At a meeting held on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., the Winnebago City Council discussed updating the city’s ordinances governing bicycle and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use within city limits.

City administrator Judi Hynes pointed out that a section of the city’s bicycle ordinance – drafted in 1956 – is extremely outdated.

The ordinance currently reads, “No person shall ride a bicycle on the streets or highways in the city without first having secured a license…from the state, which shall be prominently displayed at the rear of the bicycle at all times.” 

The council quickly agreed to eliminate this section of the City Code.

However, the ordinance governing ATV use posed more of a dilemma.

The proposed amendments suggest adding Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) to this portion of the City Code. A new section would also dictate permitting requirements to drive ATVs and UTVs within the city limits.

Council member Paul Eisenmenger questioned the necessity of requiring ATV and UTV owners to purchase a permit from the city.

“If you’ve owned an ATV or a UTV since 1985, it has come with a registration card or title,” Eisenmenger explained. “You are required to have that registered by state law, unless it is solely used on private property. Why do I have to pay another fee to use something that is legal to ride on most Minnesota roadways?” 

City attorney David Frundt explained that cities require permits for ATVs and UTVs if they want to establish a way to regulate the vehicles’ use within the city limits and track vehicle ownership.

However, Frundt added, “It’s legal to drive them on local roads if the city has made that decision. By doing nothing, you are making that decision.” 

After more discussion, the council directed city staff and Frundt to draft an amended bicycle ordinance. As for the ordinance governing ATV use, the council suggested drafting a copy which includes UTVs, but omits the section about permitting.

“You can add the UTV in there, but I think the permit for the UTV and ATV just isn’t necessary,” Eisenmenger said.

The council also conducted a public hearing to discuss proposed renovations to the Muir Library to bring it into ADA compliance.

The improvements include installing new ADA-accessible doors at the front of the library, re-insulating the front entryway and installing a new heater, ceiling and lighting. ADA-compliant renovations are also planned for the bathroom.

The public made no comment, so the council approved several contractors’ bids for the project.

Vets Glass will install the doors and push-button openers for $14,995, Owen Construction will install a new ceiling in the entryway for $2,000, and Howe Electric will install a new heater and lighting for $1,230.

The library is applying for a USDA Rural Development Grant which could help fund the project. If the library is not approved for the funding, however, the Friends of the Muir Library have agreed to fund the entire entryway project.

In other business, the Winnebago City Council: 

• Received a visit from Marty Siefert, a Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) representative.

Siefert told the council about the CGMC’s legislative efforts on behalf of small cities in Greater Minnesota. Among other things, he said the CGMC was involved in bargaining efforts to increase Winnebago’s projected $560,427 in 2024 Local Government Aid (LGA) to $608,972.

• Approved a $2,555 quote from Miracle Recreation Equip. Co to replace a cracked slide at the playground next to the pool.

• Approved an $8,250 quote from Nielsen Blacktopping, Inc. for crack sealing on the north side of Winnebago.

• Selected a 20-year, $508,824 Public Facilities Authority (PFA) bond to fund the water portion of the Cleveland Avenue W. Improvement Project. The bond, which will mature in 2043, carries a 1.284 percent interest rate.

• Scheduled a special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m.

• Conducted a first reading of an interim ordinance authorizing a study and imposing a moratorium on the operations of cannabis businesses in the city of Winnebago, and set a public hearing for the proposed ordinance during the special meeting on Sept. 26.

• Approved Ellen Roiger’s resignation from the Winnebago Ambulance crew, effective immediately.