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100499 CC WS MinM CITY OF SHOREWOOD . CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 4,1999 MINUTES 1. CONVENE MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:00 P.M. Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Mayor Love, Councilmembers Stover, Garfunkel, Lizee, and Zerby; Administrator Hurm; and Lieutenant Nieling 2. MEETING PURPOSE Mayor Love discussed the purpose of the meeting. He explained that no action would be taken. He stated the City has been informed by Hennepin County that horses will be allowed on the trail. He stated comments would be taken from residents adjacent to the trail followed by other residents and non-residents. Each person would be allowed to talk for three minutes. The record would be held open until Monday, October 11. He stated that he recognizes this is a controversial subject. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS • Joel Turunen, 26355 Peach Circle, stated he lives adjacent to the trail. He stated snowmobiles go by his residence in excess of the speed limits on an occasional basis. He believed the problem has diminished because of increased patrols in the area. He believed that 99% of the snowmobilers obey the laws, and noise is not a factor. He encouraged the use of snowmobiles on the trail. Paula Berndt, 25855 Smithtown Road, asked if horses would be allowed year round or during the winter. Mayor Love stated the winter use is when they would be used. Ms. Berndt stated snowmobiles are a threat to her, her children, and dogs while they are on the trail. She stated snowmobilers travel very fast and ignore stop signs. She suggested the use of the trail by only Shorewood residents or only allow the use until dark. Pat Olson, 25775 Smithtown Road, stated she would like to see snowmobiling eliminated as a use on the trail. She stated there is an ongoing problem with snowmobilers running over trees on her property. Her biggest complaint was being told to use "911" to complain about snowmobilers. Lieutenant Nieling stated the use of"911" is encouraged and not just for medical purposes. Ms. Olson was concerned about snowmobilers finding out who is making the complaint calls. She stated she uses the trail for walking, but it is a problem during the winter with snowmobile use. Mayor Love stated he has heard the concern about using "91 L" Lieutenant Nieling stated the calls are a matter of public record, and calls coming over the scanner are heard by residents with that kind of equipment. Phil Marty, 5740 Smithtown Way, stated the trail is a way to get to trails in other parts of the county. He stated a benefit of the snowmobiling is the trail is groomed. He believed the trail should remain open for snowmobilers. Li CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 4,1999 • PAGE 2 Gregory Berndt. 25855 Smithtown, stated snowmobile tracks have come as close as 40-50 yards from the house. He was concerned about the loss of trees on his property from snowmobilers. He believed it was a safety issue. Peter Kizilos-Clift, 26395 Peach Circle, stated he is not a big fan of snowmobilers, but he is willing to compromise. He stated snowmobilers frequently violated curfew on the trail. He believed any compromise should be enforced. He also stated there were numerous wine and beer bottles which raised his concern for drunk driving. Andrea Turnouist, 6095 Cathcart Drive, stated she would prefer to have the trail used for non - motorized uses. She was concerned about the trail's maintenance, particularly garbage on the trail. Ann Meldahl, 6180 Cathcart Drive, stated everyone knows the pros and cons of the trail. She stated it is dumb to have motorized vehicles sharing the trail with pedestrians. She stated snowmobiles have their place, but she didn't think they should be on the trail. Pat Arnst, 5480 Teal Circle, was concerned about the way the residents who have complained to SLMPSD have been singled out. She believed it was in very poor taste to be publishing the addresses of those who have complained. Dan Puzak, 23830 Smithtown Road, stated individuals should not be singled out for letting their views known. He stated he supports snowmobiling. He stated the trail is a great resource for those • who snowmobile. He noted the number of complaints have gone down. He stated the goal is to have responsible snowmobiling on the trail. Brian Leffers, 5970 Strawberry Lane, stated he supports the sport of snowmobiling and agreed enforcement was important. He believed speed limits should be followed. Robin Dodson, 26540 W. 62nd Street, thanked the Council for having an open meeting to let residents voice their opinions. She stated she is not in favor of snowmobiling. She believed the trail was the only place safe for pedestrian usage. She didn't understand why it is safe in the winter with mixed uses when it isn't in the summer. She has been concerned for her safety. She believed there has to be one place to walk where it is safe without snowmobiles. Duane Laurila, 5955 Eureka Road, stated he isn't against snowmobiling but wondered about the use in Shorewood. He was concerned about the speed limits. He believed it was an enforcement issue. He discussed the lack of use of the trail in the winter because of safety concerns. Peter Bolestra, 6555 Harding Lane, stated he believed snowmobiling should be prohibited on the trail because of safety and noise concerns. He asked how the decision can be made. Mayor Love stated the trail use must be decided at the next City Council meeting. Mr. Bolestra suggested snowmobiling be allowed either on the roads or on a wider trail. Robin Dodson, 26540 West 62nd Street, asked if it costs the City of Shorewood more to enforce the trail use. She was concerned about asking for more enforcement for those who use the trail • when the majority of them are not Shorewood residents. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 4,1999 • PAGE 3 Mayor Love was convinced that the level of enforcement is as much as the public safety officers can provide. City Administrator Hurm stated the police officers stated there are costs associated with the use of snowmobiles used for enforcement. Lieutenant Nieling stated the department has applied for grants which pay for a portion of the enforcement. Councilmember Stover stated it appears there is a need for two officers to enforce the trail. Those officers are paid time and a half. Mayor Love reiterated the record will be kept open until Monday, October 11. He noted additional comments were also received. He stated the issue of horses will also be discussed at that time. He thanked everyone for their comments and how they conducted themselves. 3. ADJOURN Lizee moved, Garfunkel seconded adjourning the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion passed 5-0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Clare T. Link . Recording Secretary i ATTEST: WO DY LOVE, MAYOR JAMES C. HURM, CITY ADMINISTRATOR is