SOUTHWICK – Lake Management Director Richard Grannells outlined changes in proposed lake bylaws to the Southwick Board of Selectman last night.
Several bylaws pertained to burning on the lakes, particularly in winter.
“There is no burning directly on the ice, it’s illegal,” said Grannells, citing open burning laws. “You can burn in a container if you take it with you.”
Grannells said each spring, the remains of fires on the ice are found.
“We find broken bottles, burned glass, burned logs and more floating in the lake or sinking,” said Grannells.
Another bylaw states that holes no larger than 10 inches can be cut in the ice.
Selectman Arthur Pinell asked why the boat speed limit was set at 45 mph. Grannells said that was not changed from the previous bylaws, however, he would be happy to revisit it, especially in the narrow portions of the lakes.
“The problem is posting it,” Grannells said. “We can’t really post it, except in the no wake areas.”
Another bylaw concerned fining boat owners whose boats were involved in breaking a bylaw. Pinell said he was concerned they could be fined even if there was no proof that they had anything to do with a violation.
Grannells said if a boat owner can identify a person using their boat at the time of the violation, that person would be fined, not the owner.
The board asked several questions Grannells said would require some research to answer. Grannells said he would find answers and return before the board.
