet with the club at least annually to help coordinate
snowmobile-friendly policies and to address snowmobile management issues
THE CLUB AGREES TO:
A. Support the communiry in its efforts to be a Snowmobile Friendly Community
B. Promote the community as a Snowmobile Friendly Community on its website as well as in its
publications or other appropriate snowmobiling promotional materials
C. Support the community by helping to provide snowmobile safety information and trainino
Cammunity
Snowmobile Friendly
III.
11
In consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follows:
D. Support the communily by assisting with emergency response needs
IV THE ASSOCIATION AGREES TO:
A. Formally designate the community as a Snowmobile Friendly Community
B. Promote the community as a Snowmobile Friendly Community on its website as well as in its
publications or other appropriate materials
C. Provide the Snowmobile Friendly Community program logo to the community for its
snowmobile tourism promotion efforts
D. Make Snowmobile Friendly Community signs available for posting along community roadways
or trails
V IT IS MUTUALLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY AND BETWEEN THE PARTIES
THAT:
A. PARTICIPATION IN SIMILAR ACTIVITIES: This MOU in no way restricts any party from
participating in similar activities with other entities. ,
B. NONBINDING AGREEMENT: This MOU creates no right, benefit, or trust responsibility,
substantive or procedural, enforceable by law or equity. The parties shall manage their respective
resources and activities in a separate, coordinated and mutually beneficial manner to meet the
purpose(s) of this MOU. Nothing in this MOU authorizes any of the parties to obligate or transfer
anything of value.
C. EXPIRATION DATE: This MOU expires five (5) years from the date of approval by the parties,
unless extended by an executed modification signed and dated by all parties.
D. MODIFICATIONS: This MOU may be modified by mutual consent at any time by written
request of one of the parties at least 30 days prior to implementation of the requested change.
E. TERMINATION: Any of the parties, in writing, may terminate this MOU in whole, or in part, at
any time before the date of expiration in writing to the parties at the addresses below.
F. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES: By signature below, each party certifies that the
individuals listed are authorized to act in their respective areas for matters related to this MOU. In
witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this MOU as of the last date written below.
VI. SIGNATURES
FOR THE LOCAL SNOWMOBILE CLUB:
Name: -TR.*^< -\S"\^.,.^-\z-Title: et.,a;.r^aru oS *Lubo-lteA.
Address: lCo Phone: LI\L3Z*-95&s
SS3l L
Date:
FOR TI.IE COMMUNITY
F^l
S
Name Title
Address:q I +u Do)-* j"st'"*l
, ?,,,-/,^t,, nN.
Signature:
1.2
T dl r7L
phone: j i L- ++1 -gt oo
Date:
FOR THE STATE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION:
Name
Address:
Title:
Phone
Signature:
Date:
13
APPLICATION FOR RECO GNITION
MINN E S O TA UNI TED SNOIYMO B ILE RS AS S O CIAT I O N
C OMMI]MTY C ONTACT INT'ORMATION
Com mu nity Name : __IrcLLakg-MN
Contact Person's Name and Title:
I.
Mailing Address:
Phone Number:Fax Number:
II.
E-mail:
SPONSORING SNOWMOBILE CLUB CONTACT INFORMATION
Snowmobile Club Name: Prior Lake Snow Mobile Association
Contact Person's Name and Title: Tom Schutz. Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mailing Address:Lake 55
Phone Number: 612-323-8535 Fax Number:
E-mail: myc90touring@gmail.com or tom.schutz@keylandhomes.com
IIr. REQUESTEDCOMMT]NTTYTIIFORMATTON
A. Services Available By Snowmobile: Please check which, along with how many, of the following
services can be accessed by snowmobile in your community:
X Fuel How many: -L _X Lodging How many: 1
X Food How many: liO_
Snowmobile repairs and parts How many: _
X Other: En1ertainlqg4 How many: 1
Indicate how this snowmobile access is provided (check all that apply)
X On a groomed trail
D On an ungroomed designated route
X Along a road shoulder
On a plowed street or roadway
Other:
Community
Snowmobile Frlendly
Please provide the following information about your community, as applicable, with your
completed application :
B. Maps: Provide copies of maps, brochures, web links or other information showing area
snowmobile trail systems and designated snowmobile routes through the community.
C. Tourism Promotion: Provide examples of community snowmobile tourism promotion efforts or
plans.
D. Special Rules: Provide copies of any pertinent special rules (laws, policies, ordinances,
regulations, etc.) which demonstrate how the community is 'snowmobile-friendly.' This could
include rules that help:
1) facilitate access by snowmobile to services within the community,
2) facilitate access by snowmobile for residents from their homes to area trail systems, or
3) preserve snow cover on snowmobile access routes.
