HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-18-J02 Snowmobile Use on Trail Request AGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: April 18, 2016
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of approval of a motion to consider a request to allow the
use of snowmobiles on a segment of recreational trail within the
boundaries of Waukee
FORMAT: Motion
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON:
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT:
RECOMMENDATION: Approve a motion regarding the allowance of snowmobiles on trails.
ATTACHMENTS: I. RVSC request letter – undated
II. Moerman response memo – 04/15/2016
PREPARED BY: Becky Schuett
REVIEWED BY:
PUBLIC NOTICE INFORMATION –
NAME OF PUBLICATION:
DATE OF PUBLICATION:
Town Snowmobile Route
Dear Mr. Moerman and Waukee City Council:
The Raccoon Valley Snow Chasers snowmobile club would like you to
consider snowmobilers using the trail to Saints Pub at 87 NE Carefree
Lane. Area snowmobilers would like to find a place in your area to warm up
and grab a bite to eat. Snowmobilers would go no farther on that trail than
that location. Our club would post signs to stop there. I have noticed the
trail has been plowed, so riders could go right beside the trail if needed.
We have found in the past that it is best to have an established town
snowmobile route because in the aftermath of a big snowfall snowmobiles
will go into town anyway--and you could have some control over their route
now.
Snowmobilers spend significant money on food, drinks, gas and other
items when they have ready access to local establishments. I’m sure Saints
Pub and other establishments close by would fully support your decision to
open that trail link to snowmobilers.
In other towns in the area, our established snowmobile routes have a 10
MPH speed limit and hours of operation of 7 am to 11 pm. Also, some
towns start out with something like a one-year trial to see if the snowmobile
route works out.
I would be happy to come before the Waukee City Council to discuss this
matter and answer any questions you may have. I hope to hear from you
soon.
Sincerely,
Mike Patten, RVSC President
Phone: 515-669-0473
Email: mjpat76@aol.com
MEMO
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Tim Moerman, City Administrator
Date: April 13, 2016
Re: Snowmobile Route Request
Background:
The Raccoon Valley Snow Chasers snowmobile club submitted a request to the City to allow for
the use of a portion of the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Waukee by their club. The purpose of
the use is for snowmobilers to travel along Hickman Road from the western city limits to Saints
Pub at 87 NE Carefree Lane.
Discussion:
The City Council discussed the request at the March 28, 2016 work session. Input on the issue
was received from elected officials, a representative of the snowmobile club, the Police Chief
and the Parks and Recreation Director. The discussion centered on potential ways to
accommodate the request and the concerns of elected officials and department directors.
A follow‐up meeting was held among the two department directors and me. There was a
review of the current ordinance that prohibits the use of the trail by motorized vehicles:
Ordinance 501.23, Vehicles Not To Be Driving on Sidewalks and other municipally owned
property and private property without consent by owner. No driver of a motor vehicle shall
drive a motor vehicle on sidewalks and other municipally owned property, except that portion of
streets improved for public travel, alleys, and areas specifically designated for parking, including
municipal parking lots; and no driver shall drive or park a motor vehicle on private property
except by the consent of the owner thereof.
There was discussion on the concerns of some elected officials and themselves with the impact
of granting the request. The concerns and observations are summarized below.
1. It is difficult for the Police Department to enforce the speed limits on the trail
2. There is a lack of visibility of low vehicles crossing major intersections at night
3. Snowmobiles traveling eastbound against westbound traffic may be districting to
motorists
2
4. The newly introduced use of motorized vehicles on the RRVT is contrary to the current
ordinance
5. It would be difficult to limit the use of the trail to one snowmobile club
6. Since trails are cleared of snow during the winter, there are concerns for the safety of
pedestrian users of the trail when competing with motorized vehicles
7. It is difficult to limit the use of the trail for one type of motorized vehicle
8. Access to alcohol by riders as one of the declared purposes for using the route
9. The allowance would be limited to one business in Waukee and discriminate against
others businesses
10. There is potential damage to grass areas along the trail if the trail is cleared of snow
11. Waukee has characteristics of a metro community versus a rural community
12. No other adjacent communities allow snowmobiles on the trails
Recommendation:
The negative impacts of allowing the snowmobile club to use this portion of the trail are far
outweighed by any benefits to the snowmobilers. There are many safety and equity issues that
make a compelling case for maintaining the current ordinance of prohibiting the use of
motorized vehicles on the trail. I respectfully recommend that the City Council denies the
request of the Raccoon Valley Snow Chasers snowmobile club to use the trail.
Cc: Mike Patten, Raccoon Valley Snow Chasers President
Steve Brick, City Attorney
John Quinn, Police Chief
Matt Jermier, Parks and Recreation Director