Several Delafield residents and representatives from the Nagawicka Lake Yacht Club urged the Common Council on Oct. 20 to halt or rethink plans for a proposed six‑slip pier in St. John’s Bay, raising concerns about lake ecology, long‑term maintenance costs, policing and equitable public access.

Paul Jaworski, the new commodore of the Nagawicka Lake Yacht Club, told the council the club accepted the neighbors’ decision to deny additional on‑street parking and emphasized the club’s role in community events, youth sailing instruction and regional regattas. Jean Nagel, representing the club’s sailing school, described the program’s history and said the school serves many youth and contributes to the local economy.

Several residents addressed St. John’s Bay directly. Chloe Wanschneider objected to a six‑slip pier proposal, said the DNR has designated the bay as an area of sensitivity, and urged the council to ‘‘fear not’’ and protect the bay. Frances Bills and Jackie Lyden warned that construction and ongoing maintenance of piers would create new municipal costs — lighting, toilets, policing, paving and signage — and that such costs would ultimately fall on taxpayers. They recommended a safer, lower‑cost kayak/canoe/paddleboard launch and suggested partnering with regional recreation programs.

Carol McAllister asked the council to prioritize other municipal repairs (brick crosswalks, playground equipment, city hall steps) that she said would benefit larger numbers of residents rather than funding piers that primarily serve a small set of boat owners.

Lake Welfare Commission updates earlier in the meeting signaled staff and commissioners are considering several lake issues: possible future permitting of wake‑surfing boats, erosion and stormwater runoff on the lake’s east side, and equipping police lake patrol with a decibel meter to enforce excessive‑noise complaints. Alderman Price said he would meet with the police chief on the sound‑meter proposal.

No formal council action on St. John’s Bay pier construction was recorded in the transcript. Public comment concluded and the council proceeded to other agenda items.

Speakers and the city noted possible follow‑up: the yacht club leader said he would reach out to neighbors to hear feedback and the city indicated lake‑policy items (wake boats, erosion mitigation, noise enforcement tools) will be discussed by Lake Welfare and relevant staff.