BMLDC Packet - 7/28/2015
CITY OF MUSKEGO
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE DISTRICT DEPUTY
COMMISSIONERS AGENDA
July 28, 2015
6:15 PM
Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - July 13, 2015
VOUCHER APPROVAL
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Discuss the discovery and future management of the invasive algae starry stonewart in
Big Muskego Lake and Bass Bay
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss the hiring of ramp attendants for the remainder of the boating season
2. Recommendation that the Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation
District apply for a Wisconsin DNR Early Detection & Response Grant to fund these
attendants
3. Discuss and recommend budget for 2016
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY
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, MUSKEGO CITY HALL, (262) 679-4100.
CITY OF MUSKEGO
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE DISTRICT DEPUTY
COMMISSIONERS MINUTES
July 13, 2015
6:30 PM
Boxhorn Launch, S90 W13976 Boxhorn Drive
CALL TO ORDER
Len Pilak called to order at 6:39
ROLL CALL
Chairman Len Pilak and Deputy CommissionersLarry Schweitzer, Karl Hoeppner, Tom Kies, and Greg
Burmeister. Tom Zagar - City of Muskego Conservation Coordinator, Alderman John Engelhardt, and Pat
Nakamura also attended.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All said pledge of allegiance.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
It was noted the meeting was noticed in accordance to open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 12, 2014 Meeting
Tom Kies moved to approve, Larry seconded; all favored and motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL - none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Status of current lake conditions, rehabilitation management and ongoing projects.
Tom Z noted that this year 2 osprey were produced and had been recently banded and that 2 young
eagles fledged from the eagle nest. Tom K noted that a pelican died on his shore. Len noted good water
clarity in Bay and lake however both Greg and Larry saw excessive algae growth in front of their homes –
each where creeks empty to the lake – it was discussed that nutrient pollutants are likely coming from golf
course or somewhere else upstream . Tom Z informed group that the contractor had completed chemical
weed treatment a few weeks earlier with treatment areas in Bass Bay, the lake’s eastern shore, and Holz
Drive channel. – All noted that weeds weren’t bad lately. Tom K stated that a neighbor contracted to
suction harvest weeds along their shoreline and Tom Z noted that this company was using this
management technique on Little Muskego for the starry stonewort invasion there.
2. Discuss potential projects on the recent Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife Area
acquisitions to restore wetlands including restoration of the dike on former Rieger parcel.
Tom Z noted that a low bidder was selected and there will be grant money left over to complete seeding
and additional work for the Phase 1 project on the R Lang parcel which will be completed by the year’s
end. The repair of the dike would likely be in agreement with a Phase 2 restoration on the Rieger parcel.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss the discovery and future management of the invasive algae starry stonewort in
Big Muskego Lake and Bass Bay.
Tom Z noted that the first Wisconsin discovery of an invasive macro alga called starry stonewort (SSW)
occurred on Little Muskego Lake last fall. The Little Muskego Lake District worked with the DNR, City,
and SEWRPC to address management of this invader which has existed in several Michigan lakes over
the past decade. Because of this management planning Tom Z and his assistant Tyler Kanugh learned
to identify this “plant.” Tyler recently observed it growing at the Boxhorn launch and subsequent
investigation by Tyler and Tom revealed that SSW was distributed through most of Big Muskego and was
found in Bass Bay. The widespread distribution is an indication that SSW has existed in Big Muskego
Lake for several years. However it was not the dominant species in the lake and seemed to grow among
some areas of native chara to which it is closely related. Before this meeting Tom Z showed the Deputy
Commissioners samples of SSW gathered near the launch. Tom Z noted that chemical algaecides were
ineffective in controlling SSW in other states. So it is highly likely SSW is in Big Muskego to stay and we
must learn to cope with this invader. