Council undecided on Arcadia UTV, ATV use

The Arcadia city council again made no decision on whether some city streets should be open to use by ATVs and UTVs, perhaps delaying action until a specific proposal for opening some streets is drafted.

Some council members last Wednesday indicated they could support access that would allow riders to reach gas stations, restaurants and motels. 

“I could see a few access points,” said council member Dan Sonsalla, “that would encourage tourism. Maybe we could designate some corridor streets” to city businesses. Member Julie Hurlburt said she could support opening streets to give riders a chance to go to restaurants. Member Joe Feltes said he knows of city residents who wish to travel in the city on the vehicles.

Mayor Rob Reichwein said the city has allowed snowmobiles on city streets to allow riders to go from their homes to trails and “it has not been abused.” Reichwein said he and city staff will draft a proposal for future council consideration.

Use of city streets for ATVs and UTVs has been up for council consideration since the county opened some of its highways, including those on the city of Arcadia’s border, to riders last summer. 

Arcadia resident Todd Fetsch reiterated his objections to the vehicles, saying they would be too noisy. 

Fetsch also told the council that the ice rink he has been promoting in Schultz Park would be useable as of last weekend and that trails have been groomed for cross-country skiing in Memorial Park.  

Reichwein told the council that Emily Rybarczyk, a part-time police officer who was recently promoted to full-time, has resigned. The candidate for the full-time post that was consider when Rybarczyk was hired will be offered the job pending a background check, Reichwein said.

The council will also review and possibly set limits on the cost of parties for retiring long-time city employees.