At the May 12 meeting, the Rushford Council reviewed a memo from the Wieser Law Office to the Rushford Police Chief regarding motorbikes on streets or highways. The question posed was whether electric motorbikes are street-legal. After researching a 60-volt motorcycle and Minnesota statutes, the conclusion is that they are not street legal.
“A motorcycle is defined as ‘every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and autocycles,” read the memo. “It would not fit the definition of a motorized bicycle because it can go faster than 30 mph on a flat surface.”
According to MN statutes, to operate a motorcycle on a street or highway, the motorcycle must be equipped with at least one rearview mirror that can see at least 200 feet behind it, and have a horn that is audible at a distance of 200 feet under normal conditions. “To drive a motorcycle on the street or highway, the driver would also need a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement,” it continued. “The bike would also need to be registered per Minnesota law and display one license plate.”
“The ones I’ve witnessed… definitely not driving speed limits of any sort and not being very careful,” noted Mayor Terri Benson.
“[Police Chief Adam Eide] verified that they are not legal not only on our streets, but on any of our trails, or anywhere in town except on private property. The kids are going crazy with them,” added Councilor Sally Ryman. “If I’m home on a weekend, I see them just zip across Park Street over the trails and they aren’t looking at anything.”
The concern comes from groups riding motorized bikes in city limits.
“I don’t know what we can do about the kids right now,” added Ryman.
“They can get citations, that’s for sure,” noted Zacher.
“That’s what gets dangerous. They get daring when they’re in a group,” added Ryman. “Luckily, the cars are looking for them. I just don’t want to see an accident happen.”
The council also discussed a request from the Rushford Area Historical Society to take on insuring the historic depot at the Root River State Trailhead. The depot is currently undergoing renovations and an insurance policy held by the historical society covers the building, but difficulty in obtaining insurance coverage for museums and these types of sites is increasing.
The historic cabin, chapel, Grinde School, and jail are on city property and covered by the city’s insurance. By insuring the depot as well, the historical society could reserve much of its annual budget for continued maintenance of the buildings and added events, in addition to utilities and other recurring costs. The depot serves as the city’s official visitor’s center.
“What spurred this is our previous insurance company wouldn’t resinsure us,” said Ryman. “Museums are not getting insured. Insurance companies don’t like insuring them separately.”
Other area museums are all either owned and insured by the city or county in which they reside, yet have a separate historical society taking care of all of the other things. The current renovation project will help stabilize the depot, reducing risk.
“It seems like a more long-term solution for the city to own it because that’s the constant,” added Benson. “If you look at non-profit organizations, and the viability with them, they’re going down. It’s not getting stronger. That doesn’t mean that we can’t try to turn it around, but city government will always be.”
There is more to discuss as things progress. No action will be taken until after construction is complete.
In other news, an update from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) alerted the city that the Minnesota Senate tax bill cut Local Government Aid (LGA). According to the information provided, the bill makes a permanent cut of $20 million a year to the program. It was noted that the House tax bill does not cut LGA. Once both bills are passed, the differences will be negotiated, but the CGMC is asking for support to stop the cuts.
In Rushford’s case, there is a 3.1% reduction across the board. The CGMC information states the cuts are disproportionately weighted toward greater Minnesota (non-metro). The cut would equate to $2,200 less in funding that the city utilizes instead of cutting services and/or raising property taxes.
The citywide Spring Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. until noon. Per load, costs are up $5 per category to counter rising expenses for the event.