Resident urges Greendale to study fountain, cleaning for Valley Woods Pond

A Greendale resident asked the City Council to consider installing a fountain or other aeration measures at Valley Woods Pond and to explore water-treatment options after he found a strong odor and 'muck' while cleaning the shoreline.

"I was cleaning this pond earlier this week... I found out it was smelly," Drew Christman said during the public-comment period, and suggested a fountain or "little tablets you can put in the water to decrease the muck." He said he lives in Valley Woods and is planning activities near the pond.

Mayor (presiding official) told Christman the council will look into the matter and asked staff to review ownership covenants that might limit docks, swimming or other changes. "Anthony needs to do his homework on the covenants for the pond," the mayor said, and said the issue will be considered during the August budget session to obtain prices and options.

Council members and staff discussed technical and legal constraints: fluctuating water levels (members reported roughly three feet of fluctuation during heavy rains), whether the pond is managed by the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR manages other area ponds but Valley Woods was described as not DNR-managed), and the need to size pumps and provide electricity for fountains. One council member suggested simpler aeration options such as air blowers rather than electrically driven lake pumps.

No formal vote or commitment of funds was made. The mayor directed staff to research covenants, possible DNR rules, pump sizing and cost estimates before the August budget session so the council can consider whether to include a fountain or other treatment in next budget proposals.