The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutSP December 2, 1999 / 1 ,~--'~ ;' \ \J . '\ 'J CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 Special City Council Meeting - Thursday, December 2,1999 Call to order - 7:00 1. Public Hearing/Amend Ordinance No. 109/0peration of Snowmobiles Adjourment CITY OF ANDOVER REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION '\ ) DATE: December 2. 1999 AGENDA SECTION ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT Discussion Planning Jeff Johnson ITEM NO. Public Hearing: Amend Ordinance No.1 09 Operation of Snowmobiles Request The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing to review and discuss the attached amendment and map to Ordinance No. 109 - An Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Snowmobiles in the City. The attached ordinance amendment and map reflect proposed designated trails/corridors along with park and ride locations that have been established by the Andover Snowmobile Trail Association in the restrictive snowmobiling areas of the City. All property owners within three hundred and fifty (350) feet of these trials/corridors have been notified by mail of this public hearing, -\ ) Attachments Ordinance 109C Amendment Exhibit A - City Snowmobiling Map Notice of Public Hearing and Mailing Labels -, , ) CITY OF ANDOVER COUNTY OF ANOKA STATE OF MINNESOTA / " I I ORDINANCE NO. 109C AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 109 - AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND SNOWMOBILES WITHIN THE CITY OF ANDOVER. The City Council of the City of Andover hereby ordains as follows: Section 3. General Ooeration. Prohibited Areas. No person shall operate l! aR all terrain yehiele af snowmobile south of the following line legally described as shown in Exhibit A {with the exception of designated snowmobile trails or areas that have been approved by the City Council and private property provided written permission is granted by the owner, occupant or lessee of such land}. Permitted Areas r \ \ , The operation of all tElrrain yehieles or snowmobiles is permitted north of the legally described line as shown in Exhibit A. The following designated trails (as shown in Exhibit A) e-F and areas south of this legally described line are permitted. These areas are as follows: 1) On Round Lake (when frozen) when access can be legally obtained. 2) On Crooked Lake (when frozen) when access can be legally obtained. All other sections of this ordinance shall remain as written and adopted by the City Council. Adopted by the City Council on this 2nd day of December, 1999. ArrEST: CITY OF ANDOVER Victoria V olk, City Clerk J. E, McKelvey, Mayor / -\ \ J I z . 3 ~ en Z ~ 3: _ (' O>'~IH ~8 fiO:"''''i2'-~ liou> m en ::l ::l ~'" i<~!J~g; .. t"" g.-oo :::10 , : j If I l!.:r 2! >>> e.;! o c: " >< _0_ ni ~~~~~H: t'I c: C" 3 :::I: 18~'-: ~ _=0 CD g, ilii f;: ~ ~ . j :E~g .~ fh r.. 0 to I 2:> <' I HII i"'! ~.... :;" N=::J -.,,'" 8:::10. ...i .. ~ -~--=:..-,-,---==-~. -I <Do t'I ;::] <'in' ;::;;l If j;i . <;!~ .~~ "'''z )> n ih ~ ;D 0 ..~ Z 3"'- .." . { ~~i _.~ l> III 1110= a ...^" 0 l:I 0' tD ~ ?~a. fr_ _ ~ m en 5: ~ 1- ~ ~ a: o 1! m ~ '" > E So! '" '" j e @ 1ii z ~ 3: al 1:: > ;3 '. ff U J' lim c ~I iIijf "-t= lrfi ~f" ~ .~ (I, l.i : J rRll ~ f I !~ S % '" . Ii' ~ " ~ ~ J::::-- ~ ~ ~ i ;.:, VI ;.:, VI ?f r " , ) " , , / CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF ANDOVER COUNTY OF ANOKA STATE OF MINNESOTA The City Council of the City of Andover will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as can be heard, on Thursday, December 2, 1999 at Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota to review an amendment to Ordinance No. 109 (An Ordinance Regulating Snowmobiles). Said amendment proposes to designate snowmobile trails/corridors in the restricted snowmobiling areas of the City. A copy ofa map showing these proposed trails/corridors is available for review at City Hall prior to said meeting. \ ) Jeff Johnson, Zoning Administrator Publication Dates: November 26, 1999 I CITY of ANDOVER " 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N,W. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF ANDOVER COUNTY OF ANOKA STATE OF !vfINNESOTA The City Council of the City of Andover will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as can be heard, on Thursday, December 2, 1999 at Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota to review an amendment to Ordinance No. 109 (An Ordinance Regulating Snowmobiles). Said amendment proposes to designate snowmobile trails/corridors in the restricted snowmobiling areas of the City. A map is attached showing these proposed trails/corridors. , \ Please contact JeffJohnson (767-5142) or Todd Haas (767-5131) if you have any questions regarding this amendment. ~ Jeff Johnson, Zoning Administrator Publication Dates: November 26, 1999 , -\ / PIN 273224340026 S~LL KEVIN J & KATHLEEN M OR CURRENT RESIDENT .!l' '42ND