Sears Lake may become friendly to electric motors

The Milford Township Board of Trustees has postponed pursuing an ordinance amendment that would authorize the use of electric motors on Sears Lake, but a public hearing on the matter will be held in two weeks.

The board’s action came on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Currently, Sears Lake is regarded as a “no-motors lake,” but the Sears Lake Community Association has stated that its board has received requests from residents to allow electric motors on the water.

The association is also setting forth guidelines for a possible amendment to the ordinance such as capping electric motors at no more than 45 pounds of thrust and not allowing more than one motor per boat.

The association is also requesting that no more than two boats with motors be allowed per dock and that boats with motors must be owned by Sears Lake residents.

Also being requested is that a Sears Lake resident be in a boat at all times during operation, unless that person is contracted by the association and working on weed control.

All boats with motors would also need to have stickers issued by the association displayed. In addition, all state boating laws would have to be followed.

Township Clerk Holly Brandt said the matter was postponed so that the association can discuss with its homeowners exactly what they want.

Township Supervisor Don Green said that a public hearing regarding Sears Lake would be held during the township board’s next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 19.

“By a board resolution, we would then move it on to the (Department of Natural Resources) and they would have a public hearing, investigation and decision,” Green said.