Committee backs no‑parking zone on County Highway 0, directs speed study

Marathon County’s Infrastructure Committee approved a measure to restrict parking on the east side of County Highway 0 between Basswood Lane and Strand Lane (Town of Burgeon) and directed staff to conduct a speed study to evaluate whether further measures — including a reduced speed limit — are appropriate.

Trish Hartwig, owner of Reservoir Dogs Saloon, told the committee she has operated the business for nearly five years and that limited parking has pushed patrons to park along the highway. Hartwig said the business supports community efforts and animal rescue and that while incidents have been rare, the stretch of highway also sees bicyclists, dog walkers and side‑by‑sides that create safety concerns.

County staff (Kevin) said parking on both sides of the 55 mph roadway can reduce clearance to about 22 feet and limit drivers’ ability to avoid unexpected hazards; staff proposed installing no‑parking signs on the east side and placing the restriction into county ordinance. Committee members debated whether a reduced speed limit could be appropriate in some locations but noted a speed study is required to change posted limits.

Supervisor Soibert moved to restrict parking to the west side only; Supervisor Griner seconded. The committee voted unanimously to forward the ordinance change to the full county board and directed staff to perform a speed study and return findings to the committee before further action.

Next steps: staff will draft the ordinance language, install no‑parking signs if approved by the county board, and conduct a speed study to inform any future speed‑limit changes.