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Planning& Zoning Commission <br />February 23, 2005 <br />Meeting Minutes <br />Mr. Doug Koppy, Rice Creek Trail Association, stated that their organization <br />grooms and maintains the trails. Mr. Koppy also stated that the cities of Circle <br />Pines and Lino Lakes have similar ordinances. Mr. Koppy then stated that the <br />City of Lino Lakes has cut their complaints down quite a bit due to their police <br />involvement. Mr. Koppy felt that what is important is that the City of Centerville <br />provides a way for residents to gain access to their trails and that the City could <br />ban snowmobiles however the problems would most likely continue as people <br />continue to achieve access to other communities that allow snowmobiles. <br />Chair Hanson questioned the best route for individuals to connect to the Rice <br />Creek Trail Association trails. Mr. Koppy stated that along Centerville Road and <br />Main Street. Mr. Koppy stated that the snowmobile manufacturers have limited <br />snowmobiles with studs and it is not as bad as it used to be. Mr. Koppy also <br />stated that the right-of-way is not owned by the individual property owner. <br />Chair Hanson stated that the snowmobilers are to be riding on the roadway not in <br />the right-of-way. Chair Hanson also stated that there are “no snowmobile” signs <br />south of Goiffon Road and they continue to ride there. Commissioner Hanzal <br />presented several pictures showing tracks near signs near the Church and LaMotte <br />Park. Discussion ensued regarding the fact the police need to catch the <br />individual(s) in the act to ticket them. Clarification was made by Mr. Koppy <br />regarding obtaining gas from both gas stations and snowmobilers frequenting <br />Kelly’s Korner. Mr. Koppy stated that he himself has stopped snowmobilers <br />riding near the lake. Mr. Koppy contends that riders are not reading the signs. <br />Mr. Koppy also stated that if several riders receive tickets, by word of mouth or in <br />the paper news travels quickly and riders follow the rules more closely. Mr. <br />Koppy requested that a reminder be placed on the sides of the streets. Chair <br />Hanson stated that every year it is placed on the sign outside of City Hall. Mr. <br />Koppy asked whether these violators are local or whether they are trailering their <br />snowmobiles into the area. Chair Hanson stated that both are the case. <br />Commissioner Hanzal felt that word of mouth would not work with individuals <br />from other communities. Commissioner Love stated that it appears that even if <br />signs were placed all over town it would not matter and that enforcement is key. <br />Commissioner Wood felt that most conscientious people will follow the rules. <br />Chair Hanson felt that it was primarily enforcement and same is difficult. <br />Mr. Koppy questioned how many commissioners rode snowmobiles. None of the <br />commissioners stated that they rode. Chair Hanson stated that it is the through <br />streets not cul-de-sacs that are receiving snowmobile traffic. <br />Commissioner Wright stated that it is very difficult for officers to enforce due to <br />speed and alternative priorities. Chair Hanson stated that the public safety is of <br />utmost importance. Chair Hanson stated that he himself felt that discussion <br />should be had in regards to this ordinance and public safety is extremely <br />important. Mr. Koppy felt that enforcement was key to whether snowmobiles <br />Page 2 of 6 <br /> <br />