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City staff: $211,000 DNR grant approved for boat-launch project; committee discusses parking, trail and slow/no-wake enforcement
Summary
Staff reported a Department of Natural Resources grant for a boat-launch parking and courtesy-dock project; the committee discussed funding, trail connections, gazebo rentals and ongoing confusion about slow/no-wake enforcement across counties.
City staff told the New London Park and Recreation Committee that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has approved a grant for a boat-launch renovation that will include an expanded parking lot and a courtesy dock; staff said the grant is a 50/50 match with boat-launch funds and that construction documents and bid preparations are underway.
Ginger reported the DNR award as roughly $211,000 and later referenced a more specific figure in committee materials; a committee member asked whether the grant was $211,050.50. Staff said the remainder of the project match would come from boat-launch funds designated in the city’s capital accounts and that finance staff will manage any temporary cash-flow needs.
The planned project includes renovating the parking lot, adding an overflow parking area, installing a courtesy dock for pick-ups after launch, and resurfacing trail segments between the property line and the parking area. Staff said some parking will require a boat-launch pass while smaller spaces could remain open to the public to serve the sculpture-trail users; the committee discussed possible enforcement for kayak vs. motor-boat parking and suggested further review.
Committee members also discussed the gazebo near the launch area: staff said it is currently an available free shelter and already has rental requests for the summer. The project could include better access and pedestrian connections to support trail use and safe walking routes in future phases.
Committee members and members of the public raised concerns about inconsistent slow/no-wake postings and enforcement across neighboring jurisdictions. Staff said they have received multiple public complaints about high wakes causing property damage and that reporting channels and responsibility are unclear because the river spans multiple counties. The meeting record shows staff is investigating which agencies should be notified and how enforcement and buoy postings are coordinated among county emergency management and sheriff’s departments; the committee agreed this topic should return as a future agenda item.
Staff said McMahon (an engineering firm) has prepared bid documents and the grant agreement will be brought to the full council for approval in a future meeting so the city can begin construction.
