Board directs staff to revise ordinance after survey shows majority support for ATV/UTV use on county highways ≤35 mph

The Village of Salem Lakes board instructed staff on July 21 to prepare revisions to the village ordinance to allow all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on county trunk highways in the village where speed limits are 35 miles per hour or less, after receiving results from an administrator‑issued survey. Clerk/Administrator staff reported 489 survey responses. For sample roads listed in the packet, about 84–86% of respondents answered “yes” to allowing ATVs/UTVs on County Highways W, B, SA, F and AH within the 35 mph or less restriction. The packet and public discussion noted neighboring communities (Twin Lakes, Wheatland, Bristol) had adopted similar ordinances; trustees discussed signage costs and said ATV clubs would pay for signage if required. President Buecher asked whether the survey was publicized; staff said it was shared by email, on the village website and via SurveyMonkey. The board voted to direct staff to proceed with revising the ATV/UTV ordinance; no ordinance text was adopted at the meeting and the item will return for formal action. Why it matters: a revised ordinance would expand where ATVs/UTVs may legally operate on public roads within the village and requires ordinance drafting, signage and coordination with county highway authorities. The board noted the changes are limited to county highways with 35 mph or lower speed limits and stressed signage and safety considerations. Next steps: staff will draft ordinance language and return a proposed ordinance for board consideration; the board did not adopt specific roads tonight and requested staff work with county partners on implementation details and possible signage funding.