LN A: ,_ JVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224230015 PLATZ JAMES G SR OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2215145THAVE A.c"IDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224240003 \fCEL W AIN JUDITII E & JEFFREY P OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14489 OSAGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310037 SCHREDER ROBERT A & WANDA M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14453 OSAGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224420002 NELSON MARVIN J & EVELYN M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14437 CROSSTOWN BLVD M"'~VER, MN 55304 I , / PIN 273224310012 HAYES MICHAEL A & SUSAN M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14315 PARTRIDGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310019 ALARCON DORA M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14354 OSAGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310025 TOIKKA STANLEY & BEVERLY OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14349 QUINN DR ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310014 A.c'IDERSON LARS A & EILEEN H OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14357 PARTRIDGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 '\ ) PIN 273224230013 DIXON MICHAEL J & DIANE M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2241145THAVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224340013 VANNOTE KIRBY J & TIIERESA L OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2057 142ND LN ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224240004 VELARDE RAUL A & TONI K LUCAS OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14477 OSAGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310038 ANDERSONTODDA&KATImYNK OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14441 OSAGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224420002 NELSON MARVIN J & EVELYN M RT3 VERNDALE, MN 56481 PIN 273224310001 P ASCHKE WALLACE L P RUTI:I C OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14430 CROSSTOWN BLVD ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310035 MASHUGA DALE A OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14330 OSAGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310010 BLATIMAN JON K & DEBRA S OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14320 PARTRIDGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310009 HAYSDAVIDE OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14360 PARTRIDGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224230014 MCGilL ORRIN M & PAMELA A OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2227 145TH AVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224340014 OLSON LAWRENCE J & HEIDI J OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2045 142ND LN ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224240005 CRONK TIMOTHY R & SHARON M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14465 OSAGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224340012 OHARA WME ill TAMI A OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2069 142ND LN ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310013 MUELLER LEROY B & AUDREY H OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14335 PARTRIDGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310020 MALIK RYAN J OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14380 OSAGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310024 ENTSMINGER MICHAEL S & B OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14361 QUINN DR ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310016 MASTENBROOK JAMES T ill & D J OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14395 PARTRIDGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224310015 LIS JAMES H & JODY L OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14375 PARTRIDGE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 293224110007 PIN 293224110006 PIN 343224210065 ANOKA COUNTY OF BARN ON THE LAKE INC MCCULLUM RAYMOND M & WE 325 MAIN ST 14817 ROUND LAKE BLVD OR CURRENT RESIDENT ANOKA, MN 55303 ANDOVER, MN 55304 13919 NIGHTINGALE ST r'-. ANDOVER, MN 55304 \ / PIN 343224210055 PIN 343224210054 PIN 293224110006 MAKI DAVID G & JILL R SULLlV AN GERALD W & M R BARN ON THE LAKE INC OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14022 NIGHTINGALE ST 14006 NIGHTINGALE ST 14803 ROUND LAKE BLVD ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 343224210057 PIN 343224210058 PIN 273224230003 JANSSON STEVEN & MICHELE FRISBIE STEVEN E & ANITA J ERICKSON CARL E & MARIE K OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14610 CROSSTOWN BLVD 14031 NIGHTINGALE ST 14021 NIGHTINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 283224130001 PIN 273224240002 ANCHETA MONICO S & R L ERICKSON CARL E & MARIE K PIN 343224210060 OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT BENTON ROBERT T & PATRICIA 2623 SOUTH COON CREEK DR 14610 CROSSTOWN BLVD OR CURRENT RESIDENT ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 14001 NIGHTINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 293224140026 PIN 343224210059 PIN 293224140025 ZINKEN MICHAEL F & PAMELA A GRIMMS GLENN A & CHERYL A BITZ SEAN W & CHARRlE L OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14605 JONQUll.. ST 14011 NIGHTINGALE ST 14585 JONQUll.. ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 '" , j PIN 343224210056 PIN 283224140005 PIN 283224130002 LANG ROGER J & NANCY D EMMERICH ANTHONY J & T M ANCHETA MONICO S & R L OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT 14043 NIGHTINGALE ST 2543 S COON CREEK DR 2663 S COON CREEK DR ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 283224140006 PIN 283224140004 PIN 283224140007 EMMERICH DONALD A PADDOCK ROBERT & SANDRA WELTMAN MARTIN H OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2491 S COON CREEK DR 2439 S COON CREEK DR 2579 S COON CREEK DR ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224230004 PIN 273224230005 PIN 273224230006 ERICKSON DON G DIDIER LEO N & LORELl A SANTORO MICHAEL A & MARY OR OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT CURRENT RESIDENT 2387 S COON CREEK DR 2353 145TH AVE 2339145THAVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224230007 PIN 273224230009 PIN 273224230008 HOSLER CRAIG S & SUSAN M MESTRICH RICHARD K PETERSON RONALD B & ANN M OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2325 145TH AVE 2297145THAVE 2311 145TH AVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 273224230010 PIN 273224230011 PIN 273224230012 / '\ BEDNARIK TONY T & JOAN C HAWKINSON CHARLES K & EILEEN F USHER KEVIN E & SANDRA L I OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2283 145TH AVE 2269 145TH AVE 2255145THAVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 163224140007 FRIES STEVEN M OR CURRENT RESIDENT ']' i161ST AVE A.. -,OVER, MN 55304 PIN 163224140005 SANDO JON OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2525 161ST AVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 163224440001 ED FIELDS & SONS INC 15421 ROUND LAKE BLVD ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 213224140001 SL YZUK KENNETH 15211 NIGlITINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 223224240016 GIDDINGS T K & MCCURDY M M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 15318 NIGHTENGALE ST AI'-JT)pVER, MN 55304 '_ J PIN 223224230014 RENOLLEIT DANIEL & PATRICIA OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2324 153RD LN ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 223224240017 SAARENPAA JERRY & ELIZABETH OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2048 NIGlITINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 343224210052 FEARON ALVIN B & RENEE A OR CURRENT RESIDENT 13946 NIGHTINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 343224210053 CTVRTNIK RICHARD R & SUSAN A OR CURRENT RESIDENT 13958 NIGHTINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 p' '43224210066 siJ lHERLAND STEVEN & MARY P OR CURRENT RESIDENT 13909 NIGlITINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 163224130007 HANSON PHILLIP D & WINIFRED OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2779 161ST AVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 163224410001 HAUGLID RONALD D & E K OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2452 161ST AVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 223224140008 OAK VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL 15400 HANSON BLVD NW ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 213224130001 KNOLL FARMS INC 15709 ROUND LAKE BLVD ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 223224140008 AN HENN IND SCHOOL DIST NO 11 11299 HANSON BLVD COON RAPIDS, MN 55433 PIN 223224230015 LENZMEIER GARY W & MARIE E OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2274 153RD LN ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 343224240033 SUTION MARLISS H OR CURRENT RESIDENT 13839 NIGlITINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 343224210063 LINDOW CHARLES T & BONNIE M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 13939 NIGHTINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 343224210061 SLININGER WESLEY E JR & SHAWN OR CURRENT RESIDENT 13959 NIGlITINGALE ST ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 283224110001 EVELAND DONALD W 14722 CROSSTOWN BLVD ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 163224140003 PIERCE KELLY L & CHERYL R OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2475 161ST AVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 163224420001 SCHMIIT PALMER J ET AL OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2748 161ST AVE ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 223224240017 SAARENPAA JERRY & ELIZABETH RR 1, BNOX 245C DEER RIVER, MN PIN 223224240014 SAARENPAA ALAN M & LENORE M OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2159 