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Island Lake boat fees could increase

Boaters who enjoy Island Lake's namesake waterway may soon have to pay more for the privilege.

The village board on Thursday will discuss increasing the prices for boat stickers. The panel could approve the proposal the same night.

The changes were recommended by the town's lake management committee. According to the plan:

• Island Lake residents would pay $20 for a boat sticker, up from $18.75.

• Additional stickers for residents would cost $15, up from $12.50.

• People who live outside the village would pay $40 per sticker, up from $37.

• The fee for senior citizens would decrease to $6 from $6.25.

Island Lake officials sold 417 boat stickers during the last fiscal year, which ended April 30, Village Clerk Teresa Ponio said. That generated $5,950 for lake maintenance efforts.

Officials estimated the fees haven't changed in more than a decade.

"In my opinion, it's probably due," Trustee Mark Beeson said. "It's a modest increase to help maintain the lake."

Residents who own boats, but who don't use Island Lake, don't need to buy stickers.

The roughly 85-acre lake is on the village's northeast side. It has nearly 5 miles of shoreline and is typically used for fishing, boating and sailing.

Eastway Park has a boat launch for the lake.

Water quality has been a concern for officials in recent years.

The 2013 county health department report said the lake is in poor shape. The lake has high phosphorous levels and does not have a diverse or healthy plant community, the report said.

The lake's large carp population may also prevent plant growth, the report said.

In related action Thursday, the village board will discuss spending up to $11,500 to spray and control the lake's weeds.

Island Lake officials sparked a public outcry last year after proposing a ban on outsiders fishing from boats on the lake unless they're accompanied by residents. No action was taken on the proposal.

Thursday's meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. at village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave.

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