City council discusses snowmobiles, impoundment issues at workshop

     The Hampton City Council had a somewhat meaty workshop agenda on Monday evening, with seven items up for discussion including the city's policy on snowmobiles in town, options for impounding vehicles for traffic violations and a dog swimming day at the city aquatic center.

     Although it came at the end of the meeting, the four council members present – Jim Davies and Steve Harms were not in attendance - and several people in the audience shared empassioned views on the issue of snowmobiles in town.

     The discussion of snowmobiles in town began several weeks ago when citizen Shirley Smith complained to the council about snowmobile riders damaging her property. Mayor Shawn Dietz asked city officials to meet with interested parties to develop a game plan for snowmobiles in the city.

     On Monday, Police Chief Bob Schaefer told the council that he does not want an outright ban on snowmobiles in town, but is in favor of limiting the areas where they can operate.

     "My initial thought is not to have snowmobiles on city streets," Schaefer said. "It's just tough to go in an enforce, that's why my initial reaction was not to have them in city limits."

Read the full article in the Aug. 7 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.