Commission backs higher threshold and fee for initiating lake-management plans

The Planning Commission recommended that the Borough Assembly adopt Resolution 25-27 to amend MSB 15.24 and update the process for initiating and amending lake-management plans, including a change in thresholds and a new fee.

Alex Strong explained the principal changes: the initiation threshold would shift from 50% of responding shoreline property owners to 51% of all shoreline property owners, which staff said effectively raises the barrier because non-responses would count against petitions; lakes without public access would now require 51% of all shoreline owners (previously 60% of respondents), and lakes with legal public access would require an advisory ballot vote before advancing to planning commission and assembly. The amendment also institutes a $1,500 filing fee and requires petitioners to pay mailing and advertising costs.

Commissioners asked whether prior lake-management efforts produced outcry from property owners; staff said most disputes occur during the process and that after decisions people typically accept the outcomes, although staff acknowledged that some complaints may have been handled via phone lines not directly routed to planning staff. Commissioner McCabe moved and Commissioner Zagaroni seconded Resolution 25-27; with no objections the commission approved the recommendation to the assembly.

Next steps: the amendment and fee will be forwarded to the Borough Assembly for consideration; advisory-ballot timelines and public-notice procedures will apply to lakes with public access.