by Lori Adler, reporter

Two resolutions are available for public review and comment this week with Rhinelander City Council to vote on these items at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, June 24. The resolutions involve the creation of an ATV/UTV ordinance and continuance of the Hodag Park improvement planning. In addition, the council will vote on the creation of a temporary ad hoc committee for property and infrastructure.

The ATV/UTV ordinance would open ATV/UTV usage to all Rhinelander public streets except Lincoln and Stevens. The ordinance would prohibit drivers under 16 without an adult present. Other regulations include a 35 mph speed limit and require working headlights, taillights, and brake lights. In addition, “cruising” would be prohibited, and noise ordinances would be enforced. The public can view this ordinance at http://bit.ly/ATVsUTVs. Comments will be accepted through Thursday, June 20. The interim city attorney, Hector De La Mora, will be making any necessary changes to this draft ordinance and will present a final version for city council vote at Monday’s meeting.

The resolution regarding Hodag Park is for the continuation of the planning process for improvements to the park as well as authorization for JDS Professional Services to continue working on the plans. The cost for the next phase of planning by JDS would be approximately $28,500. The city council can resolve to accept JDS’ plans thus far and allow JDS to continue the planning process, to reject JDS’ plans and request proposals from other planners, or reject JDS’s plans and the entire Hodag Park improvement plan altogether. The resolution can be viewed at http://bit.ly/HodagPark Public comments on this resolution will be accepted through Thursday, June 20.

Also to be voted upon at the June 24 meeting is the creation of a temporary ad hoc committee on property and infrastructure. If approved, the committee would review plans, receive reports and updates, and make presentations to the council regarding activities related to Public Works. The committee will not have the power to make decisions, but rather review documentation and make recommendations to the city council. This committee would consist of the Mayor, one city council member, and up to three private citizens. The committee would meet the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. from July through November.  Mayor Chris Frederickson is requesting alderpersons and citizens who would like to participate to submit a letter outlining their interest in serving on this committee along with any professional, technical, or educational experience that would be applicable. To be considered, letters must be received by Wednesday, July 3, and appointments will be made at the July 8 city council meeting. Letters can be directed to Mayor Frederickson (mayor@rhinelandercityhall.org) or City Administration Guild (cityadministrator@rhinelandercityhall.org).