Commission hears more ATV input

The Town of Belgium may decide on whether to approve an ordinance allowing all-terrain and utility-task vehicles on roads with 35 mph speed limit or slower for months, but people keep making their case for and against what has become a controversial issue.

At last week’s Plan Commission meeting, a state Department of Natural Resources warden, former town clerk and commission member and an attorney spoke. That came a month after a commission meeting in Community Park that drew more than 80 people who provided input on the ATV proposal. It included a presentation by the Lakeshore ATV/UTV Club, which is requesting the ordinance and has had similar ordinances approved in area communities.

On Sept. 23, DNR Warden Mitch Groenier said the town has the right to not allow ATVs, allow them on certain roads or allow them on all roads.

When it comes to enforcement, Groenier said, the DNR and Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office can cite ATV operators for speeding, registration and stop and yield sign violations.

But, he said, if the town wants to set a speed limit of 35 mph for ATVs on roads with a different speed limit for other vehicles, it has to be marked.

Other requirements, such as requiring operators be 16 years old and have insurance, will not be enforced by the DNR or sheriff’s deputies.

“That’s up to the township,” Groenier said.

To report ATV violations, people are asked to call 1-800-TIP-WDNR, he said.

Cathy Urness, who served on the commission for 12 years and was town clerk for 27 years, spoke against the ordinance.

“Never in all those years do I recall a small group of people requesting an ordinance to be passed for their benefit. Ordinances are passed to preserve the town for future generations,” she said.

Joe Cincatta, an attorney from Milwaukee representing a few town residents, said approving the ordinance would increase the burden on the town and could open the town up to litigation. He cited a case in another town that had an accident. Brush grew over a sign, and the court ruled the town could be liable.

That, he said, could affect insurance rates or the ability to get coverage.

“This isn’t costless to the town or the taxpayers,” he said.