Harrisburg, lake leaseholders discuss changes

HARRISBURG - Harrisburg city council members held a town hall meeting Tuesday and heard concerns from Harrisburg Lake leaseholders about upcoming changes to areas around the lake.

The meeting was spurred by news that the city recently had received an unsolicited offer to purchase the city's property surrounding the lake. While the city did authorize advertising that it would receive offers for the lake property as a result, it has not published that advertisement.

Though city officials repeatedly have stated that they are looking at options and are not bound by any offers, leaseholders of property around the lake had expressed concerns about a possible sale.

At Tuesday's town hall, several people spoke about their concerns.

Several people mentioned run-down structures on some leases and trash on some property. Others had concerns about losing value of improvements they've made to their leases if the lake is sold.

That included David Morse, who has a lease at the lake.

"We love Harrisburg Lake. It has a lot of potential," Morse said. "But, as everyone's said, there are some problems that need addressed. I've seen a lot of people who have put a lot of sweat equity into their properties out there."

Leaseholder Sharon Baldwin suggested that the city maintain more oversight of fishing tournaments on the lake. While outboard motors are restricted to 9.9 horsepower or less, Baldwin said some people don't follow the rules.

"Some of those boats race around pretty fast. I'm pretty sure those motors aren't 9.9's," she said.

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek said he was surprised to learn that someone was organizing fishing tournaments on the lake.

"There's 10 fishing tournaments? Who are they paying money to?" he asked.

When someone in the crowd suggested money is paid to Illinois Department of Natural Resources, McPeek said the city needed to investigate further.

Harrisburg Public Property Commissioner Rupert Johnson said enforcement of current provisions contained within lease agreements will be enforced. One of those is a requirement that properties with permanent dwelling structures have a septic system. Several of those properties do not, he said.

"The contract says you have to put in a septic system within two weeks. We're going to give everyone 30 days," Johnson said.

Those leaseholders with permanent structures who do not start the process of installing a septic system risk having their contract canceled, he said.

He also said he plans to raise the annual rent on the leases from $500 to $1,500, a move that would be used to fund providing water lines to leases.

"Y'all need running water out there, and we can't do it with what we charge now," he said.

McPeek said raising the annual rent would require approval by council.

Johnson also said derelict properties would need to be cleaned within 15 days to avoid canceling a lease agreement. He also announced a Harrisburg Lake cleanup week April 5-9, which will allow people to bring trash to a dumpster to be placed at the lake to help clean up properties.

One Harrisburg resident, Dave Gabbard, said he and his wife Chris recently moved to Harrisburg after living in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. He said he and his wife love the area and Harrisburg Lake, but feel that the city doesn't promote Harrisburg Lake enough to attract more people from outside the area.

Gabbard, who said he's been in marketing for the past 30 years, offered to help the city promote the lake area at no cost.

Wayne Miller, whose family owns property along the lake, said he and his family love the area and plan to stay no matter what changes may come, including a lake use fee.

"If I had to pay a fee to use the lake, fine, I'll pay it," he said.