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(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to ensure the safety of people using the city parks. City parks exist to provide green space, recreational, social, and economic/commercial opportunities for people in the city area. This section shall apply to all park and recreation areas controlled by the city.
(B) Park rules and regulations.
(1) Park hours: dawn until dusk.
(2) City parks are not supervised. Use equipment and structures at the user’s own risk. The city is not responsible for accident or injury to persons or property resulting from the use of city parks.
(3) Be aware, some parks contain features that may be above some user’s abilities. Please use features within personal limits.
(4) The use of helmets, pads, and other protective equipment is strongly encouraged in skate, mountain bike, and other parks with skills features.
(5) It is expected that everyone who uses city parks will do so in a way that the natural resources, structures, installed equipment, and people are respected.
(6) To avoid damage to any trail, trail use is not allowed for 12 hours following rain.
(7) Gazebos and shelters for groups larger than 50 need to be reserved in advance. Special event permits are required for groups over 50.
(8) Activities for groups larger than 50 need to be cleared and reserved in advance. Special event permits are required for groups over 50.
(9) Certificates of insurance must be provided if additional electrical generation equipment, mechanical devices, or temporary electrical taps are to be used.
(10) Use of provided electrical service may be subject to an additional charge.
(11) No motorized vehicles will be permitted in the parks, with the exception of maintenance vehicles, emergency vehicles, and other vehicles authorized by permit only.
(12) No unauthorized modification of park structures and features.
(13) No littering.
(14) No profanity or disruptive behavior.
(15) Pets must be leashed.
(16) All pet owners are responsible for the proper disposal of pet waste.
(17) Damaged or unsafe equipment should be reported to City Hall.
(18) In the event of an emergency, call 911.
(19) Other rules deemed necessary for individual parks will be posted at the parks.
(Ord. 257, passed 11-10-2008)
(A) Declaration of policy. The health of the trees in the city is threatened by shade tree pests, and the loss or ill health of trees growing upon public and private property substantially depreciates the value of property within the city and impairs the safety, good order, general welfare and convenience of the public. In addition to and in accordance with M.S. §§ 89.001, 89.01 and 89.51 through 89.64, as those sections may be amended from time to time, the provisions of this section are adopted to attempt to control and prevent the spread of these shade tree pests.
(B) Jurisdiction. The city shall have control of all street trees, shrubs, and other plantings now or hereafter in any street, park, public right-of-way or easement, or other public place within the city limits, and shall have the power to plant, care for, maintain, remove, and replace such trees, shrubs and other plantings.
(C) Declaration of a shade tree pest. The Council may declare any vertebrate or invertebrate animal, plant pathogen, or plant threatening to cause significant damage to a shade tree or community forest as defined by M.S. § 89.001, as it may be amended from time to time, to be a shade tree pest and prescribe control measures to effectively eradicate, control or manage the shade tree pest including necessary timelines for action.
(D) Public nuisances declared. A shade tree pest declared by Council occurring within a declared control zone is a public nuisance.
(E) Shade tree pest nuisances are unlawful. It is unlawful for any person to permit any public nuisance as defined in this section to remain on any premises the person owns or controls within the city. The nuisance may be abated as provided in this section.
(F) Definition of control areas. Upon declaring a shade tree pest, the Council may define one or more locations within the geographic boundaries of the city to be within a shade tree pest control area provided such locations are characterized by biologic, composition, environmental and size factors favorable to successful application of the control measures prescribed by Council.
(G) Tree Inspector. The Council may appoint a Tree Inspector to coordinate the activities of the city relating to the control and prevention of damage by shade tree pests. The Tree Inspector will recommend to the Council the details of any program for the declaration, control and prevention of shade tree pests. The Tree Inspector is authorized to enforce or cause to be enforced the tasks incident to such a program adopted by the Council. The term TREE INSPECTOR includes any person designated by Council or the Tree Inspector to carry out activities authorized in this section.
(H) Abatement of shade tree pest nuisances.
