Superior council approves ordinance designating motorized recreational vehicle routes after public support and debate

The Superior Common Council voted to adopt an ordinance amending the parks and recreation chapter to designate routes for motorized recreational vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles. The motion to approve, moved by Councilor Bender and seconded by Councilor Kern, passed on a voice vote after public testimony and council discussion.

Supporters included representatives of local ATV clubs, tourism officials and county trail advocates who said connecting routes would boost tourism and local businesses. Bernie Conklin, president of the Swords ATV Club, described potential business benefits and said his club would help fund signage. Taylor Peterson of the Superior Visitor Bureau said the routes would have “a significant impact on businesses throughout Douglas County,” and county representatives said approved routes in other jurisdictions had not produced accidents in their experience.

Council debate focused on enforcement and design. Council members reviewed enforcement authority (city police, county sheriff and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources may enforce different provisions), venue for disputed citations (Douglas County Circuit Court), and how routes are selected to avoid residential neighborhoods. Councilors noted an estimated signage cost of about $6,500 and discussed phased implementation and public outreach. Councilor Riley Van Sickle argued for referral to a committee and raised concerns about sidewalks and pedestrian impacts; that referral motion failed.

After debate, the council held a voice vote. The ayes prevailed and the ordinance was adopted; the transcript records the outcome as carried by voice vote. The ordinance includes enforcement provisions assigning authority to municipal and county law enforcement and references state statutes for DNR enforcement.