ENM Council proposes changes for golf carts, snowmobiles Oct. 10 public hearing set for proposal

By: 
Patrick Fisher, The New Prague Times

The Elko New Market City Council provided direction for city staff concerning proposed changes to its ordinance for snowmobiles, golf carts and other special vehicles. The Thursday, Sept. 12, meeting drew nine people, the majority who asked questions or commended city staff on their work on the proposal

State statute says that if a city does not specifically permit the use of special vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, mini-trucks and others) they may not operate on city streets.

Community Development/Administrative Intern Haley Sevening presented the proposal. She noted that proposed amendments for special use vehicles include a required permit with a three year term for $30 and a special use vehicle be insured, UTVs and golf carts be added to the list of special use vehicles, operation of special use vehicles be allowed on city streets between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., that special use vehicles be prohibited from shared used paths, except along Scott County Roads 2 and 91, the operation of mini-trucks in the city limits will be prohibited. Golf carts have a slow moving vehicle emblem.

Proposed age restriction amendments for ATVs and UTVs: 

  • Drivers be 16 years of age or older with a safety certificate and valid drivers license. 
  • Drivers be 15 years of age with a safety certificate, valid learner’s permit and accompanied by a person age 18 or older. 
  • Drivers be 12-15 years of age with a safety certificate, valid learner’s permit and accompanied by a person age 18 or older for the purpose of going to or returning from a non-highway area of permissible operation.

For golf carts a driver must be 16 years of age or older with a valid drivers license or 15 years of age with a valid learner’s permits and accompanied by a person age 18 or older.

Sevening said that while doing research on the amendments, City Attorney Andrea McDowell Poehler of the firm Campbell Knutson was contacted. In her research she found that a public hearing is required. To include feedback from the September 12 meeting, city staff proposed a public hearing be held on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Council member Josh Berg asked about the differences between the vehicles and having an older driver accompany younger ones. Police Chief Brady Juell replied that was to have the accompanying driver be within a reasonable distance where they can help the younger driver. It was noted they could be on the same vehicle or driving vehicles side by side.

During discussion of the amendments by the council and the audience, Chief Juell said...

To see more on this story pick up the September 19, 2019 print edition of The New Prague Times. 

Category:

Publication:

Suel Printing Company

Copyright © Suel Printing Company
All Rights Reserved
200 Main St E
New Prague, MN 56071

Phone: 952-758-4435
Fax: 952-758-4135

If you would like to receive a FREE digital edition with a paid print subscription please call 952-758-4435.