Waupun Mulling Ordinance Allowing ATVs On City Streets

(Waupun) All-terrain vehicles may be allowed on city streets in Waupun. The common council discussed changing the ordinance during their meeting this week. While many of the details are still being hammered out, Police Chief Scott Louden says it should be required that all riders wear protective headgear. He says safety is of high importance to him which is why he is making this recommendation.

City Attorney Daniel Vande Zande says the proposed ordinance change would limit ATV and UTV speeds to 35-miles-per-hour or less within city limits. It would also allow Waupun to close or modify ATV and UTV routes at any time. Vande Zande told the council there needs to be a definitive timeframe to prohibit use of all-terrain vehicles. He says early discussions show a restriction from sunset to sunrise or 10pm to 7am which was what he included in the drafted ordinance. Alderman Michael Matoushek suggested changing the window of time to 10pm to 6am.

Vande Zande says the council could adopt the ordinance under a trial period. He says they could enact the ordinance and have it expire automatically within a certain period of time unless action is taking to extend it. He says another option would be to pass the ordinance and publicly announce that there will be a review to reevaluate how the ordinance is working.

Alderman Jason Westphal made a motion to have Vande Zande make recommended changes to the ordinance with possible adoption to come at next month’s meeting. The council voted 3-2 with Pete Kaczmarski and Ryan Mielke voting no.