153RD LN ANDOVER., MN 55304 PIN 223224230008 HIBMA JERRY M & NANCY I OR CURRENT RESIDENT 15330 UPLANDER ST ANDOVER., MN 55304 PIN 223224230016 KATV ALA ROBERT D & SHARRON D OR CURRENT RESIDENT 2226 153RD LN ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 343224130001 POVLITZKI RICHARD & MARLENE OR CURRENT RESIDENT 1851 BUNKER LAKE BLVD ANDOVER, MN 55304 PIN 343224210064 KIRK ALAN R OR CURRENT RESIDENT 13929 NIGlITINGALE ST ANDOVER., MN 55304 PIN 343224210062 MENKE MARK D & LORI A OR CURRENT RESIDENT 13949 NIGlITINGALE ST ANDOVER., MN 55304 PIN 283224120001 ASHFORD DEVELOPMENT 3640 152ND LANE NW ANDOVER, MN 55304 CITY OF ANDOVER REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION , ) DATE: December 2. 1999 AGENDA SECTION ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT ADD ON Engineering ... ~ Todd Haas~ ITEM NO. Public Hearing/Amend Ordinance No. 109/0peration of Snowmobiles Background: The Park and Recreation Commission at their November 19, 1999 meeting reviewed the proposed designated snowmobile trails in the restricted (pink area on map) area and also the trails that encroached park property which includes the boat landing at Round Lake and the park area located just east of Crosstown Boulevard near the landfill site on the west side. The Commission is recommending the section of trail between Round Lake and the first intersection of trail east of Round Lake Boulevard be eliminated due to safety reasons because of high traffic volumes where the snowmobiles would cross Round Lake Boulevard. \ , J Note* If the City Council approves this trail from Round Lake over Round Lake Boulevard and to the east, staff would contact the Anoka County Highway Department aboutthe possibility of installing an advisory snowmobile crossing sign along Round Lake Boulevard to warn vehicles of this, Also attached is an article that printed in last Friday's Star Tribune that may be of interest to the City Council. If the City Council has any questions regarding this issue prior to the public hearing, feel free to contact Todd or Jeff at City hall. " I , / Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 18, 1999 Page 5 J Chairperson Blackstad replied that the Commission will have to evaluate the situation. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it should be mandatory that if anyone schedules a game they have to help with costs of security. Steve Frietag, North Metro Soccer Association, stated that there is usually only a week notice for the coaches as to when practices are scheduled and questioned if they will be kicked of the fields if they are being used for practice. Chairperson Blackstad explained that in February the associations will apply for fields, and then in April the fields will be reserved. Any usage starting May 151 is when the fees will apply. He explained that the problem usually doesn't exist with practices, but when the games start. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he would like to sit down and determine exactly what the officers will need to be looking for and suggested having a joint discussion with the associations on any concerns they might have. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by O'Toole, to approve the hiring of park security to be included in the City budget with the understanding the associations will work out a funding arrangement. '. J Motion carried on 5 - ayes, 0 - nays, I - absent (Holthus), and I - present (Grabowski) vote. SNOWMOBILES Mark Christopherson, resident of The Meadows of Round Lake, stated that he was requesting the use of the park land between his property and Round Lake as a snowmobile access to the lake. He explained that he has used the land in the past for snowmobiling not knowing he was not suppose to. Mr. Christopherson stated that he was open to suggestions from the Commission and noted that he would be willing to sign a waiver that would not hold the City liable for any injuries that may occur, Mr. Haas explained to the Commission that residents currently need approval from the City to gain access to the lake across park land, Commissioner O'Toole stated that the park land is a large area and affects a lot of homes. There would need to be a restricted trail that would allow him access from the house to the lake only, but not allow the whole park for snowmobile use. Chairperson Blackstad stated that he is concerned that people a couple blocks over will feel they can use the trail for access and then they have a problem with snowmobiles on City streets. '\ ) Commissioner O'Toole noted that there is an access point to the park land, Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 18, 1999 Page 6 "- / Mr. Christopherson replied that the access is not marked as an access. He explained that he has not had any complaints from neighbors regarding the snowmobiles and has made sure that he talked to neighbors to make sure they weren't be affected by the snowmobiles. