The Town of Rome has within its boundaries three large artificial
lakes, to wit: Lake Arrowhead, Lake Camelot, and Lake Sherwood. Heavy
rains, sometimes combined with snow melt, can cause the water of these
lakes to rise to levels that present a danger to the shorelines and
flow control structures. Wakes created by motorized watercraft aggravate
the problems and danger presented by high water levels.
In an effort to minimize the adverse effects of high water levels,
the Town of Rome has determined that it is necessary to close the
lakes to watercraft when the lakes reach predetermined elevations
that have been established as presenting an emergency condition. Said
lake elevations have been identified in conjunction with the Tri-Lakes
Management District, the Adams County Land and Water Conservation
Department and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Further,
the Town has taken into consideration historical evidence associated
with past periods of heavy rain and snow melt. The Town has endeavored
to balance the rights of the public to use public waterways and the
safety concerns associated with high water conditions.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. II)]
The Town of Rome adopts this article pursuant to the authority
granted to towns in §§ 323.11 and 323.14(3) and (4), Wis.
Stats.
During the period of lake closure, the Police Chief, with approval
from the Town Chairperson, may allow for limited operation of motorized
watercraft for the purpose of safely securing watercraft. In the event
that the Police Chief determines that limited operation of motorized
watercraft during a period of lake closure is permitted, motorized
watercraft shall travel no faster than the slowest possible speed
necessary to maintain steerage.
During the period of lake closure, the lake levels shall be monitored regularly. The closure of the lakes shall terminate upon the lake levels falling below the applicable levels set forth in §
137-11 herein for a continuous period of 18 hours. The Police Chief or his designee shall then remove all notices pertaining to the closure of the lakes and shall provide a press release to the media regarding the reopening of the lakes.
Any person convicted of using a motorized watercraft in violation
of a lake closure pursuant to this article shall forfeit a fine of
no more than $100, plus costs, for each violation.