(1) In abating a nuisance declared by ordinance under divisions (B) and (C), the organism, condition or plant and any tree, wood or material identified as injurious to the health of shade trees shall be removed or effectively treated so as to destroy and prevent as fully as possible the spread of the shade tree pest. Such abatement procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the control measures and areas prescribed by ordinance according to divisions (C), (K) and (O).
(2) In addition, should the appropriate abatement procedure be removal and the tree(s) and/or hedge(s) be within the limits of a highway in a rural area within the city's jurisdiction, M.S. § 160.22, as it may be amended from time to time, shall be complied with as necessary.
(I) Reporting discovery of shade tree pest. Any owner or occupier of land or any person engaged in tree trimming or removal who becomes aware of the existence of public nuisance caused by a shade tree pest as defined under division (C) shall report the same to the city.
(J) Registration of tree care firms. Any person, firm or corporation that provides tree care, tree trimming or removal of trees, limbs, branches, brush, or shrubs for hire must be registered with the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture under M.S. § 18G.07, as it may be amended from time to time.
(K) Inspection and application of control measures.
(1) The Tree Inspector is authorized to inspect premises and places within the city to determine whether shade tree pests exist thereon and to investigate all reported incidents of shade tree pests. The Tree Inspector is authorized to take all reasonable measures to prevent the maintenance of public nuisances and may enforce the provisions relating to abatement in this section. Diagnosis of shade tree pests may be by the presence of commonly recognized symptoms or by tests as may be recommended by the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or other reliable means.
(2) Except in situations of imminent danger to human life and safety, the Tree Inspector shall not enter private property for the purpose of inspecting or preventing maintenance of public nuisances without the permission of the owner, resident or other person in control of the property, unless the Tree Inspector has obtained a warrant or order from a court of competent jurisdiction authorizing the entry.
(3) No person, firm, or corporation shall interfere with the Tree Inspector acting under his authority while engaged in activities authorized by this section.
(L) Standard abatement procedure. Except as provided in divisions (M) and (O), whenever a Tree Inspector determines with reasonable certainty that a public nuisance as described by this section is being maintained or exists on premises in the city, the Tree Inspector is authorized to abate a public nuisance according to the following procedure.
(1) The Tree Inspector will notify in writing the owner of record or occupant of the premises of such fact and order that the nuisance be terminated or abated. The notice may be given in person or by mail. Failure of any party to receive the mail does not invalidate the service of the notice. A copy of the notice shall be filed with the City Administrator.
(2) The notice of abatement shall state that unless the public nuisance is abated by the owner or occupant, it will be abated by the city at the expense of the owner or occupant. The notice shall specify the control measures to be taken to abate the nuisance, and provide a reasonable amount of time to abate the nuisance. The notice will also state that the owner or occupant has the right to appeal the determination that a public nuisance exists by submitting a request in writing to the City Administrator within seven days after service of the notice, or before the date by which abatement must be completed, whichever comes first.
(3) If no timely appeal is submitted, and the notice of abatement and its prescribed control measures are not complied with within the time provided by the notice or any additional time granted, the Tree Inspector or designated person shall have the authority to obtain permission or an administrative search warrant, enter the property and carry out abatement in accordance with the notice of abatement.
(M) High cost abatement. If the Tree Inspector determines that the cost of abating a nuisance will exceed $5,000 based on a reasonable, good faith estimate, the written notice referred to in division (L) must provide that if the nuisance is not abated within the reasonable amount of time provided, the matter will be referred to the City Council for a hearing. The date, time, and location of the hearing must be provided in the notice.
(N) Appeal procedure. If the City Administrator receives a written request for a hearing on the question of whether a public nuisance in fact exists, the City Council shall hold a hearing within seven calendar days following receipt by the Administrator of the written request. At least three days notice shall be given to the individual who made the written request for the hearing. The Council may modify the abatement notice or extend the time by which abatement must be completed. Each owner, agent of the owner, occupant and lienholder of the subject property or properties in attendance, if any, shall be given the opportunity to present evidence at the hearing. After holding the hearing, the City Council may issue an order requiring abatement of the nuisance.
