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One of the proposed routes for snowmobiles through Vergas involves going around the city limits to the ballpark. Another option discussed was straight through town on South Pelican Avenue.

By Robert Williams

Editor

A public meeting was had prior to the monthly Vergas City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10 to hear from the Lake Runners Trail Association to discuss rerouting options for the snowmobile trail through town.

Association President Ross Jenson took questions from residents for 40 minutes after explaining the loss of access to the former trail that ran from County Road 4 through Lawrence Lake acres and came into Vergas on West Lake Street to tie into County Road 17.

The proposed route would be in the south ditch on County Road 4 to County Road 35 (East looney Lane) to County Road 36 and South Town Line Road. A lack of consistent ditches on Town Line Road would cause snowmobilers to ride on the shoulder. Riders would continue on the south side and shoulder of East Scharf Avenue coming into town near the ballpark.

Jenson tried to appease residents with proper right-of-way discussions and signage that will hopefully eliminate any intrusion into people’s yards.

“The norm, most people, I like to think they’re respectful,” said Jenson.

Coming right through town on Pelican Avenue was also discussed.

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Leaders of the Lake Runners Trail Association, including President Ross Jenson, spoke with Vergas residents about a change in snowmobile trail routes through town after access that was formerly used through Lawrence Lake Acres was denied earlier this year.

The association maintains 364 miles of trail for Fergus Falls to Pelican Rapids to the Cormorant area and back. The other big section is from Maplewood State Park to Vergas to Underwood, Battle Lake, Clitherall, Vining, Inspiration Peak and Ashby.

The association does have permission from Otter Tail County to utilize existing trails, like the Heart of the Lakes Trail that runs from Pelican Rapids to Perham. That has little effect on Vergas currently, but could in the future.

The association consists of 12-15 people who are active in trail maintenance. 

Vergas also is the meeting point of three different snowmobile associations with Ultra Snowmobile Club of Detroit Lakes and Otter Trail Riders of Perham all converging on the village.

The meeting was informational only and was not discussed or voted upon at the council meeting. The feedback will be collected and a trail route will be proposed for an October council vote. The city office will be notifying residents about the next council meeting and inviting interested parties to appear and  discuss the route options.

Pickleball

The Pickleball Association has requested a second camera to cover the entire court at a cost of $1,379.95. The second camera would allow the original camera to be moved to cover as much of the area as possible. The proposal was returned to the Park Committee to verify the total cost and which funds are being used to pay for it.

Event Center

The Event Center Advisory board has an opening after the council approved the resignation Bev Flateland, effective immediately.

The board submitted two single post handrails at a total of $450 to be installed at the Event Center to make it Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design (ADA) compliant. The funds will come out of the Event Center’s budget.

Chicken ordinance

The Planning Commission decided to stay with its original ruling on chickens in town, an ordinance that mirrors that of Frazee’s. No more than 4 chickens. Chickens must be kept in a coop or attached run that will be enclosed at all times. No roosters kept on the premises, which must be a family dwelling or two-family dwelling with a lot of at least 5,000 square feet.

A public hearing will be held to discuss the ordinance change at 6 p.m., prior to the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

The updated Shoreline Management Ordinance was approved. The ordinance matches Otter Tail County’s ordinance with two additional Vergas-specific appendices.