E. Community Support Statement: Provide a resolution, proclamation, or other statement of
support for the community's 'snowmobile-friendly' application from its governing body or
official.
F. Law Enforcement: Describe community efforts to provide equitable snowmobile enforcement in
the are4 snowmobile road sharing/road crossing safety education, or special training provided by
or to local law enforcement specifically related to snowmobile use.
G. Community Education Efforts: Describe any community efforts to educate businesses about
how to cater to snowmobilers and promote snowmobile tourism.
H. Promotion of Organized Snowmobiling: Membership of Chamber and/or tourism organization
in local club and Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association.
w. REQUESTED SNOWMOBILE CLUB TNFORMATION
Please answer the following questions:
A. Is your club affiliated in good standing with Minnesota United Snowmobilers
Association by collecting MnUSA dues for all of your club members and submitting the
dues to MnUSA? /Y.t ! No
B.
C. Does your club help provide snowmobile safety information or training in the community?
ffYes ! No
D. Does your club provide assistance to the community for emergency response needs?
Yes lNo
E. Does your club support Snowmobile Friendly Community designation for this community?
gtes I No
V. SIGNATURES
Community Signature)(Club Signature)
Name and Title - typed or printed)(Name and Title - typed or Printed)
Is your
gtes
club a member of the local chamber of commerce and/or convention and visitors bureau?
Il No
Date)(Date)
PLSA Notes for City Council
Mayor, Council Members, City Staff.
Thank you for allowing me to speak tonight.
My name is Tom Schutz from 16743 Markley Lake Ct and a member of the prior Lake Snowmobile
Association.
The Prior Lake Snowmobile Association started in Prior Lake area back in the late 60's by number of
families that enjoyed a relatively new sport. The goal of this club was to establish a trail system
throughout our community as well as throughout the county that these members could enjoy and take
advantage of all that Mother Nature could provide during the winter months. To make this all happen, it
meant there was a lot of hard work ahead of them in establishing this new trail system and it meant
working with landowners, city government and county government to make it all happen. For over 50
years, organizations like the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association and its 96 family members have
continued with that originalgoal. We continue to work hand in hand with local, county and state
agencies to create what we currently have is a 265 mile trail system in Scott county and over 21000
miles oftrails state wide that is enjoyed by thousands of enthusiasts every year. For Prior Lake we truly
believe that our community is a wonderful place to live, work and play.
Back in 2005 it was estimated by The University Minnesota study and the Minnesota Tourism Center,
that snowmobiling at that time brought in over 199 million dollars of revenues. 78.6 million in
destination expenditures and 105.6 million which was spent at home. Those numbers I am sure have
just grown since then however it shows snowmobiling brings an economic boost to most communities
that most people do not realize.
This brings me to my point. Prior Lake and the surrounding communities are growing at rapid rate. Our
current trail system will need to change with this growth. lt is easy to forget about the trail system in
the planning stages of new development, park or commercial setting. Our trails in most cases are not a
paved trail or sidewalk but ditches, easements and yes even some parks. To ensure the popularity and
economic boost of snowmobiling in our community stays strong in Prior Lake, we need to be committed
to working with each other for seeable future to provide access to Prior Lake itself from all directions, to
businesses which includes dining, fuel, and leisure. To provide safe corridors through the city to areas
outside, provide park and rides areas so those outside Prior Lake can come and enjoy allthat we have.
As part of a national initiative by the Minnesota United Snowmobile Association, American Council of
Snowmobile Associations and the U.S. Department of Transportatio ntore nize local communities
and snowmobile clubs throughout the United States for their dedication and commitment in working
together to being a Snowmobile Friendly Community. By being awarded this status to Prior Lake would
mean seeing enhanced opportunities for local, state and regional networks for snowmobile tourism
marketing and community promotions. Heighten awareness that Prior Lake is a worthy snowmobiling
destination and most importantly economic growth to our businesses during these months.
With all possible respect, the members of the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association would like to ask the
Prior Lake City councilto formally recognize Prior Lake through a proclamation as a Snowmobile Friendly
city as outline in the MNUSA and AcsA guidelines. This enabling a cooperative agreement to work
together for the future generations of snowmobile enthusiasts in establishing, maintaining and
extending our trail system for all to enjoy. Again, let's continue to make Prior Lake a great place to live,
work and play.
At this time I would entertain any questions regarding the program and for your benefit I will also
provide you here tonight the Memorandum of Understanding and a copy of the program guidelines and
incentives which outlines in detail what we are recommending. However with that said, this program
does have a timeline in which it needs to be submitted and that date is end of day October 15.
Thank You.