(O) Abatement procedure in event of imminent danger.
(1) If the Tree Inspector determines that the danger of infestation to other shade trees is imminent and delay in control measures may put public health, safety or welfare in immediate danger, the Tree Inspector may provide for abatement without following (L) or (M). The Tree Inspector must reasonably attempt to notify the owner or occupant of the affected property of the intended action and the right to appeal the abatement and any cost recovery at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
(2) Nothing in this section shall prevent the city, without notice or other process, from immediately abating any condition which poses an imminent and serious hazard to human life or safety.
(P) Recovery of cost of abatement; liability and assessment.
(1) The owner of premises on which a nuisance has been abated by the city shall be personally liable for the cost to the city of the abatement, including administrative costs. As soon as the work has been completed and the cost determined, the City Administrator or other official shall prepare a bill for the cost and mail it to the owner. Thereupon the amount shall be immediately due and payable at the office of the City Administrator.
(2) After notice and hearing as provided in M.S. § 429.061, as it may be amended from time to time, the City Administrator may list the total unpaid charges along with all other charges as well as other charges for current services to be assessed under M.S. § 429.101 against each separate lot or parcel to which the charges are attributable. The City Council may then certify the charges against the property under that statute and other pertinent statutes to the County Auditor for collection along with current taxes the following year or in annual installments as the City Council may determine in each case.
(Q) Penalty.
(1) Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor. The penalty which may be imposed for any crime which is a misdemeanor under this section, including Minnesota Statutes specifically adopted by reference, shall be a sentence of not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than an amount as set by Council from time to time, or both.
(2) Upon conviction of a misdemeanor, the costs of prosecution may be added. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during which a violation occurs or continues.
(3) The failure of any officer or employee of the city to perform any official duty imposed by this section shall not subject the officer or employee to the penalty imposed for a violation.
(4) In addition to any penalties provided for in this section, if any person, firm or corporation fails to comply with any provision of this section, the City Council or any official designated by it, may institute appropriate proceedings at law or at equity to restrain, correct or abate the violation.
(R) Declared shade tree pests, control measures and control areas.
(1) Oak Wilt. Oak Wilt is declared a shade tree pest and is defined as any living or dead tree, log, firewood, limb, branch, stump or other portion of a tree from any species of the genus Quercus existing within the control area defined that has bark attached and that exceeds three inches in diameter or ten inches in circumference and contains to any degree any spore or reproductive structures of the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. Control measures prescribed for abating Oak Wilt Disease are:
(a) Installation of a root graft barrier. A root graft barrier can be ordered installed to prevent the underground spread of Oak Wilt Disease. The city will mark the location of the root graft
barrier. The barrier disrupts transmission of the fungus within the shared vascular systems of root grafted trees. The barrier is created by excavating or vibratory plowing a line at least 42 inches deep between any oak tree infected with Oak Wilt Disease and each nearby and apparently healthy oak tree within 50 feet of the infected tree.
(b) Removal and disposal of trees on property zoned for residential and commercial use. On property that is zoned residential and commercial the city may mark for removal trees that have the potential to produce spores of the fungus Ceratocvstis fagacearum. After, and in no case before the installation of the root graft barrier and no later than May 1 of the year following infection all marked trees must be felled. The stump from such felled trees must not extend more than three inches above the ground or, if taller, must be completely debarked. If, however, after the city prescribes the location for a root graft barrier, the city determines that installation of the barrier is impossible because of the presence of pavement or obstructions such as a septic system or utility line, the city may mark for removal all oak trees whether living or dead, infected or not and located between an infected tree and the marked barrier location. These marked trees must be felled and disposed of no later than May 1 of the year following infection. The stump from such felled trees must not extend more than three inches above the ground or, if taller, must be completely debarked.
(c) Removal and disposal of trees on all other property. On all other property the city may mark for removal all oak trees whether living or dead, infected or not and located between an infected tree and the marked barrier location. These marked trees must be felled and disposed of no later than May 1 of the year following infection. The stump from such felled trees must not extend more than three inches above the ground or, if taller, must be completely debarked.
