HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/02/1976 r
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CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
September 2, 1976
PRESENT: George Hecker, Jim Ronay, Dorothy Regis -- Representatives of the
Snowmobile Clubs: Jim Wheelock, Jim 0'Brien, Bob Johnson,
Jim Tyvand -- Valley Trailblazers; Jack Witson, Darrell Bonin
of South Suburban Snowriders.
Chairman Hecker called the meeting to order and explained to the representatives
of the Snowmobile Clubs that the committee would like their input regarding
the Snowmobile Ordinance.
Jim Wheelock said that they would like to see the ordinance remain as it is.
Jim 0'Brien said that he felt that the present ordinance should be enforced.
Dorothy Regis said that there are problems created by people coming in from
outside the area due to the restrictions in the surrounding areas. There
are probably only a few people creating the problems.
Follc�wing are some points brought out in the general discussion.
1. The snowmobiles do have "tag numbers" and these can be reported and
traced through the DNR.
2. There seems to be a problem with students (12 to 14 yr olds) -- it was
noted that the clubs do have instructors; would like to provide
instruction for any students interested. There are parents that do not
belong to clubs and they allow their children to ride the snowmobiles.
3. There was discussion on parking the trailers on the streets, Section 9,
(ordinance ��48) . They would like to have stricter parking rules, and
it was suggested that the parking could be detered by the private
property owners. This could eliminate some of the trailering.
5. There was considerable discussion on patroling the trails. The Police
have only one snowmobile -- representatives of the Clubs suggested
that they could assist the police in patroling the trails. If the
police would go out occassionally for a short ride people would be
aware that they are patroling and be more cautious. It was decided
that Lt. Rivers and Chief Corrigan would be asked to attend the
September 16th meeting to further discuss the ordinance and enforce-
ment of it.
6. The Committee suggested sending out a "general information sheet" to
all residents of the City -- the club representatives thought this
was a good idea. Then everyone would be aware of the rules and
regulations. It was suggested that "FINES WILL BE ENFORCED" be
noted on this sheet -- and possibly include the names of club members
for information on instruction.
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7. The Dakota County Trails Association provide a ma.p of the trails to
club members. Alot of time is spent setting up the trails and markers.
Possibly enforcing the snowmobilers to ride only the "trails" and
charging $1.00 for a sticker.
8. There was general discussion on flags on the snowmobiles if there is
a lot of snow the snowmobilers are more visable, requiring the snow-
mobilers to ride in a knelling position for more visability; require
headlights at all times; mandatory helmats; require reflection tape
on each side of the machine and gutted mufflers (state requirements) ;
getting speed limit signs posted; include "under the influence of
intoxicating or alcholic beverages"; prefer that the ordinance stay
away from the requirement of "written permission" for riding on private
property.
9. There was discussion on the opening of the 140th Street easement for
snowmobiling. After discussing the petitions, the representatives
of the clubs recommended that it not be opened; they saw no reason for
it and felt that it might become a speed trap.
Mr. Holton, Mr. Corrigan and Mr. Rivers will be invited to attend the
next meeting on Thursday, September 16, 1976.
Meeting adjourned.