Aaron Rugh says he just wants to level the playing field-or, more accurately, expand what’s allowed on Chebeague Island’s 15 miles of public roads. 

“On an island where bikes and dilapidated cars and trucks are used, it makes sense to open the roads to other vehicles,” Rugh, a Chebeague resident and owner of a financial services firm in Falmouth, told Chebeague Island Selectmen and other town officials at a public hearing on November 4. Rugh wants the Town of Chebeague to approve an ordinance permitting use of off-highway vehicles and golf carts on public roads.

Rugh believes that Chebeague is an “ideal environment” for less conventional, more fuel efficient, more easily maintained vehicles. As a result, he said he has made every effort to create legislation that is “Chebeague-friendly.”

The public hearing on Rugh’s citizen’s initiative proposal is the second since October 7 and is intended to help the town selectmen gauge public reaction to the idea. Eleven people attended the November hearing. Selectmen will decide whether or not to place Rugh’s proposed ordinance on the agenda of a town meeting in December or January.

 The proposal is the first citizen’s initiative for the new town of Chebeague Island. And, according to Selectman Herb Maine, it demonstrates the value of letting islanders decide their own rules.

“The amazing thing about Aaron’s proposal is that it is a conversation we probably wouldn’t be having if we were still a part of the Town of Cumberland. Now we can consider an idea from a member of the community, one that impacts only the island, and act on it if we decide it’s in Chebeague’s best interest. That is one of the reasons we seceded,” said Maine after the meeting. Chebeague became its own town on July 1 2007.

Rugh agrees. He said he is appreciative of the fact that his voice can be heard.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance is not solely an ATV ordinance, according to Rugh. It also covers utility vehicles and mini-trucks. The category also includes motorcycles and “motor-driven, off-road recreational vehicles that can travel on . . . natural terrain.” Golf carts are treated as a separate class under the ordinance. Rugh has excluded snowmobiles, farm and construction vehicles. Essentially, the ordinance would allow these off-highway vehicles and golf carts to travel on public roads maintained by the Town of Chebeague. It would require the operators to be licensed and the vehicles to be registered and insured.

Rugh’s proposed ordinance permits the use of ATV’s on designated public streets, with a license and proper insurance. A similar ordinance, allowing ATV’s on public roads, is in place on neighboring Long Island. It was voted on at the May 2007 Town Meeting. Mark Greene, a resident of Long Island and Maine Islands Coalition representative, said he has not heard of any problems with the expanded off-highway vehicle rule there. Town Clerk Brenda Singo agreed, citing a few incidents of people using ATV’s on the beaches. 

At Chebeague’s November discussion on the proposal, the selectmen encouraged Rugh to revise and clarify certain language. “The clearer you make it, the easier it is to understand,” said Selectman Donna Damon.

“Make sure you’re not restricting something that’s been going on for years,” suggested Ken Hamilton, a member of the audience. He voiced concern for the lobstermen, worrying that something too narrowly defined might restrict them from transporting their traps.

Selectman David Hill suggested a change in one section of the ordinance that would require operators to obtain permission before entering private property. Previously, Rugh had simply inserted a section of Maine law that required an operator to identify him or herself upon request of the landowner. Also, a section pertaining to golf carts is to be altered so that golf carts with headlights can operate on public ways after dark.

Rugh, who jokes that his legal experience is “watching it on TV,” estimates that he’s spent between 30 and 60 hours drafting the proposal. “Google is a great thing.” But he also conferred with local officials in Machias and Alexander as well as those in the state of Utah. All have off-highway vehicle legislation.

Chebeague Island is different than mainland communities, said Rugh. Cars used only on the island are not required to be inspected, and island cars don’t travel at high speeds or over long distances.  Adding other, non-traditional vehicles to the mix is simpler as a result.

The selectmen postponed voting, noting that more opinions from the public may emerge at the January meeting when it also will be discussed and then voted on by town residents. In the meantime, Hill and Rugh are going to work on a third draft, which will then be examined by the town attorney.

“Aaron, are you willing to take one more pass at this?” Maine asked.

“Absolutely,” Rugh answered with a smile.

Anna Maine is a Chebeague Island resident and the daughter of Selectman Herb Maine.