1g Amend Watercraft Operating Regulations
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone 952.227.1100
Fax 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone 952.227.1180
Fax 952.227,1190
Engineering
Phone 952,227.1160
Fax 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone 952,227.1140
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Park & Recreation
Phone 952,227.1120
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Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone 952.227.1130
Fax 952,227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone 952.227.1300
Fax 952,227.1310
Senior Center
Phone 952.227.1125
Fax 952,227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
:L
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director ~t.W'
September 16, 2005
FROM:
DA TE:
SUBJ:
Approval of City Code Amendment to Chapter 6, Article III
Concerning Watercraft Operating Regulations.
State law allows watercraft operators to tow a person on water skis or other
devices with the aid of a mirror, provided the operator has a wide field of vision
to the rear. Section 6-53 of City Code specifies that an observer must be present
in addition to the driver in a watercraft engaged in towing another person. This
discrepancy between state law and our city code resulted in some confusion on
the waters of Lake Minnewashta this past summer. In consultation with the City
Attorney, it was determined that our city code should be modified to make our
rule consistent with state law. To that end, please see the attached ordinance
amendment. If adopted by the council, this code amendment will be submitted to
the State Department of Natural Resources for review and approval.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the city council approve an ordinance amending
Chapter 6, Article III of the Chanhassen City Code concerning watercraft
operating regulations to allow for the use of a rear view mirror when towing
people behind watercraft on the lake within the City of Chanhassen.
ATTACHMENT
Ordinance Amendment
O:\PARK\TH\MirrorMemo
The City of Chanhassen . A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE III
OF THE CHANHASSEN CITY CODE CONCERNING
WATERCRAFT OPERATING REGULATIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 6-53 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended in its entirety to read:
Sec. 6-53. Observer required for water skiers.
No person shall operate a watercraft on any lake, towing a person on water skis, aquaplane,
surfboard, saucer, or similar device, unless there is in such watercraft another person in addition to
the operator in a position to continually observe the person being towed. The operator of such
watercraft must watch where the watercraft is being driven at all times. The second person on board
shall act as observer of the person being towed.
Sec. 6-53. Towing person on"water skis or other device.
(a) Observer or mirror required. A person may not operate a watercraft and tow a
person on water skis, an aquaplane, a surfboard, a saucer, or a similar device unless:
(1) there is another person in the watercraft in addition to the operator who is in a
position to continually observe the person being towed; or
(2) the boat is equipped with a mirror providing the operator a wide field of vision to the
rear.
(b) Night skiing or towing prohibited. A person may not be towed or operate a
watercraft towing a person on water skis, an aquaplane, a surfboard, a saucer, or another device
from one hour after sunset to sunrise of the following day.
SECTION 2. Effective Date. This ordinance becomes effective immediately upon its
passage and approval by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this
of the City of Chanhassen, Minnesota.
day of
,2005, by the City Council
ATTEST:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
Thomas A. Furlong, Mayor
(Published in the Chanhassen Villager on
, 2005).