BAXTER - The use of all-terrain vehicles is now regulated in Baxter.
The Baxter City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted an ordinance amendment for ATV and snowmobile regulations on where to operate and manner and times of operation.
The ordinance includes an area where ATV travel is prohibited, east of Highway 371 from College to Woida roads. Police Chief Jim Exsted noted there isn't a zone in which snowmobiles were prohibited, but one could be added in the future at the council's discretion.
Snowmobilers and ATV riders may operate on the city right-of-way for the purpose of taking the most direct route to a residence or designated trail system. Riders also may ride on improved surfaces at no more than 20 mph to get to their destination.
Snowmobiles and ATVs may not be operated between midnight and 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
"It was a real balancing act," Exsted said on crafting the regulations. "We're very comfortable with the ordinance."
During the public hearing before the measure was adopted, resident Bob Miller said it was irresponsible for the city to allow ATVs in residential areas because they cause damage. Brainerd resident Troy Turcotte said the city should be careful in making regulations too restrictive because the community was based on outdoor activity.
Council member Todd Holman said it was up to snowmobilers and ATV riders to educate and police themselves according to the ordinance.
In other action, the council:
Approved having the police department look into purchasing a K-9 officer. Baxter has been without a police dog since they retired Officer Matt Maier's K-9 partner Branco in November. Exsted told the council that Branco's trainer offered Baxter a new police dog at a discount price, already trained.
Approved a manual for food service establishments and best management practices for the city's effort to remove fats, oil and grease from the city's sanitary sewer system.
Approved a 2009 police liaison contract with the Brainerd School District to have an officer at Forestview Middle School for 2009 at a cost $90,563, 62 percent of which will be paid for by the city.
Appointed council member Jim Klein to be the city's representative on the Northland Arboretum Board of Directors.
Approved $200 for Kiwanis' annual clean up effort, which will be held from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on May 3 at the Gander Mountain parking lot.
Tabled discussion on hiring BKV Group at a cost of $72,000 for site plans and schematic design for the future city hall site on Knollwood Drive near Forestview Middle School.
Met in a closed session to discuss police union contracts.
Adjourned to a special Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at 4 p.m. Monday to tour Mississippi River Overlook Park.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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