(d) Wood disposal. All wood more than three inches in diameter or ten inches in circumference from such felled trees must be disposed of by burying or debarking or chipping or sawing into wane-free lumber or by splitting into firewood, stacking the firewood and immediately covering the woodpile with unbroken 4-mil or thicker plastic sheeting that is sealed into the ground until October 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the tree was felled or by burning before May 1 of the year following infection. Wood chips from infected trees may be stockpiled or immediately used in the landscape.
(e) Control area. The CONTROL AREA for Oak Wilt Disease is defined as all lands within the boundaries of the city.
(2) Emerald Ash Borer. Emerald Ash Borer is declared a shade tree pest and is defined as an insect that attacks and kills ash trees. The adults are small, iridescent green beetles that live outside of trees during the summer months. The larvae are grub or worm-like and live underneath the bark of ash trees.
(a) Control measures prescribed for abating Emerald Ash Borer are those provided in the document, Guidelines to Slow the Growth and Spread of Emerald Ash Borer from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
(b) Definition of control areas. The CONTROL AREA for Emerald Ash Borer is defined as all lands within the boundaries of the city.
(3) Dutch Elm Disease. Dutch Elm Disease is declared a shade tree pest and is defined as a disease of elm trees caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi or Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, and includes any living or dead tree, log, firewood, limb, branch, stump or other portion of a tree from any species of the genus Ulmus existing within the control area defined that has bark attached and that exceeds three inches in diameter or ten inches in circumference and could contain bark beetles or any spore or reproductive structures of the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi or Ophiostoma novo-ulmi.
(a) Control measures prescribed for abating Dutch Elm Disease are:
1. Use of fungicide. Fungicides may be effective in preventing Dutch elm disease when injected into living trees that do not already show symptoms of Dutch elm disease. Fungicide injections on private lands are optional and, if performed, are at the landowner's expense.
2. Removal and disposal of trees. Prompt removal of diseased trees or branches reduces breeding sites for elm bark beetles and eliminates the source of Dutch elm disease fungus. Trees that wilt before July 15 must be removed within 20 days of detection [alternative: 30 days]. Trees that wilt after July 15 must be removed by April 1 of the following year. Diseased trees not promptly removed will be removed by the city at the landowner’s expense. Wood may be retained for use as firewood or sawlogs if it is de-barked or covered from April 15 to October 15 with 4 mil plastic. The edges of the cover must be buried or sealed to the ground.
(b) Definition of control areas. The CONTROL AREA for Dutch Elm Disease is defined as all lands within the boundaries of the city.
(A) General. Open burning of diseased shade trees shall be permitted, provided no reasonable alternate method of disposal exists, as determined by the State Pollution Control Agency, a permit is obtained pursuant to this subchapter, and the open burning is conducted in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter and the conditions of the permit.
(B) Site location. The sites shall be located in accordance with the following conditions, or as approved by the Director of Air Quality:
(1) Not less than 1,000 feet from an occupied building;
(2) Not less than 1,000 feet from a public roadway;
(3) Not less than one mile from an airport or landing strip;
(4) Not less than 300 feet from a stream; and
(5) Not within a wetland.
(C) Site preparation. The site shall be prepared in accordance with the following.
(1) Access to the site shall be controlled by a gate, which shall be locked when an attendant is not on duty.
(2) Approach roads to the disposal site, and access roads on the site, shall be maintained so that they shall be passable at all specified times.
(3) A permanent sign identifying the operation, indicating the hours and days the site is open for use, rates, the penalty for non-conforming dumping, and other pertinent information shall be posted at the site entrance.
(4) Surface water drainage shall be diverted around and away from the operating area and ash storage areas.
(D) Site operation. The site shall be operated in accordance with the following conditions.
(1) Only diseased shade trees and/or tree trimmings shall be disposed of on the site.
(2) Qualified personnel for general direction and operation of the site shall be on duty at all times while the site is open for use and for the duration of any fire on the site.
