Chairman Burlingame spoke about the ATV/UTV/RTV use on roads has been asked to go to referendum. The subject has been sent to the Town attorney to begin the process.

Supervisor Walt Christensen proposed a one-year sunset for the ordinance, upon adoption. At which time, the board will re-evaluate the ordinance and can make changes, or adopt its continuation.

Deputy Crose was present and spoke that the Sheriff’s office has had very few complaints regarding ATV use. Supervisor Hill asked him what his experience was with underage drivers operating ATVs on public roads. Deputy Crose responded that most underage drivers drive on private land, and do not come out onto the roads. All liability would fall back onto the parents of the underage drivers. He also asked regarding the stability and safety of ATVs and how the safety would differ from motorcycles. Deputy Crose that ATVs travel at slower speeds and he believes ATVs are safer as “Four wheels are better than two.”

Supervisor Hoffman mentioned that his understanding is that ATV drivers must hold a valid driver’s license. Deputy Crose affirmed that ATV drivers are required to hold a valid driver’s license.

Chairman Burlingame asked what are the posted speed limits in different township. Deputy Crose responded that the speed limit is 35mph and in residential areas the limit is 25 mph. He suggested signage for ATV speed limits if different than posted speed limit. Chairman Burlingame also said that in the ATV manual, ATV operators must travel in single file, cannot pass each other or another vehicle and travel at posted speeds, staying as far right as possible on the roadway.

Supervisor Christensen spoke about the increasing population, and the conflict with neighbors. A number of the conditions in this ordinance go to the operators to be respectful of their neighbors. Limit repeated passes in residential areas. He noted that a resident has observed ATV users driving recklessly. Safety is a concern and the Traffic Safety Commission is not greatly concerned with ATVs on the roads.

Supervisor Hill stated that he favored opening the Town roads to ATVs, except the roads that the Town shares ownership with the City of Fort Atkinson. As well as residential areas that are surrounded by the city unless we can find a safe and clear exit for ATV operators.

Chairman Burlingame mentioned that the Town has received letters from the City of Fort Atkinson officials. In these letters, the city states ATV use is not allowed on city roadways.

Supervisor Hoffman asked, why do they allow their people to use ATVs on the city streets, but no one else?

Supervisor Christensen spoke about signage, and stated that in the town of Sumner, an area ATV club paid for the signs, and the town has control of placement.

Noah T. Rusch of Axley Attorneys spoke about the specifics for the signage can be included in the ordinance.

Supervisor Brandenburg said that he objects to opening roads that adjoin the city, however, he is in favor in the rural areas of the township.

Chairman Burlingame mentioned the Town had received about 60 emails and 60% of them are against opening the roads. Each road needs to be looked at individually when it comes to considering ATV use. He continued, there are roads that are landlocked in the city, and others ATV operators would have to leave the county to get on Town roads. He further stated that the Town’s ordinances need to mirror Jefferson County in order for the Sheriff’s Department to enforce them. He further mentioned that he feels the club members are not the issue with ATV use. There is no tourism in the Township, the town does not even have a gas station. The ordinance also needs to address the multiple needs of our resident ATV owners.

Supervisor Christensen spoke about the subdivisions. There are a lot of residents who walk in their subdivision. He continued to mention that the board needs to look into which roads will be allowed for ATV use. Let the ATV operators get out of the subdivisions.

Supervisor Hill suggests that a cruising ordinance to help with the subdivision concerns that will limit the number of passes allowed. The board should create an ordinance that can be changed so that subdivisions can opt in to allowing ATV use, and others can opt out. If the majority within a subdivision cannot allow ATV use, but can allow for ATV operators to leave and enter the subdivision.

Supervisor Brandenburg stated that riders living in subdivisions should take the most direct route out and in of the subdivisions.

Supervisor Christensen asked the residents to think about what roads should be allowed for ATV use, and to what purpose.

Workshop adjourned at 6:45 pm.

Bridget Woods Town Clerk

Published 08/13/2022