Lakeville residents ask council to curb trespassing, fishing at HOA pond

Several residents from a Lakeville homeowners association told the City Council on May 5 that people are repeatedly accessing the pond behind their homes, entering HOA property and invading residents’ privacy.

Catherine Kane, a registered nurse who lives at 17358 Eloqua Avenue, said neighbors have called police three times in four days and that people fishing at the pond have “trespass[ed] on our HOA private property, urinate[d] in plain sight, and leave garbage.” She said some visitors have targeted wildlife and that teens have “stare[d] in and wave[d]” at residents’ windows. “We feel pretty threatened, intimidated,” Kane said.

Thomas Kane, who identified himself as Cassie’s husband and also lives on Elkwood Avenue, said the homes are “literally only 20 feet from the edge of the pond” and that people have taken pictures or video of residents through windows. He asked the council to consider posting no-fishing or no-trespassing signs on the half of the pond that borders the HOA and urged continued police involvement; he said police told residents that some people were on Lakeville property at times.

The council did not adopt any formal action during public comment. Mayor Luke Hellyer said staff would follow up and indicated the city had contact information for the residents.

Why it matters: Residents said the incidents are affecting quality of life and sleep, and some reported considering moving because of ongoing privacy concerns. The request poses a city policy question about whether to post regulatory signage or take steps to limit access on city-owned shoreline when adjacent private yards are within a short distance.

What council said and next steps: Council members acknowledged the concerns and asked staff to follow up with the homeowners to review property lines and possible options. No ordinance, resolution, or formal motion was made at the meeting; the matter was raised during the public comment period and remains at the citizen‑request stage.

Context and background: The residents said the foot traffic increased after a bike path was installed on the far side of the pond. They emphasized they are not opposed to children fishing in general but seek limits on access that places people directly behind houses and near windows.

Clarifying details: Residents provided photographs and videos to councilmember Michelle Volk and indicated they have documented multiple incidents. They said police responded three times in the prior week but described mixed results when officers said some visitors were on Lakeville property rather than HOA land.

Ending: The council meeting record shows no further action was taken at the May 5 meeting; staff follow-up was promised and may produce a future agenda item if legal or enforcement options are identified.