HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.13.97 Work Session Minutes
City Council Workshop Minutes
January 13, 1997
Snowmobile Ordinance
The workshop was called to order by Mayor Jerry Ristow with the addition of an Executive
Session called to evaluate the performance of the City Administrator.
In attendance were: Mayor Jerry Ristow, Councilmembers Lacelle Cordes, Bill Fitch, Don
Gamer, and Steve Strachan. Staff in attendance were City Administrator Erar, Police Dan
Siebenaler and Park and Recreation Director Jim Bell. The workshop was also attended by a
number of citizens and representatives from the Farmington Snowmobile Club.
. Mr. Bell opened the discussion on existing snowmobile issues by reviewing the Workshop
Agenda informational items. A review of the existin5 City ordinance, current enforcement and
complaints ensued by both staff members. Chief Siebenaler reviewed a variety of information
concerning the level of complaints, current enforcement activities and proposed new enforcement
activities, with a brief discussion on staffing and budgetary implications with the Council. Noting
in particular that the level of funding necessary to more pro actively enforce snowmobile violators
was unavailable in the 1997 Budget.
In addition, staff presented two options for Council consideration: 1) Restricting snowmobile
activity to certain trails and corridors and 2) a total ban on all snowmobile travel within the City.
Mr. Bell reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission recommendations with Council which
included the following: updating the existing ordinance; developing and conducting an
informational campaign; developing a snowmobile map; publishing an article in the City
newsletter; mailing rules and ordinance summary to all registered owners in the Farmington area;
adding snowmobile questions to a future survey; and designating a north-south snowmobile
corridor.
Mr. Bell presented Council with two maps representing geographically the two options discussed
by Council. After a lengthy discussion by Council, Mayor Ristow asked for questions from the
audience.
A number of residents indicated their support and/or opposition to either proposal. Of major
concern for those supporting a more moderate approach, was the fact that the majority of
snowmobilers observed City rules, and that a few violators should not ruin it for everyone else.
Of major concern for those supporting a total ban, were issues related to trespassing by
snowmobilers on private property, excessive speed, and potential property damage and personal
injuries which may be caused by snowmobilers. Representatives from the local snowmobiling
club indicated their support of City rules and welcomed the opportunity to work with the City in
educating snowmobilers in the community.
Councilmember Fitch indicated his concerns that snowmobilers were not being respectful of
private property and noted his concerns of allowing snowmobiling along the new alignment of
Pilot Knob.
Mayor Ristow indicated that the Council needs to more carefully review the level of complaints
over time, and ensure that the interests of all parties are adequately protected.
After further deliberation, Council directed staff to follow the recommendations of the Park and
Recreation Commission. In addition, staff was directed to work with the local snowmobile club
to develop a snowmobile map; to contact staff at the City of Apple Valley and advise them of our
regulations as it relates to out-of-town snowmobilers. Council also requested that staff bring this
issue back for review at the February 3, 1997 Council meeting.
It was also determined by Council that the existing ordinance should be updated and that
additional time and effort was needed before Council would make any definitive changes to
current snowmobile policies. Council also indicated that there probably would be a time in the
near future, due to rapid development within the community, that snowmobiling activities would
again be a topic of serious consideration.
Council concluded the meeting discussion to clarify their continuing concerns with snowmobilers
who do not observe City rules and regulations, and emphasized that the few people who do not
follow the rules may negatively affect snowmobiling opportunities for everyone in the
community.
Mayor Ristow thanked audience members for their participation and closed the discussion at
approximately 9:45 p.m.
Upon call by the Mayor, the Council closed the workshop to evaluate the performance of the City
Administrator in an Executive Session. The Council adjourned out of Executive Session at 10:35
p.m. The outcome of the Executive Session was that Council had reviewed performance
expectations with the Administrator and concluded that the Administrator was meeting Council
performance expectations.
The Workshop was adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
Submitted by John F. Erar, City Administrator/City Clerk
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J' F. Erar, City Administrator