City Council Meeting Date: January 18, 2022
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Lynette Peterson, City Clerk
David Bennett, City Engineer/Public Works Director
Mark Elliott, Police Chief
Title
Consideration of Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Northfield City Code, Chapter 50 - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provision, Section 50-57 - Climbing On or Jumping Off Bridges Prohibited.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves the second reading of Ordinance Amending Northfield City Code, Chapter 50 - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provision, Section 50-57 - Climbing On or Jumping Off Bridges Prohibited.
Summary Report:
The City Council unanimously approved the first reading of this ordinance at the January 4, 2022 City Council Meeting.
City Staff has observed and received complaints in the late summer of 2021 related to children and youth climbing on and jumping off the Peggy Prowe Bridge in Northfield (near Sechler Park North Entrance). The police department routinely receives complaint calls form citizens who observe people jumping from bridges into the river. The callers are concerned for the safety of those who are jumping. Jumping from bridges into lake, pond, or river water poses a safety threat to jumpers due to uncertain water depth and objects floating in the water below the surface. The Cannon River poses an almost constant safety threat due to fluctuating water levels and a significant amount of down trees that float down the river, often under the surface and not visible from above. Additionally, climbing onto a bridge structure poses a safety threat to climbers and others that use the bridge as well. When complaints are received, the Police rectify the situation by requesting the individual or individuals to discontinue climbing on the bridge which they get voluntary compliance.
Upon review of City Ordinances and State Law there is nothing specifically that prohibits climbing on or jumping off ...
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