(3) Burning shall be conducted only when weather conditions are such that a nuisance, health, or safety hazard will not be created.
(4) Prior notice shall be given to the local fire authority of the time and duration of each fire.
(5) Adequate dust control shall be provided on the site and on the roads leading to the site.
(6) Ash residue shall be collected on a periodic basis and disposed of in an agency-permitted sanitary landfill.
(E) Site termination. The site shall be terminated in accordance with the following.
(1) All materials extraneous to the site shall be removed and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
(2) The site shall be returned to a state equal to its surroundings.
(Ord. 107, passed 5-2-1983)
(A) Purpose and intent.
(1) The City Council finds the following facts to exist:
(a) Tobacco smoke is a contributor to outdoor air pollution, and breathing secondhand smoke is a cause of disease, including lung cancer, in nonsmokers. At special risk are children, elderly people, individuals with cardiovascular disease and individuals with impaired respiratory function, including asthmatics and those with obstructive airway disease;
(b) Health hazards induced by breathing second hand smoke include, but are not limited to, lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory infection and decreased respiratory function; and
(c) The simple separation of smokers and nonsmokers within the same air space may reduce, but does not eliminate, the exposure of nonsmokers to environmental tobacco smoke for which there is no known safe level of exposure.
(2) This section is adopted by the City Council for the purpose of protecting public health and safety by regulating/prohibiting the use of tobacco, electronic delivery devices, cannabis, and cannabis-derived products in public places and places of public accommodation within the city. The city wishes to be proactive in protecting public health and safety by enacting regulations that will mitigate threats presented to the public by the public use of tobacco, electronic delivery devises, and cannabis. The city recognizes the risks that unintended access and use of cannabis products present to the health, welfare, and safety of youth in the city.
(3) The Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act authorizes local units of government to enact and enforce more stringent measures to protect individuals from secondhand smoke or involuntary exposure to aerosol or vapor from electronic delivery devices.
(4) By enacting 2023 Session Law, Chapter 63, H. F. No. 100 (“State Legislation”), the Minnesota Legislature passed the adult-use cannabis bill. Under that bill, the adult use, possession, and personal growing of cannabis will become legal August 1, 2023. State legislation authorizes adoption of a local ordinance establishing a petty misdemeanor offense for public use of cannabis. See State Legislation Sec. 19, M.S. § 152.0263, subd. 5, or successor statute.
(B) Definitions. Except as may otherwise be provided or clearly implied by context, all terms shall be given their commonly accepted definitions. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
ADULT-USE CANNABIS FLOWER. Cannabis flower that is approved for sale by the Office of Cannabis Management or is substantially similar to a product approved by that office. ADULT-USE CANNABIS FLOWER does not include medical cannabis flower, hemp plant parts, or hemp-derived consumer products.
ADULT-USE CANNABIS PRODUCTS. A cannabis product that is approved for sale by the Office of Cannabis Management or is substantially similar to a product approved by that office. ADULT-USE CANNABIS PRODUCT includes edible cannabis products but does not include medical cannabinoid products or lower-potency hemp edibles.
CANNABIS FLOWER. The harvested flower, bud, leaves, and stems of a cannabis plant. CANNABIS FLOWER includes adult-use cannabis flower and medical cannabis flower. CANNABIS FLOWER does not include cannabis seed, hemp plant parts, or hemp-derived consumer products.
CANNABIS PRODUCT. Means any of the following:
(a) Cannabis concentrate;
(b) A product infused with cannabinoids, including but not limited to tetrahydrocannabinol,
extracted, or derived from cannabis plants or cannabis flower; or
(c) Any other product that contains cannabis concentrate.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY DEVICE. The meaning of ELECTRONIC DELIVERY DEVICE shall follow M.S. § 609.685, subd. c, which states: any product containing or delivering nicotine, lobelia, or any other substance, whether natural or synthetic, intended for human consumption through inhalation of aerosol or vapor from the product.
HEMP DERIVED CONSUMER PRODUCTS.
