Snowmobilers forced to use a different trail in Baxter

BAXTER - Snowmobilers will be able to use the ditches along Highway 371 and 210 in Baxter.

The Baxter City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an agreement with the Baxter Snowmobile Club to allow trail use in the highway rights of way ditches.

The club had been using BNSF Railway ditches right of way for its trails, but was informed by the railroad that snowmobile traffic was no longer allowed. While the right of way belongs to the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation told the club that it would need to work with the city for trails.

The city approved agreements with MnDOT and the snowmobile club with the provision that maintains and supervisors the trail and has a $2 million insurance policy.

In other action, the council:

Annexed Heartland Animal Rescue Teams property at 15494 Dellwood Drive.

Amended the city's comprehensive plan to identify land uses for 465 acres of Potlatch-owned land in west Baxter.

Was informed by council member Todd Holman that the city should consider projects to submit to the Legislature for the next bonding bill. Options Holman put forth included a pedestrian bridge across Highway 371 in north Baxter, an overpass at Highway 371 and Crow Wing County Road 48 and for the Cypress Drive/Excelsior Road roundabout.

Was informed by City Engineer Trevor Walter that only four businesses have yet to reach compliance in the city's fats, oils and grease elimination requirements from the sanitary sewer system.

Directed Walter to prepare to discuss financing with Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek and prepare purchase agreements for right-of-way for the Cypress Drive/Excelsior Road roundabout project. Walter noted there was $270,000 available for purchasing the right-of-way required with the possibility a portion of the land could be sold to a developer. "This is an important project and it seems reasonable," council member Rob Moser said. "It's something we should pursue." At its Nov. 5 meeting the council approved mapping the corridor so future landowners would know the city's intentions. Walter said mapping should continue while all options are considered.

Adjourned to Nov. 22 to discuss the administrative hiring process.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.