Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Beach Boating Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board seeks clarification on motorized access at Bartles Beach, buoy/no-wake options discussed
Summary
Board members raised swimmer-safety concerns at Bartles Beach and asked staff to research buoy placement and no-wake authority; they noted existing city ordinance distance limits from swim ropes and that buoys/marked no-wake zones may require regional approval.
Lake Mills Parks Board members on Dec. 8 discussed motorized access to Bartles Beach and ways to reduce conflicts between swimmers and motorized craft.
"We'd like to either eliminate or very much minimize motorized access to Bartles Beach for safety," Mary Schmeagger said, noting the board had reviewed existing slip placement and city ordinances that require distance from swim ropes. Drake told members that buoy markers and a marked no-wake zone might require approval beyond the Joint Rock Lake Committee and that staff would need to learn which agency approves buoy placement and any regulatory steps.
Members discussed options including moving the swimmer rope, buoy-marked no-wake zones and coordination with the township, Joint Rock Lake Committee and DNR. Drake said he will follow up to identify the proper approval body and report back to the parks board. The board emphasized prioritizing swimmer safety while accounting for existing boat slips and usage patterns.
Next steps: staff will research the legal/administrative approvals needed for buoy placement or a no-wake zone, consult Joint Rock Lake Committee and county/DNR contacts, and present options to the board for possible referral to council or joint action.
