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Council approves shared-roadway recommendation for ATVs/UTVs over referendum objections, 5–3
Summary
After public comment and committee discussion, the council approved a public-works recommendation to allow certain shared-roadway designations for ATVs/UTVs, voting 5–3 despite an earlier referendum in which most districts voted 'no.'
The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council voted 5–3 on Jan. 20 to approve a public-works committee recommendation related to shared-roadway access for ATVs and UTVs.
Alderman Palmquist moved to approve the committee's recommendation and Alderman Austin seconded. Discussion focused on a prior referendum and the practicality of signage and jurisdictional enforcement.
Alderman Katana summarized the referendum results by district, noting District 1 (Ryan Austin's district) was the only district to vote in favor while Districts 2 through 8 recorded 'no' votes, with District 8 the strongest 'no.' Alderman Pompas urged the council to address signage and cross-jurisdiction confusion and said the committee recommendation would have the least impact on city residents: "We created the problem, and we are the only ones to blame" if the city did not provide clear indicators, she said.
Resident Sherry Cypress addressed the council at length opposing opening roads to ATVs and UTVs, saying the referendum outcome and years of debate showed the city should not change course. Cypress called the continued push "a lack of respect" for voters and urged the council to concentrate on crime, housing and economic development instead of reopening roads.
After public comment and council discussion, the motion to adopt the public-works committee recommendation carried 5–3. The meeting record shows continuing division among council members and strong public sentiment recorded during the comment period.
