Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Lake Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Boyne City to ban lake 'bubblers,' citing thin ice and public-safety risks
Summary
Residents told the Boyne City Commission that homeowners’ use of permanent “bubbler” de-icing systems is creating thin ice and open water around public access points. Multiple speakers urged the commission to enforce the existing ordinance or adopt a ban to protect children and winter recreation.
Several residents urged the Boyne City Commission March 9 to take tougher action on privately owned “bubblers” — devices that keep lake water from freezing near docks — saying the systems create dangerous thin ice and obstruct public navigation.
Jackie McCoy, of Lower Lake Drive, told commissioners the current bubbler ordinance “has not been adequately enforced” and called the devices “death traps” that produce open water near shore, leaving children and other users at risk. “They are creating thin ice and open water,” McCoy said, and urged the commission to enact a new ordinance banning bubblers installed to protect private permanent docks within city limits.
Other speakers described recent close calls. Sarah Bzinski said snowshoers nearly walked into open water caused by a neighbor’s bubbler and said her young children are now told not to go on the ice. Pam Manning, who spoke in support of stricter regulation, said the use of bubblers “compromises the ice and creates open water” near public access points and questioned whether the city has monitored and enforced the rule since it was enacted.
Speakers cited environmental concerns as well as safety. McCoy referenced watershed-group reporting that continuous de-icing can alter lake temperature and light penetration, potentially affecting algae and aquatic plants.
Commissioners did not adopt new regulations at the meeting. Instead they acknowledged the public safety concerns, asked staff to review enforcement steps and evidence submitted by residents and to report back with options for improving compliance or revising the ordinance. The matter was left as an action item for staff follow-up.
Why it matters: Bubblers are operated by a small number of lakeshore property owners but can affect the safety and use of public lake areas. Residents said they want clearer enforcement or an outright ban to ensure consistent winter access and reduce the risk of injury.
What happens next: Staff agreed to review the photographic evidence and complaint history provided by residents, summarize enforcement options and report back to the commission for possible ordinance amendments or enhanced enforcement procedures.
