Board holds first readings on ATV routes, parking and speed-zone ordinance amendments

On March 11 the Chippewa County Board heard first readings on a package of ordinance amendments covering ATV/UTV route designations, expanded no-parking zones, and speed-zone adjustments. No final votes were taken; items were presented for initial board consideration and will return for later action.

County staff explained two requested ATV-route openings: sections of County Road F in the Town of Sampson connecting to County Road M, and an additional section of County M to provide ATV access to State Highway 40 near a convenience store. Staff said the changes would allow ATV/UTV travel on previously closed sections and that they were presented after requests from towns and users.

The board also reviewed proposed no-parking ordinance amendments on County Trunk Highway CC and County Trunk Highway 00 in the Village of Lake Hallie. Staff said the CC change extends an existing no-parking zone following a safety improvement study; the Lake Hallie change is intended to address sight-line and driveway-visibility problems near a curve and high-volume traffic.

Finally, staff presented several speed-zone ordinance updates to align posted signs with ordinance text and to reduce a 50-mph zone to 40 mph on portions of County Trunk Highway 00 after a traffic safety study. Supervisors asked questions about timing, the effect of construction projects and whether changes should wait until reconstruction is finished; staff indicated some reductions may be postponed until projects are complete.

All items were taken as first readings and will return for subsequent board action.