A couple of actions; Filling Fes and an Impound Lot

The 2015 legislature passed a law that allows a city to raise the filing fee for those interested in running for city council.  For many decades the filling fee had been set by statute at $2 for a city our size.  The law now allows Breezy Point to set a fee by ordinance for up to $15.  The city council adopted an ordinance setting the fee at $10. Starting with the election in 2016 those who wish to run for city council will be required to pay $10 to file as a candidate for city council.   

Another action taken by council was to build a larger impound lot.  Minnesota statutes provide for the impounding of vehicles when certain alcohol and drug related citations are given.  With an impoundment, the vehicle is held until the infraction clears the court system.  This can take a considerable amount of time, sometimes a year or two.  During that time the vehicle needs to be held by the jurisdiction that issued the citation. 

With these types of time lines the number of vehicles held can stretch the limits of available space for storage.  This has become a problem in Breezy Point and a larger impound lot was needed. The city owns property adjacent to the Public Safety Building that was suitable for an impound lot.  The area selected is relatively flat and cleared of trees.  It is set back far enough from the highway that it should not be seen, even during winter months.

The impound lot as proposed would be a fenced in area of 60 by 60 feet.  It would be graveled, gated and have motion detector solar lights.  The lot should be able to hold 10 vehicles.  The cost of fencing and gravel is about $5,000.  Funds will be taken from the alcohol forfeit fund to establish the impound lot.  This will be installed in the fall.      

Sprial Slide

Users of the City Park may have noticed that the spiral slide has been blocked off so it can’t be used.  The slide developed a crack in the plastic creating sharp edges and potentially a pinching hazard.  The slide is made of a material that can’t be mended so the question became one of replacement or removal. 

The playground equipment was installed about 17-18 years ago.  It has held up well for the most part having only some minor repairs needed over the years.  Replacement parts can be found for some of the pieces but unfortunately the spiral slide replacement part is no longer made.  To replace the slide an entire unit has to be purchased.  Public playground equipment is rather expensive but is very durable.  The replacement cost for the slide assembly is $5,731.09. 

A motion was approved to replace the slide.  The Park Committee reviewed the available colors as the current colors can’t be exactly matched.  With as many colors of equipment available they wanted to go with a new look.  They ordered a beige slide with green handrails.  As soon as the unit is received it will be replaced. We anticipate about 6 weeks for delivery.      

ATV Use

There has been this discussion that has gone on for a couple of years about the use, or lack thereof, of ATV’s in Breezy Point.  The city allows golf carts on the streets.  In the winter ATV use was allowed, presumably to haul fish houses on the lake and plow your driveway.  But the use of ATV’s was barred on city streets in the summer. 

The city regularly fields questions about use as there is a good deal of confusion about the rules.  What could you do when and where?  The use of ATV’s in the ditches of county and state highway is allowed by state law.  The use of the county highway ditch in Breezy Point is allowed.  But you can’t get to the highway system if you live in the city without trailering or hauling the ATV.  Some people felt that the use of ATV’s in the ditch of city roads is allowed or you could use them on minimum maintenance roads, both of which are illegal.  Using ATV’s in neighboring communities was allowed so why isn’t it in Breezy Point?  The code does not allow it.

After a few discussions with the Road Committee of the City Council it was felt perhaps it was time to recommend the change in rules to the full council that would allow the use of ATV’s on city streets and right-of-ways year round.  They recognized the issues of confusion.  They felt people wanted to use the highway road system but had to break the law to get there or haul the machine.  They also recognized that a great number of people own ATV’s and the use on city streets is routinely done, violating the ordinance.  Finally they felt that ATV use is in keeping with the Northwoods character.  People come north to vacation and they generally either drag a boat or an ATV with them when they come.   People want to use these while they are here. 

The recommendation was discussed by the city council and a motion was passed to remove the restriction of ATV use on city streets.  Users are cautioned that state law still applies when it comes to their use.  Concerns about the use by underage users were expressed.  ATV use is prohibited in parks, cemeteries, golf courses, pedestrian trails, and private property of others.  They also must be registered and licensed by the DNR.  Users must obey the speed limits and traffic laws. 

ATV use should be accomplished with caution by everyone, everywhere.  In Breezy Point the use of an ATV requires the sharing the road with vehicles, pedestrians, golf carts and other ATV’s.  Drive SAFE!