Popular Waukesha County Shore Fishing Location is Gone for 2013

Pewaukee Public Fishing Pier Removed for 2013 Season:

During the Pewaukee Village Board meeting held in March, a collective and unanimous financial decision was made to withhold the allocation of funds to replace the fishing pier located on the east end of Pewaukee Lake.

The village reports that they would have to take out a loan for the pier while they are currently dealing with a $2.5 million deficit.

Village Trustee Pat Nauth stated, "The bottom line is that the village needs to start concentrating on reducing the amount that we're borrowing. If we don't, our tax rate is going to increase astronomically. Consequently, I don't think that we can (borrow for the pier),"

The original pier was permanently removed in mid-October for safety reasons.

MSC Inc., is the company that handles installation and removal on an annual basis.  During the removal they noticed some rotting in the base and railings of the pier.

An initial proposal to mend the existing pier had a cost of about $43,000 which would be acceptable to the Board, however, the new quotes submitted in February by Summerset Marine and Aqua-Doc for a pier constructed with sturdier, composite dock materials and floats with a 15-25 year project warranty fell in the ballpark of $100,000.

"I think it's a want. I don't think it's a need. And it's a mighty expensive want," Trustee Cathy Baumann remarked.

Staff has been allocated to begin seeking find grants to offset the cost of a new fishing pier and the Village reports they are open to receiving private donations to help offset the cost of the brand new pier with an anticipated replacement date set for sometime in 2014.

In the meantime, some folks in the community, such as John Laimon, the owner of Smokey's Muskie Shop, will miss the pier this year.

"I've got to say, it's really kind of a shame that we live in Lake Country, and we can't offer it...Wherever they're (citizens) from, they should be able to have access to the lake. There are a lot of private properties on there, but what about the kids or families that can't afford a boat or a house on the lake?"" Laimon said.