Town of Port is next to grapple with ATV issue

The controversial question of whether to allow all-terrain and utility task vehicles on town roads has made its way to the Town of Port Washington.

The Town Board on Monday was asked by the Lakeshore ATV/UTV Club to pass an ordinance allowing these recreational vehicles to use on town roads.

The Town Board took no action on the proposal but is expected to consider it when it meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 7.

“I would like to hear more citizen input,” Town Chairman Mike Didier said.

It is the latest township in northern Ozaukee County to be asked to allow the use of these vehicles on local roads.

The Town of Fredonia last year became the first township in the county to allow the use of these vehicles on town roads.

While the decision there wasn’t controversial, it has proven to be divisive in the Town of Belgium, where officials have been debating the question for more than nine months.

There, a number of residents have opposed the proposed ordinance, citing safety concerns and a fear that the town will become a magnet for people who will abuse the privilege.

The Town Board on Monday referred the matter to the Plan Commission, which is expected to consider it in June. The Town Board could then act on the issue in July.

The Lakeshore ATV/UTV Club was started in the Town of Belgium two years ago and has about 100 members from throughout the northern end of the county, Bob Hubing, a member of the club’s road route committee, told the Port Town Board.

“We’re family oriented,” he said. “It’s a great pastime for the elderly.”

The club is asking the Town Board to approve an ordinance that would open all town roads and county or state roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less.

“There really are not a whole lot of roadways that are eligible (in the town),” Hubing noted.

That’s one drawback, Didier said, adding that it would be difficult to travel any distance because few of the town roads connect.

Under the proposed ordinance, drivers could only operate on the paved portions of roads but must stay to the “extreme right” side of the road unless making a left turn. Groups would be required to ride in single file.

Riders younger than 18 would be required to wear helmets. Operators younger than 16 must be “in direct verbal supervision of a parent or legal guardian” while driving an ATV or UTV.

The Town of Fredonia’s ordinance only allows ATVs and UTVs on the road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, Hubing added.

The recreational vehicles would only be allowed on the roads after signs have been posted, he noted — an expense the club will pick up since it is asking for the routes, he said.

“I think the biggest headache is the funding for the signs,” Hubing said, noting the cost in the Town of Port is expected to be about $2,400. “We don’t expect the Town of Port Washington to pay for them.”

Didier noted that ATVs and UTVs are currently allowed on town roads if they are licensed as farm vehicles, even on county roads.

“In the (agricultural) district, it’s not uncommon to see ATVs coming down the road,” he said. “I saw one today.”

It’s also common in northern portions of the state, Didier said.

“I go north of Green Bay and there are ATVs everywhere,” he said. “It’s as common as apple pie.”

Hubing noted that, if the ordinance is approved by Ozaukee County communities, people would be able to drive their ATVs and UTVs “to the Sunset Grill on Lake Winnebago.”

He noted that the club plans to approach the villages of Fredonia and Belgium “down the road” with similar measures.

Although Didier said he didn’t expect opposition to the proposed ordinance in the township, one resident at the meeting said he doesn’t like the idea of allowing these vehicles on the town’s roads.

“The farm community doesn’t want those things on the roads,” he said. “Where do you go when there’s traffic, there’s equipment?”