Residents press council to reopen pond fishing; town to revise ordinances and add signage

Residents urged the Town Council to reopen fishing at a town pond and asked council members to install clear signage spelling out allowable activities and any permit fees.

At a public-comment period, a resident who identified an email from Logan Thompson said neighbors recall fishing at the pond and asked the council to post signs reading “catch and release,” “residents only,” “bank fishing,” and park hours. The resident asked when fishing would be allowed. Staff replied that two town ordinances currently conflict with reopening and that staff have identified sections that need to be revised. Staff said the matter will return to the council in June with suggested ordinance language and signage options and noted that the municipal code currently references $2.50 permits.

The council and staff emphasized proceeding cautiously. Council members asked staff to have the town engineer inspect any pier or elevated walkway (a speaker flagged a walkway near Cherry Hill as aging) before permitting public access. Staff said they would ensure liability coverage and coordinate with the town engineer on any repairs or limits on access.

Why it matters: reopening a pond for public fishing requires aligning local ordinances, confirming structural safety of walkways/piers and posting clear rules so residents and families understand permitted uses.

What’s next: staff will place a draft ordinance revision and signage recommendation on the council agenda in June for the council’s final approval.