By Brenda WinterHills City Council members are not able to restrict snowmobile traffic in county ditches, according to Rock County Sheriff Mike Winkels.City Hall has received complaints about snowmobile traffic in County Road 6 ditch in an area of Hills where children play, Mayor Jim Jellema said.Winkels said snowmobiles are allowed to drive in county road ditches but must observe speed limits and "use common sense." The speed limit in the ditch is the same as the highway it adjoins. The speed limit on state snowmobile trails is 50 mph. Because County Road 6 is an improved roadway, snowmobilers are required to cross it at a 90-degree angle.Although snowmobiles are allowed in county road ditches, drivers can be charged with careless or reckless driving if they cause an accident or injury, Winkels said. He also advised drivers to use caution when driving past new construction. "There are small trees that you can’t see by some of the new houses," he said. In other business the Council:oApproved two building permits for single-family dwellings to be built in the Parkview First Addition and Parkview Fourth Addition.oVoted to set rent for a trailer house on a city lot at $10 per month beginning in January, 2004.oMoved to file a lien for delinquent utilities against the owner of a trailer house located on city-owned property.oSet Christmas tree pick-up for the week of Jan. 5-9. The city will collect trees left on the curb during the week. After Jan. 9 residents are responsible for hauling their own trees to the compost pile.oEstablished dog impound fees at $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense and $100 for a third offense.
