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Pewaukee staff proposes higher boat‑launch fees, cameras and digital payments to curb nonpayment
Summary
The committee reviewed a proposal to replace the Lakeview Boulevard launch, add cameras with license‑plate capture, introduce digital payments, and raise fees to the DNR‑allowed maximums after revenue fell from ~$12,000 to ~$5,000 annually.
Unidentified Speaker 2 proposed changing boat‑launch fees and upgrading Lakeview Boulevard launch infrastructure to address falling revenues and enforcement challenges. He said the current launch generates about $5,000 annually compared with roughly $12,000 four years ago and that envelopes left in the payment box now often contain no cash. "So what I'm recommending is that we move to charging the maximum that the DNR allows us to charge," Speaker 2 said, listing sample rates: $13 for boats under 20 feet, $17 for larger residential launches and a 150% nonresidential maximum of $25.50; he also proposed a seasonal permit under the DNR cap (example shown as $130).
Staff recommended replacing the floating launch with a concrete structure, extending the pier to ease power loading, adding camera systems including license‑plate capture for enforcement, and offering online or QR payments so enforcement can target vehicles without valid permits. Committee members asked about restroom options, camera capabilities and grant funding; Speaker 2 said staff has budgeted for the project ($150,000 mentioned) and will seek grants to offset costs.
A committee motion was made to send the proposal to council for approval; members voted in favor.
The committee also discussed whether smaller neighborhood launches (e.g., Oak Street for kayaks) should be charged or monitored and noted enforcement challenges for non‑motorized craft in areas without parking.
