Common Council holds first reading of ordinance
By Robert Cloud
The Common Council held a first reading on a proposed ATV/UTV ordinance at its Sept. 8 meeting.
A resolution to accept the first reading to designate ATV-UTV routes in the city of New London passed on a 7-3 vote.
Ald. Robert Besaw, Mike Barrington and Dennis Herter voted against the resolution.
Voting for the resolution were John Faucher, Fred Zaug, Tom O’Connell, Lori Dean, David Dorey, Mike Pinch and David Morack.
The proposed ordinance allows ATVs and UTVs on all city streets except for a list of those where the vehicles are prohibited.
Prohibited streets
• County Trunk S
• County Trunk T (Mill Street) south of Beckert Road
• North Shawano Street north of Partridge Drive
• U.S. Highway 45
• State Highway 54 (Fairview Drive)
• North Shawano Street from North Water Street to Partridge Drive is point-to-point travel only.
ATV/UTV routes do not include public properties, city-owned parks and school district properties, except designated public parking lots.
Regulations
Operation of ATVs and UTVs will not be legal until official signage designating the routes is installed.
The proposed ordinance also prohibits operating ATVs and UTVs under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
ATV/UTV operators must drive no faster than 35 mph or the posted speed limit, whichever is the lowest.
ATVs and UTVs may operate only on paved surfaces, unless yielding the right of way.
If the vehicles are with a group, they must move in a single file.
ATVs and UTVs are required to have fully functional headlights, tail lights and brake lights.
Headlights must be turned on while traveling in New London.
Routes will be closed from Dec. 15 to April 1.
However, operators may continue to use the vehicles for snow removal.
ATVs and UTVs must meet federal noise and air pollution standards.
Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
No passengers are allowed on vehicles not designed for passengers.
Every person who operates an ATV or UTV in New London must have a valid driver’s license and carry liability insurance.
The proposed ordinance also prohibits “cruising,” defined as “running all or part of a length of roadway multiple times per day, back and forth, for any purpose other than departing or arriving at their residence, or place of lodging, or departing or arriving at a public boat landing.”
The ordinance also requires a proper exhaust or muffler system to “prevent any excessive or unusual noise or annoying smoke.”
The use of trailers or sleds are also prohibited.