More Input From Electors

Brian,

I feel that the Board (through our lawyers) has done a very good job of communicating our view and needs as a body of lake and river property owners in the contested hearing. All sides have been heard in a clear and fair manner. I also believe that the ruling was not correct. I believe we have had our "day in court" and even though the ruling was not to our liking, we should move on to improving the conditions of the Rock river through other efforts. Here are two ideas:

Inability to control river and lake levels:
Our own Engineer has stated that the Indian Ford dam has very little or no ability to properly control the river during flooding conditions, which almost always happens every Spring. I believe that if the dam structure were to be altered to provide additional, movable gates (perhaps the entire length of the dam) that the result would be to minimize or perhaps eliminate Spring flooding, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for flood insurance. Flood insurance is not obtainable through private insurance, but instead, is only available through FEMA. The cost to homeowners is around $1000 to $1200 per year for a residence assessed at $150,000. If even half of this yearly insurance cost were put toward improving the dam, we could have the flooding problem corrected and paid for within 5-8 years. In addition, more consistency in controlling the water level would result during low flow conditions during drought periods.

Dredging the lake:
I believe this has merit with one main hurdle to overcome. Much of the area surrounding as well as within the lake bed was used by the Indians as sacred burial grounds as well as containing many Indian artifacts. This type of a project is very political in nature and may be doomed before it it even attempted. If all parties would agree to the dredging, then apply rip rap as a base, dredge the lake bottom, and deposit the dredged material on the rip rap. This would create 2 or 3 islands which would then aid in boating safety during lake storms. These islands could even be turned into township,county, or state parks, resulting in increased revenue for the area. The lake would also be deeper as a result.

Whatever we do from this point forward, we should consider the most cost effective and economically sound direction. Even though the Janesville Gazette editorial page of December 10th stated that the city, township, county, and state governments have all done a good job in keeping taxes down, I believe this is untrue! I take exception with the rate of taxation by Blackhawk Technical College and Rock County with both spending out of control. At the past and present rate of increase, these two tax areas will exceed the cost of all of the other taxes we pay by 2010. Unless these two tax rates are reduced, I believe that sufficient monies may not be available for either of the above suggestions.

Again, thanks for your efforts!

Thanks,

Bill