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No go for snowmobiles on IM streets

City sees increase in improper snowmobile use after ORV ordinance put in place

IRON MOUNTAIN — A new ordinance that allows ORVs on most of Iron Mountain’s streets may be the reason for increased snowmobile activity in the city — a practice that’s illegal, city officials warned Monday.

The city Jan. 6 began permitting ORVs and ATVs to use city streets from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the exception of Stephenson Avenue, Carpenter Avenue and H Street between Stephenson and Carpenter avenues.

While no problems have arisen so far with ORV use, more snowmobiles have been reported operating within the city limits, despite being prohibited under city ordinance.

“I’ve seen them on the east side and west side of the city,” council member Bill Revord told the rest of the council Monday.

Revord suggested snowmobilers might be confused about the new ordinance or simply disregarding the restrictions and hoping they don’t get caught.

“I think we need to clarify that the ORV ordinance does not include snowmobiles. Snowmobiles do not have the right to be on city streets,” Revord said.

Council member Amanda List noted a number of snowmobiles travel the street to City Park.

Stanchina said no vehicles are allow on the City Park trails, except for the snowmobile used to groom the cross country ski trails.

He added he’s also heard of snowmobiles using Margaret Street to reach Lake Antoine and saw about 10 snowmobiles by Brooks Electric on East Main Street.

“I will talk with (police and fire services) Director (Ed) Mattson about this and see if we can get the snowmobilers off the city streets,” Stanchina said.

The new ORV ordinance was designed to provide access to area trails without having to load a vehicle on a trailer and transport it out of the city. Operators of ORVs, under the new ordinance, also have to be age 16 with a valid driver’s license; those between ages 16 and 18 must be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian as well.

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