09-24-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, September 24, 2001 (Coffee Channel, Continued) Sansevere stated he would like to hear from Orono's Police Chief and representative from the Water Patrol. Sansevere inquired whether the channel way is safe and whether the alleyway is safe in their opinions for snowmobiling. Police Chief Good stated she has learned in the short time she has been Orono's Police Chief that the Coffee Channel is never safe for snowmobiling. Good stated the use of the Shadywood access in her view is not an acceptable alternative. Good stated the role of the police chief as a public servant is to enforce whatever the Council decides, with no easy answers being found regarding this issue. Good stated there are public safety concerns on both sides of this issue, noting the City Ordinance that has not yet been discussed is that operation of recreational vehicles is unlawful where the operation conflicts with the lawful use of property or would endanger other persons or property. Good stated both sides of this issue need to be considered as far as public safety, but that in her view the use of snowmobiles in this location would conflict with the lawful use of the property. Good noted it is also unlawful for the owner of any recreational vehicle to permit the use of it on any private property without written permission of the property owner and on City property without the permission of the Council, which is the issue before the Council tonight. Brad Erickson, Hennepin County Sheriff's Department, stated he is confident in stating that the ice in the Coffee Channel is always unsafe due to the strong current in the channel, which tends to make the thickness of the ice vary in spots. Erickson stated the Water Patrol would like to see the alleyway remain open for Water Patrol use. • Sansevere inquired whether Erickson had an opinion regarding the safety of the fire lane for snowmobile use. Erickson stated that is a City issue for the Council to decide. Nygard inquired what kind of a problem it is for the Water Patrol if snowmobilers use the channel. Erickson stated it is a large problem for them, noting that a large number of snowmobiles and ATVs that go into the lake each year. Erickson stated there have been some serious injuries but no deaths to date. Nygard inquired whether Erickson feels that the fire lane should be open to public use due to the safety concerns of the channel or whether other options should be pursued. Erickson stated they would prefer to see a safe land crossing in this area, with the location yet to be determined based on tonight's comments. Nygard inquired whether they would like to see Coffee Channel permanently closed. Erickson stated that is one of the options that they would look at but is not aware at this time what the exact recommendation would be regarding closing it permanently. PAGE 8