Abby Nadeau
Staff Writer

Forest Lake Park members took snowmobile complaints and concerns to the city council on Monday night.

Park board member Kris Martin raised issues in the current city code that allows snowmobiles in designated park areas.

Martin stated that by allowing snowmobiles inside the Lakeside Park, the remodeled grounds are being damaged.

ìIt is a huge issue with the new plants and shrubs being damaged,î Martin said. ìThe snowmobilesí studs and carbides on the bottom of the sled could damage the new bricks.î

In the Lakeside Park remodel a brick pathway was constructed from the boat launch area to the swim area. Many of the bricks were donated and decorated by community members.

Martin said that when the snowmobiles cross onto the beach front, the bricks are being damaged.

Beyond damage to the new park, Martin is also concerned about the children sledding in Beltzís Park by St. Peterís Catholic Church.

ìIf some child gets hurt in one of our parks we are all going to be sorry,î stated Martin. ìI am just concerned about these children.î

Council member Dick Tschida brought the issue to Police Chief Clark Quiring and said ìIt is the same issue with the trails going through town. The key is to establish enforcement. Whatever the ordinance, without enforcement the ordinance doesnít matter.î

While the police chief agreed with Tschida he stated that by the time the police arrive on the scene, the snowmobiles have gone.

The discussion ended with no action taken on the city code, but a goal was made to have police officers enforce the ordinance strictly. If the problem continues orange fencing could be put in place in high traffic areas or the city code may have to be amended.

Board Members

In other city council news a decision was made to allow a city wide ìfacility needsî study.

The study could cost between $5-$10,000 but the need is great according to City Administrator Chip Robinson.

The purpose of creating a Facility Needs Committee would be to not only identify current needs with the city but problems that could arise in the next 10 to 20 years.

Among the city wide needs currently on a list to be reviewed is the police station and fire hall.

Council member Susan Young volunteered to be on the Facility Needs Committee along with Mayor Terry Smith and council member Judy Bull who intend to alternate meetings.

Even though many topics were discussed some were pulled to discuss at a future meeting.

The matter concerning longer mayoral terms, consulting RFPís (request for proposal) and the conditional use permit for the Lakes International Language Academy were all pulled from the agenda for various reasons.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605