The public commented on the proposed Special Vehicle Use ordinance at the Preston City Council’s April 15 meeting. Citizens also commented on a designation allowing motorized recreational vehicles on the Veterans Home Trail.
Ordinance 300 details rules and regulations for the operation of special vehicles including ATVs, motorized golf carts, UTVs, and mini trucks on city streets. Permits are required for the public, and they will be granted for a period of three calendar years for a fee. Applications for a permit will be submitted on a form supplied by the city. The ordinance allows for the use of special vehicles on city streets, but not on state or federal highways (except crossings at designated intersections). Specific safety equipment is required dependent on the type of vehicle.
City Attorney Dwight Luhmann suggested two additions to the proposed ordinance provided: add language to allow use on specifically designated recreational trails and add a requirement for at least one headlight and one taillight on ATVs used on city streets.
Kerry Soiney asked about miniature motorcycles, electric scooters, and go karts. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said state statute allows for foot scooters. Luhmann agreed some requirements under state statute will apply. This ordinance does not include miniature motorcycles, electric scooters or go karts.
Councilman Steve Hall maintained the city needs this ordinance in place, but it will only be effective if it is enforced. Mayor Kurt Reicks said it will be up to law enforcement to enforce the ordinance.
Brett Grabau asked about groups/organized rides using special vehicles. Luhmann acknowledged these organized groups have operated on city streets previously.
The ordinance as presented was unanimously approved with the two additions suggested by Luhmann.
Veterans Home Trail
A resolution to authorize special vehicle operation on the Veterans Home Trail resulted in more public comment. The resolution for operation on the trail requires a licensed vehicle with the city, a speed limit of 10 mph, operation not to exceed 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, and access prohibited November 1 through March 31.
Gary Feine questioned whether it is legal to even have the trail where it is; his interpretation is there was a utility variance only. Throckmorton said there once was a survey issue. Reicks said the city has an easement.
Last October it was decided to allow motorized vehicles on this trail. The resolution allows motorized vehicles with the listed restrictions.
Feine maintained signage is important and asked the city council to consider some kind of privacy barrier. Soiney insisted the trail was steep on top with a blind curve. He said he was concerned about the risks for youth and possible head trauma. Hall noted there are other streets in town with some of the same issues that Soiney identified.
Feine asked the council to consider disallowing UTVs and ATVs. Councilman Charles Sparks said you are either going to allow its use as a public trail or not. Mike Dahl said he lives near the top and he doesn’t believe there will be an issue. Bruce Hoff said he wants to use an electric golf cart and hopes to occasionally transport a veteran downtown. Dan Root also wanted to use his golf cart on the trail; he added people living on top of the hill want to have this access.
Jade Grabau insisted kids have helmets to use and agreed with the 10 mph speed limit. They will need to follow the rules. Dahl added kids use the trail already while walking to and from school.
The resolution to authorize special vehicle operation on the Veterans Home Trail with listed requirements was unanimously approved.
A second resolution designating recreational trails within the city limits was also approved. The Downtown River Front Trail and the Preston Park Trail were designated as recreational trails as defined in Ordinance 211. Per Ordinance motorized vehicles are prohibited on these trails.
Other Business in Brief
- A proposed fee schedule ordinance with recommended changes was reviewed. A fee for permitting special vehicles will be included. No action was taken this day.
- The travel policy for elected and appointed officials was updated. The new policy will allow for a daily meal and incidentals expense per diem based off the standard set by the United States General Services Administration. It will adjust annually to the standard rate.
- A simple lot split of the parcel north of the bank with the bank retaining a 25-foot section of lot 7 to construct a driveway was approved as requested by Dan Christianson. Surveying has been completed. Councilman Dean Aug abstained.
- A driveway access onto Preston St. NW requested by Christianson was approved. The access will allow drive-thru traffic to exit to Preston St. NW. rather than onto St. Anthony St. Councilman Aug abstained.
- Crews have begun excavation of soils at the former POP site.
- The city council meeting was paused for period of time for the Preston Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. Fillmore County property appraiser Justin Kraling reviewed 2024 assessment changes and adjustments. There were 18 residential sales in Preston. With a 5% increase to the neighborhood factor, the final median is 95.49%.
No property owner was at the meeting for an appeal, but Kraling requested approval of an adjustment he recommended after a property owner had contacted him. Due to the basement not being finished, Kraling recommended a reduction of about $29,000 in market value. The reduction in market value was approved as recommended.
- The city council will meet next on April 29.
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