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he personally doesn't think they should be given free reign to the park area, but would consider an access to the lake. Mr. Christopherson replied that he is looking for access to the lake, not for whole use of the park. Chairperson Blackstad explained that the reason for the new snowmobile restriction is that things have been abused, and don't want to see allowing more abuses. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he is concerned that one access will turn into several accesses. Mr. Christopherson replied that he would be willing to mark the path and govern the area if the City is allows him use of the park land for lake access. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the reason the City took the land as park land was to preserve it in its natural state. J Commissioner O'Toole explained that the City is trying to get a handle on the snowmobile problem and as the Park board he does not feel they can recommend use of the land. He suggested that Mr. Christopherson work with the Snowmobile Task Force. Mr. Christopherson replied that ifhe approached the City Council on the issue without discussing the request with the Park Commission they would have sent him back to discuss the issue with the Commission first. He stated that he would be willing to have a petition signed by his neighbors. Chairperson Blackstad suggested including Mr. Chritopherson's request as part of the public hearing regarding snowmobile trails that will be taking place and notify the neighbors in the area. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he would be more comfortable with granting the access ifhe received signatures from the neighbors in support of the access. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Lindahl, to direct Staff to send out notification to adjacent property owners that the issue will be discussed during a public hearing regarding snowmobile trails. Motion carried on 6 - ayes, 0 - nays, 1 - absent (Holthus), and 0 - present vote. , ) , Mr. Haas stated that there were two other parks affected by the designated snowmobile trails and suggested that the Park and Recreation Commission make a recommendation. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he thinks there is going to be a problem with Kelsey Round Lake Park. Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 18, 1999 Page 7 ) Chairperson Blackstad stated that his concerned with Round Lake is that the parking lot is not large enough to accommodate vehicles and trailers. Commissioner Grabowski suggested requiring the snowmobiles to park on the lake. Mr. Haas noted that snowmobiles will not be allowed to park in the parking lot at Crooked Lake and unload their snowmobiles. Mr. Christopherson questioned how the vehicles would be able to access the lake with the snow, Commissioner Grabowski noted that the City generly does not plow any park parking lots in the winter. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he likes the proposed trails and would go along with the recommendation, but would like to see that vehicles required to park on the lake, Commissioner Lindahl stated that he has a problem with mandating people park on the lake. \ . / Commissioner O'Toole noted that he would agree with a specific trail for Mr. Christopherson to be included as a designated trail. Mr. Christopherson inquired how people going to cross Round Lake Boulevard to access Round Lake if they are not allowed to snowmobile on the park. Commissioner Lindahl replied that the park would serve as an access point to the lake. Commissioner Anderson stated that he does not want to see people crossing Round Lake Boulevard to access the lake, Chairperson Blackstad stated that he would agree to allowing use of Round Lake for snowmobiles, but the trail connection to the should be eliminated due to the safety standpoint of crossing Round Lake Boulevard. 44" Motion by Anderson, seconded by Grabowski, to recommend to City Council the trail from Bunker to Crosstown with fencing along the park area and sliding hill, the trail across the park, the City Hall start point with adequate fencing to protect City property, and removing the connector trail to Round Lake but allowing access to Round Lake. Motion carried on 6 - ayes, 0 - nays, 1 - absent (Holthus), and 0 - present vote. '\ " ) RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2000 USER FEES FOR THE USE OF FIELDS & HOCKEY RINKS The expansion of the Twin Cities' suburbs has come at a price to those who love one of Minnesota.'s premier winter activities. Doug Brown, prelldent of the Sno Dragons, an organization of Inawmobllers, thlnklth. re- strictIons being f' 'onthe "'-~ ,sport are more nmltlng then II needed. Snowmobilers feeling fenced in Star Tribune photo by Glen Stubbe WhDe the suburbs Increasingly are curtaUlng snowmobDlng on pubnc property, such as streets, the more rural areas of the