SLEEPY EYE — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) awarded Sleepy Eye Police with a DSR 2X Stalker Radar in honor of successful enforcement and traffic safety activities, at the Sleepy Eye City Council meeting Jan. 9.

Each quarter, DPS-OTS law enforcement liaisons nominate one enforcement agency in their region based on enforcement activity, reporting, community education and outreach efforts. The radar device is valued at about $3,000.

“We are dedicated to keeping Sleepy Eye roads safe and working toward fewer traffic-related deaths and injuries,” said Sleepy Eye Police Chief Matt Andres. “We’re looking out for the safety of those that call Sleepy Eye home and for those visiting or traveling through to other places. Each life matters and its an honor to be recognized for the protection of people on the roads that we all share.”

“When police write tickets, it’s not because they’re mean, it’s because they realize what the road would be like if they didn’t,” said Scott McConkey, Southern Minnesota Law Enforcement Liaison. McConkey said Sleepy Eye Police got the award for dedicated performance during the June and October 2017 “Click It or Ticket” Seat Belt Enforcement Campaigns.

A number of residents questioned city officials and police during a discussion on dozens of snow parking tickets that were given after a snowfall on New Year’s weekend.

“If you’re wind rowed in (by snowplows), move (your vehicle) within 24 hours or you’ll get a ticket,” said City Manager Mark Kober.

Tom Kolbe complained about getting a ticket when his vehicle was parked in front of his residence. He said he didn’t have much room to park anywhere else with a 50 foot lot.

“Move to a clean spot and park,” City Attorney Alissa Fischer said.

“There is always the option to clean it (the parking space) yourself,” said Sleepy Eye Street and Utility Supt. Bob Elston.

“Three inches of snow isn’t a snow emergency,” Kolbe said.

“All we’re trying to do is keep the streets clean,” said councilor Dick Zinniel.

Mike Lang said it was the first snow parking ticket he got in 22 years.

“You’re doing good,” Zinniel said.

“When you are plowed around, you have 24 hours to move,” Elston said. “Check the city website, KNUJ or get on the police notification program.”

Police Chief Matt Andres said anyone with questions can call him and he’ll show people photos taken showing vehicles that were plowed around before they were ticketed.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.