11-03-25 - City Council Work Session Minutes

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The City Council did not favor the use at this location given the surrounding land uses, traffic flow, and location on the corner of Lake Drive and Kelly Street. The City Planner reported that this item will be brought forward for formal action at the November 10, 2025 City Council meeting. 5. ATV / Golf Carts on Public Streets The Chief of Police reported that City Code Chapter 807, Subd. 03 regulates the operation of ATVs and snowmobiles. Current city code allows snowmobiles to operate on city streets at speeds under 15 mph, while ATVs are prohibited from operating on any city street. The ordinance does not address the use of golf carts; and since their use is not explicitly permitted, it is prohibited by default. The Chief of Police reported that Minnesota Statute 169.045 authorizes the governing body of any city to permit, by ordinance, the operation of motorized golf carts, all - terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles, or mini trucks on designated roadways under its jurisdiction. The statute requires that the city ordinance: • Designate the specific roadways where operation is allowed. • Limit hours of operation unless the vehicle is equipped with original headlights taillights, and rear -facing brake lights. • Prohibit operation during inclement weather. • Require the display of a slow -moving vehicle emblem. Authorization to operate a motorized golf cart, all -terrain vehicle, utility task vehicles, or mini truck must be granted through a permit process. Minnesota Statute establishes that the permits may not exceed three years. If the city proceeds, it would need to adopt a permit fee schedule and collect sufficient information to determine permit eligibility. Permit fees in other communities range from no fee to $30. The permit would require at the minimum: • Name and address of the applicant • Model name, make, and year and number of the vehicle • Driver's license information • Insurance and registration in compliance with the provisions of Minn. Statutes Police staff reviewed ordinances from 20 neighboring and similarly sized communities to determine how common it is to allow golf cart and ATV use. The review also identified common restrictions used to address potential issues. The survey showed that nine (9) communities do not allow golf cart or ATV use, nine (9) communities allow golf cart use and seven (7) of those cities also allow ATVs. Two (2) communities allow ATVs but not golf carts. Page 2 of 5