Lake Tomahawk board formally approves enhanced wake ordinance

It took less than one minute of the Lake Tomahawk Town Board’s 19-minute meeting on July 10 for the panel to formally approve a hazardous wake ordinance.

Two months ago, during its May 8 meeting, the board voted to send a draft of the proposed ordinance to town attorney Greg Harrold and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for review.

The resolution was drafted following a presentation about wake boats and the enhanced wakes they create led by Carol Phillips and her husband, Richard, a retired Exxon/Mobil attorney.

A public hearing was also held to gather input.

During Wednesday’s meeting, town chairman George DeMet noted that the DNR’s 60-day review period had ended. 

“It will be formally adopted tonight,” he said. “So, I make a motion to formally adopt this ordinance as we prepared 60 days ago.”

Town supervisor Lenore Lopez seconded DeMet’s motion and the ordinance passed unanimously. Once that was done, there was a round of applause. 

DeMet was asked to clarify whether the ordinance also covers Big Carr Lake. 

“All the lakes within Lake Tomahawk proper,” DeMet said. “Not including any border lakes or (Tomahawk Lake), which is one of the border lakes.”

As soon as the meeting was adjourned, Carol and Richard Phillips received a round of applause and a standing ovation from those in attendance. 

Brian Jopek may be reached via email at [email protected].