Recreational vehicles allowed on Waupaca streets

By Angie Landsverk

ATVs and UTVs are now allowed on most streets in the city of Waupaca.

Earlier this month, the Waupaca Common Council approved the ordinance by a vote of 7-2.

Dmitri Martin and Mary Phair voted no. Steve Hackett was absent for the vote.

The ordinance took effect on Nov. 14, when it was published.

A public hearing was held prior to the council’s vote.

No one spoke for or against the ordinance.

Operation is authorized on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.

The city’s downtown area is the exception.

Where ATVs and UTVs are prohibited

• North and south on Main Street, from Badger to Granite streets.

• East and west on Union Street, from South Division to Washington streets.

• East and west on Fulton Street, from Jefferson to Washington streets.

• North and south on Jefferson Street, from Badger to Fulton streets.

• East and west on West Session Street, from North Washington to North Main streets.

Operation is also prohibited on sidewalks and trails.

Phair asked if that means all city parks and trails are off limits.

City Administrator Aaron Jenson responded, “Correct.”

There is no time limit for operating the vehicles.

Ald. Paul Hagen again expressed concerns about that part of the ordinance, saying he does not think it is good to allow them on city streets when it is bar time.

Martin asked if someone who lost a license for drinking and driving under the influence could drive an ATV or UTV.

City Attorney Tom Hart said a driver’s license is not required. A safety certificate would be required.

He noted operation of ATVs and UTVS mirrors state statutes related to driving under the influence.

Martin also asked if there were any unbiased opinions regarding the concerns of some council members.

Police Chief Brian Hoelzel recently attended a chief’s meeting.

About six agencies from communities similar to Waupaca were represented.

“The only community I believe had an issue was Rhinelander,” Hoelzel said.

That involved someone operating a UTV under the influence, he said.

“Let’s also understand three of the four towns surrounding us have approved ATVs and UTVs and have no time restriction, so it could be confusing,” said Mayor Brian Smith.

Ald. Eric Olson said, “If we go with 24 hours, we can always amend it down the road if there’s issues.”

Hagen said the other municipalities around the city do not have the concentration of bars the city has.