(a) A product intended for human or animal consumption, does not contain cannabis flower or cannabis concentrate, and:
1. Contains or consists of hemp plant parts; or
2. Contains hemp concentrate or artificially derived cannabinoids in combination with other ingredients.
(b) HEMP DERIVED CONSUMER PRODUCTS do not include artificially derived cannabinoids, lower-potency hemp edibles, hemp-derived topical products, hemp fiber products, or hemp grain.
LOWER-POTENCY HEMP EDIBLE. Means any product that:
(a) Is intended to be eaten or consumed as a beverage by humans;
(b) Contains hemp concentrate or an artificially derived cannabinoid, in combination with food ingredients;
(c) Is not a drug;
(d) Consists of servings that contain no more than five milligrams of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, 25 milligrams of cannabidiol, 25 milligrams of cannabigerol, or any combination of those cannabinoids that does not exceed the identified amounts;
(e) Does not contain more than a combined total of 0.5 milligrams of all other cannabinoids per serving;
(f) Does not contain an artificially derived cannabinoid other than delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol;
(g) Does not contain a cannabinoid derived from cannabis plants or cannabis flower; and
(h) Is a type of product approved for sale by the office or is substantially similar to a product approved by the Office of Cannabis Management, including but not limited to products that resemble nonalcoholic beverages, candy, and baked goods.
PUBLIC PLACE. A public park or trail, public street or sidewalk, any enclosed, indoor area used by the general public, including, but not limited to, theaters, restaurants, bars, food establishments, places licensed to sell intoxicating liquor, wine, or malt beverages, retail businesses, gyms, common areas in buildings, public shopping areas, auditoriums, arenas, or other places of public accommodation.
PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION. A business, refreshment, entertainment, recreation, or transportation facility of any kind, whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations are extended, offered, sold, or otherwise made available to the public.
PUBLIC PLACE OR PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION, EXCEPTION TO. “A public place” or “a place of public accommodation” does not include the following:
(a) A private residence, including the individual's curtilage or yard.
(b) A private property, not generally accessible by the public, unless the individual is explicitly prohibited from consuming cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products on the property by the owner of the property; or
(c) On the premises of an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption.
SMOKING. Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other lighted or heated product containing tobacco, cannabis flower, cannabis products, artificially derived cannabinoids, or hemp-derived consumer products. SMOKING includes carrying or using an activated electronic delivery device for human consumption through inhalation of aerosol or vapor from the product.
(C) Prohibited acts.
(1) No person shall use tobacco, electronic delivery devices, cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in a public place or a place of public accommodation unless the premises is an establishment or an event licensed to permit on-site consumption of adult-use cannabis flower and adult use cannabis products. See State Legislation Sec. 9, M.S. § 342.09, subd. 1(2) or successor statute. See also State Legislation Sec. 19, M.S. § 342.09, subd. 1(7)(iii) or successor statute, and M.S. § 152.0263, subd. 5, or successor statute.
(2) No person shall vaporize or smoke cannabis flower, cannabis products, artificially derived cannabinoids, or hemp-derived consumer products in any location where the smoke, aerosol, or vapor would be inhaled by a minor. See State Legislation Sec. 9, M.S. § 342.09, subd. 1(7)(b)(9) or successor statute.
(D) Penalty. Criminal penalty. A violation of this section shall be a petty misdemeanor having a fine payable up to $200. Nothing in this section prohibits the city from seeking prosecution for an alleged violation.
(E) Severability. If any division or provision of this section is held invalid, such invalidity will not affect other sections or provisions that can be given force and effect without the invalidated section or provision.
(F) Effective date. This section shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication.
(Ord. 309, passed 9-5-2023)
(A) Any person violating any provisions of this chapter, for which no specific penalty is prescribed, shall be subject to § 10.99.
(B) Any person violating any provision of § 90.01 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 107, passed 5-2-1983; Ord. 128, passed 4-3-1989; Ord. 257, passed 11-10-2008; Ord. 302, passed 11-1-2022)