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.
A. 
Each of the above lakes shall be closed to all motorized watercraft, unless specifically permitted under § 137-11 herein, when one of the lakes reaches the following applicable elevation:
(1) 
Lake Arrowhead: 964.50.
(2) 
Lake Camelot: 1012.50.
(3) 
Lake Sherwood: 993.40.
B. 
Upon a lake reaching the applicable elevation for closure, the Police Chief, or his designee, shall take all measures necessary to reasonably notify the public of the closure and to secure the public access points to the lakes. Reasonable notification shall include, without limitation, posting notices in various public places in the Town and notifying the media via a press release.
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.