Conservation Commission -Packet - 9/17/2014
CITY OF MUSKEGO
CONSERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA
September 17, 2014
7:00 PM
City Hall , W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JUNE 12, 2014.
PROJECT UPDATES
1. Badertscher Preserve developments
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Emerald Ash Borer update and management recommendations
2. Proposed trails and trail uses at Badertscher Preserve and Ridges Site
3. Proposed removal of dam structure on Jewel Creek
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss the property modified Preliminary Plat of Wildflower Farms subdivision
2. Discuss wetland restoration project on Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife Area
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
NOTICE
IT IS POSSIBLE THAT MEMBERS OF AND POSSIBLY A QUORUM OF MEMBERS OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL BODIES OF
THE MUNICIPALITY MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE ABOVE-STATED MEETING TO GATHER INFORMATION; NO ACTION
WILL BE TAKEN BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL BODY AT THE ABOVE-STATED MEETING OTHER THAN THE GOVERNMENTAL
BODY SPECIFICALLY REFERRED TO ABOVE IN THIS NOTICE.
ALSO, UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED
INDIVIDUALS THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS
SERVICE CONTACT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT (262) 679-4136.
Unapproved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
June 12, 2014
7:00 PM
City Hall , W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present recited the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Ald. Robert Wolfe, Chairman Len Pilak, Julie Holubowicz, Howard Schneider,
Jessica Quinlan, and Tom Zagar. In the audience: Ald. Kevin Kubacki, Ald. John Engelhardt
and Ald. Neil Borgman.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Tom Zagar noted the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting laws.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2014.
Ald. Wolfe made a motion to approve the minutes of January 22, 2014. Julie
Holubowicz seconded.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
PROJECT UPDATES
Badertscher Preserve developments.
Tom Zagar gave update that seeding has been compled in the agricultural fields and oak
savannah. 100 Oak trees have been transplanted onto the property from the Engel
Conservation Area by the Eagle Scouts. A new entrance sign has been installed. The Eagle
Scouts will be doing a field stone / cedar rail fence project. Will be cutting trails and putting up
more signage.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed removal of dam structure on Jewel Creek (Little Muskego lake tributary).
Mr. Zagar informed the Commissioners the DNR notified the City that the dam is failing and the
DNR prefers that it be removed. Mr. Zagar noted there is money available through the DNR to
remove the dam, but there is no money to repair it. Mr. Zagar discussed reasons why the
DNR wants the dam removed, with the main reason being there is no ecologaical purpose for
it. It is better to have water free flowing to allow the movement of aquatic
organisims. Sediment issues will be addressed in the removal process and shoreline
restoration would be inlcuded in the project funds.
Ron Ford- Concerned with motorboat access and property values. DNR rep told him she is
neutral on removal/repair. Dam is low cost, popular, DNR fishing clinics are held here,
provides the opportuity for stocking the lake.
Charles B - Concerned with water levels and flood plain. Mr. Zagar explained removing the
dam will even out the levels. Will be shallower upstream and no change downstream.
Janice Miller - Questioned if they will keep their lake and access rights? They are located in
the middle. Dam is a good situation for safe fishing, swimming, and walking. Feels taking the
dam away is taking history of Muskego away.
Dan Miller - Concerned with ski club closing off the beach and eliminating the dam closes off
another access and removes recreational opportunities for kids.
Larry Lefevre, Lake District representative, stated he spoke to Michelle Haasse, Water
Managment Engineer for the DNR, who informed Mr. Lefevre that the dam is in disrepair and
prior to the removal an engineering plan must be created. The biggest benifit of the removal is
for fish habitat to seek oxygen further upstream once the dam is removed. There is no known
reason for repair.
Ald. Borgman explained the purpose of this meeting was to hear concerns and make a
recommendation to the committees who make the decisions.
Alderman Wolfe made a motion to defer proposed removal of dam structure on Jewel
Creek (Little Muskego Lake Tributary) to receive more information on the reasons
behind the project and to share the concerns of the residents with a representative
of the DNR. Howard Schneider seconded.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
Proposed trails and trail uses at Badertscher Preserve and Ridges Conservation Site.
Mr. Zagar reviewed the trail plan for the 130 acres of the Badetscher Preserve and Ridges
Conservation areas. The trail will not be near any homes. The path will be a foot path with
bridge crossings using repurposed pier sections. Would like to keep trails open to horse traffic.
Would like to have trails completed by the end of summer.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Wolfe made a motion to adjourn at 8:01PM.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie McMullen,
Recording Secretary