Twin Cltlel "'"0 are becoming lell hOlpltable. Slgnl luch ..this, on private property In Apple Valley. are commonplace. \ By Mike Kaszuba Star Tribune StaffWrlter There was no joy at Mansetti's - and there was more to it than the lack of snow. The Sno Dragons, hunched over beer and Italian food. were in a sour mood over an approaching vote in Andover to ban snoWIDO' biting in the southern part of the fast -developing suburb, "IThe City Council hasl done zero for us: fumed Doug Brown, the snowmobile club's president. as the others at the table nodded in agreement. Brown, with four snowmobiles already in his garage. recently bought a firth - a new Polaris 700XCSP. a monster of a sled with more horsepower than many peo- ple's cars. "Just about everybody on my street has snowmobiles. It he said. But as the Twin Cities area stretches ever outward, Brown and thousands like him are find- ing that their days of free-wheeling snowmobiling are coming to an end, The suburbs to which they moved - for open space. freedom and the chance to open up the throttle on a snowmobile in winter - are now too cramped and too congested, forcing them to cart their machines elsewhere to ride them, SNOWMOBLE conIInae. 011 A18 PAGBA18' STAR mIBUNE.. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26' 1999 '. SNOWMOBILE from Al )ory days of free-wheeling. snowmobiling coming to end . ~ Like Andover, many suburbs have stirred passions in taking a hard stance on snowmobiling. Three weeks ago it was banned in the northern part of Lakeville. largely because the number of cars on the roads made it no longer safe. And many fully developed suburbs, where the whine of snowmobiles was once as com- mon as the sound of snow blow- ers, have virlually eliminated the sport. "About all you can do," said Capt, Fred Rau, explaining the rules in Burnsville, "is test it for maintenance... in your yard. You can ride them on Lake Crystal. but it hasically ha.. 10 he Irailcrcd there. "Thirty yc<trs ago," he said, "there were a great number of snowmobiles around BurnsvilIe. If A one-way road Other suhurhs. while allowing limited snowmobiling. have rules that make it dirncult. Blaine per- '5 snowmobilers on only one ~et, the northbound lane along Hwy, 65 leading out of the city. But snowmobiles are prohibited along the highway's southbound lanes, forcing riders to tow their snow- mobiles home. "We'll let YOll leave town," joked police Cap!. Glen Skog. "hut we won't let you come back." Even in suburbs on the metro fringe, snowmobiles are under in- creased scrutiny. While Ham Lake still allows Ihem along major roads, the owners of homes going up in once-vacant expanses now frequently complain. "As soon :\s it snows, we know we're going to hear complaints," said Doris Nivala, the city's ad- ministrator-clcrk. Some cities have found that, though it m"y take years, tempers A tale of three cities As the Twin Cities area contines to grow, snowmobilers In the suburbs face more arxl more restrictions. Here's a look at three suburbs at lf~ferent stages of regulation: Farmington St~ surrounded by . _landscape that allows more open snowmoblfing: >> A_ on rlU1t-hmd side of dty streets Of alleys, provided that driver Is gofig from eM' to ar1 \rt)an area .. Prohi>ited from 11 pm. to 8 am. Sln:lays through llu'sdays and 1 am. to 8 am. Fridays and Satl.odays, wlttin _ial and commen:ial areas. Hours of operation do not apply to aivers going to thei' residence. Andover Fast.growlng and iK:reasilgly restrictive: .. Bamed on pl.ti1C property, i1cluding streets, 11 the southern part of the city (south of 161st Averue NW~ Ban ~cludes any fub.re city trail!;. >> Pennltted on coooty road rlU1t-ol-w"l' (d~ches) and also on paved dty streets In the less.populated northern part of the city, provided that operators ride adjacent to the ctrb, travel with traffIC and maintain a 15-m11e-per -hotx speed lmil. Bumsvllle largety developed and efT1)Ioys heavy regulations on the sport >> Snowmobirng _ on a' pubic property arxl streets. Though the city once had speclaly dcslgnated areas for snowmobmng. al ha'" be€n e1irrinated. ~ Operating a snowmobile Is essentially Rmited to Ioadirg, tJ'ioading or testing vehicle on ar1 ownef's property. SO'''C,f!: City orrjjnance!;. do subside, snowmobilers do adapt and complaints about ren- egade snowmobiling eventually disappear. In Coon Rapids, where snow- mobiling was banned a decade ago. Police Chief Steve Wells said there were just 20 complaints last winter. "For a city 0162,000. . ,I don't think that's a lot," he said. Though traffie. growth and ur- ban sprawl are primarily driving the move, many snowmobilers believe they are also being pushed out by those who do not like the sport, and by a stereotype some have of those who spend a lot 01 money on it. "I think the cities get too hung up with somebody (drivingl through Mrs, Murphy's pickle patch," said Larry Koch. a co- owner of a snowmobile dealership in White Bear