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Trustees approve resolution to allow fishing at Prohaska Family Memorial Park ponds
Summary
After a public comment urging access, trustees voted to supersede a prior no‑fishing policy and allow fishing at Prohaska Family Memorial Park’s ponds under state fishing regulations; staff said ponds were previously stocked with perch, bluegill and bullheads.
Trustees voted to allow fishing in the ponds at Prohaska Family Memorial Park, reversing an earlier restriction and placing anglers under standard state fishing regulations.
The decision followed a public comment from a resident who asked the board to “allow fishing of the ponds at the park” and urged trustees to consider signage and access improvements. Staff told the board the ponds had been stocked by the previous owner and that the main ponds contain perch, bluegills and bullheads.
The item returned the issue to the board after earlier conservation hearings and a prior committee recommendation (circa 2018) to prohibit fishing. Staff said maintenance and modest access work — brushing and trail clearing the village has already done — improved shoreline access and that more substantial infrastructure (for example, fishing piers) could be considered in future park improvements. Staff also said the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advised that recreational fishing would not permanently deplete the ponds: “After talking with DNR, they said literally, you will not fish them out. It’ll decline, but we’ll come back,” a staff member reported.
Public comment: Nicholas Wilson, identified himself with an address in Weston, told trustees: “I am here to support proving resolution 2,005 dash 0 0 2 and allow fishing of the ponds at the park. Last time I visited the park, there were not any sign indicating the fishing wasn't allowed.”
Trustees then moved the resolution and the chair called the vote. The meeting minutes record the motion and a voice vote: “All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passed.” The board did not record a roll‑call tally in the public transcript; staff will implement the policy under state regulatory limits (bag limits and species regulations).
Ending: Trustees approved the resolution to permit fishing at Prohaska ponds under state regulations and directed staff to continue modest shoreline access improvements; any future infrastructure additions (piers, signage) would be considered as part of park improvement planning.
