10-08-2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, September 24,2001 (CofTec Ciianiicl. Conlinuid) and not a right, uiih snoumobilent nevding to exercise proper responsibility and caution uhen snowmobiling. Sollau staled his mother's quality of life vsas destroyed by the snovwnobilers trespassing on their property, and in his opinion the Council should not say that crossing the road at this IcKation is a safe alternate. Soltau slated due to the limited sight lines in both directions, the Council should not allow snowmobilcrs crossing the road in this area Soltau reiterated that using the lake is a responsibility and a privilege and not a right. Dave 1‘lmquist. 1930 Shadywixxl Road, stated he has experienced problems with snowmobilcrs for a number of years, citing the fact that snowmobilcrs cut through their property illegally. LImquist stated if snowmobilcrs see one track, they assume it is a trail, which winds up being heavily used by a number of snowmobilcrs at one time. FJmquist stated since snowmobilers tend to ride in packs, you have to deal with the noise from every snowmobile, not just one, at every hour of the day Elmquist slated the fact of llie matter is that snowmobilers damage property, bushes, and gardens, attd tend to use a wider area than what is designated as a trail. HImquist stated in his opinion there are a number of snowmobilers who are not responsible and do make water skipping a game, which tends to keep the channel open more than anything. F.lmquist stated the snowmobilcrs routinely take down the signs erected by the Water Patrol. BImquist stated another alternative to leaving the alleyway open needs to be found, with these two property owners having a right to live in this community and to have a happy, qtiict environment. BImquist stated the snowmobiles on the market are able to do over 100 miles an hour, with Lord rietchcr's being a popular place for the snowmobilers BImquist reiterated that the fire lane is not a v iable option in his opinion. David Albertson. 3124 Brooks Lane. Minnetonka Beach, indicated he was born and raised at 2100 ShadyxvtHHl Road, and has been snowmobiling the majority of his life. Albertson stated he has used this fire lane as well as the channel the majority of his life since his property is landkKked. Albertson stated he did not experience any problems using the fire lane until the past three years, noting the sign prohibiting snowmobilers was actually taken down for approximately ten years and was only recently put up again two years ago. Albertson slated he has been chased out of this fire lane by the Soltaus. with the police informing him that he does have a right to use this fire lane. Albertson stated he is in favor of this fire lane being Ic , open for snowmobilers. noting the property owners being aware at the time they purchased their properties that there is a fire lane in this area Albertson stated the residence was constructed that close to the fire lane because a variance was granted by the City John 1 himmesh. 1945 Bagemess Point Road, stated he is a snowmobiler and has used ColTee Channel in the past, lliimmesh staled he was unaware of this alleyway until bst year when it was blocked off, noting he would have used this alleyway when Coffee Channel was unsafe. Thimmesh indicated snowmobilcrs do cause damage to property as well as to the lakcshore. but that the alleyway is probably the only safe alternative to the channel when it is unsafe. Janet Soltau, 1998 Shady wood, slated at the lime she purchased this property back in 1988, she was assured by the City that the fire lane w^ used for emergency purposes only, w ith the previous property owner infonning them that the alleyAvay was only rarely used by snowmobilers Soltau stated the fire lane was posted no snowmobiling at the time she purchased the property. Soltau Indicated they have stored a t^at and a fif\h-wheeler in the fire lane until 1998, when the City requested they move the boat. PAGE 6