Lake, speaking 01 complaints that snowmobiles damage property, Koch. who has a IO-acre back yard in Centerville, Star r,;t)I/IIC .l!1<lphic owns seven snowmobiles. "Should somebody be ahle to drive a snowmobile recklessly? Ahsolutely nnt." he said. But "don't get mad at the vehicle. When they have a bank robhery , , . they never say, 'A '62 Chevy Bel- Air four-door just robbed the bank.' "The thing is," he added, "we move to the (country) to leave the city, Then, 10 years later, the country becomes the city." Battling stereotypes Doug Franzen. a lobbyist for the Minnesota United Snowmo- bilers Association, said the or- ganization acknowledges that ur- ban growth'makes it necessary for some suburbs to restrict snO\'VJUO- biting and only challenges those few suburbs that "are arbitrary and capricious" in banning snow- mobiles. SNOWMOBLE continue. on next p.ge FRIDAY, NOV. 26 . t999 · STAR TRIBUNE. PAGBA19 SNOWMOBILE from Al8 But the question is, Can a city really expect to enforce a ban? Each of the 22,000 families who arc members of the association owns at least two snowmobiles on average, and a third of the mem- bers live in the'metro area. A big problem, said Franzen, is making sure restrictions aren't motivated by stereotypes. "Like any group of people, (some snowmobilers] go out and have a few beers and behave very badly," he said. "These are the same kids who cut you off in traffic and give you the finger, Because of the power of the machine, it's created a stereOtype that's very much false." In Andover and Lakeville. many believe there are good reasons for snowmobilers to be dn the defen- sive. In a survey of Lakeville residents, 54 percent of those responding favored a partial snowmobiling ban in the city. Of those in favor of the hnn, 74 percent said they wanted it for safety reasons. Only 14 percent of those surveyed came from households that had snowmobiles, A passionate subject Carolyn Fiscber of Andover said she joined the city's ta.<ik force on snowmobiling shortly <lftcr she was almost struck head~on by two snowmobiles racing around a cor- ner as she drove home one night. "Scared me to death," she said. After several years on the task force, Fischer said she resigned this year-weeks before Andover's par- tial ban was adopted - out offms- tration and because she felt intimi- dated by snowmobilers. She said Ihe task lorce kept dis- cussing the same remedies without ever taking action. She also was upset with Mayor lack McKelvey. a task force member who opposed any ban and who, she said, mini- mized the damage done by snow- mobilers. Said McKelvey of the ban: "I per- sonally think it's unenforceable." The city. he said. has 1,400 regis- tered snowmobiles. Ken Orttel, a snowmobiler and City Council mcmber who votcd for the partial ban, said Andover has resembled a city under siege in recent winters, as residents have strung yellow police tape along their property in an attempt to keep snowmobilers Ollt of their yards. "We had a constant barrage of complaints," he said. ~,At the final City Council hearing in October, opinions were divided. One woman said that after she complained about illegal riding. snowmobilers rode through her yard at 2 a,m,. knocking down her mailbox. But another resident questioned whether the antisnowmobiling lobby had finally corralled power in the city, Minnesota, he insisted, is a snowmobile state, Others won- dered what would happen to snow- mobilers from Coon Rapids, who regularly ride into southern Andover. With the partial ban now in effect, Orttel said. snowmobilers are Irying 10 ("nlist the diy's hr1r 10 / among other destinations, Pov's Sports nar & Grill. It is a popular hangout where the Sno Dragons hold monthly meetings, "They said it was almost man- datory that they get to this bar," Orttcl said, What doomed snowmobiling in northern Lake\ille earlier this month, said Steve Michaud, the city's parks and recrealion director, was a new housing subdivision that was built on a key patch ofland that connected a trail. "The increase of cars. . . and fast, speeding snow- mobiles just don't mix." he said. City officials, trying to placate the snowmobilers, said that the ban affects only 26.5 percent of Lakeville's land area and that the majority of the city is likely to be open to limited snowmobiling for a long time, Others predicted that thai promise probahly would last only until Lakcville's rapid milan- ization engulfs the city. Ano Jarema remembers growing up in Apple Valley. where her father headed the local snowmobile club, and being able "to ride just about anywhere." Now she lives farther ont, in Farmington, where snow- mobiles still can he ridden nil dty streets. "They sent out the lcityl ordi- nance to residents a few days ago." she said. "Thcre's a curfew, and there's a very low speed limit on thc streets. "I don't see any problems with Iriding in) Farmington for a long, I()n~ time," she said, but then added, "111cre's so much building."