Lake Tomahawk board approves boat signs and cleaning equipment

The Lake Tomahawk town board adopted a resolution at its Nov. 13 meeting to enter into a land use agreement with Tomahawk Lake Association so two signs can be erected at the Tomahawk Lake boat landing near downtown along with boat cleaning tools.

More specifically, the signs advise boaters to clean their boats to prevent or limit the transfer of aquatic invasive species. 

Town chairman George DeMet said he’s had discussions with a member of the lake association, as well as Stephanie Boismenue of Oneida County Land and Water Conservation.

“They want to put in these cleaning stations everywhere and Lake Tomahawk boat landing is the most popular and the most used landing on the chain,” he said.

The lake association is working to get a grant to pay for the signs and equipment DeMet said. 

“It would be installing these signs, I think at least two,” he said. “One going down and one coming back out with hanging tools to clean your boat and trailer and then place a deposit, supposedly the weeds that you pull out. However, in order to do that, we have to have a resolution to allow them to use our land to operate these stations.”

DeMet said “the operation” is simply installing the signs and hanging the tools for the public to use. He said the town would maintain the signs once they are in place, though the lake association would supply the tools.

The town board’s vote to allow the lake association to use town land for the erection of the signs was unanimous. 

2024 budget approved

The board also adopted the town’s 2025 budget totalling $1,347,837 and a tax levy of $798,107.

DeMet said the budget is relatively similar to the 2024 budget and changes were limited. The tax levy stayed the same from 2024 to 2025 also.

Only two electors who took part in the town’s budget hearing and subsequent town meeting of electors prior to the board formally adopting the budget during its regular meeting. 

“We’re in business for another year,” DeMet said after the board unanimously adopted the budget.

Bug Tussel agreement

One other item the board agreed on was a lease with Bug Tussel to install and maintain fiber optics on town property for a period of 10 years with renewals up to 50 years. 

The fiber optics by Bug Tussel will give the Sloan Community Center the ability to provide the community with reliable, high-speed internet.

The Bug Tussel agreement was voted on as an advisory vote during the town meeting of electors after the electors authorized the board to adopt the 2025 tax levy. 

DeMet said the town’s attorney advised the item be part of the electors meeting because of the long-term nature of the agreement and the involvement of town property.

According to DeMet, Bug Tussel will need 40-square-feet of space near the community center and use electricity from the building. 

“And they would pay us the amount of $250 a month for a 10-year lease and then it would continue with the option of another 40 years (for renewal), 10-year increments,” DeMet said. “There’s also a built-in 2 percent increase. So it’s a utility lease and they want to use our property and be attached to our building.”

Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].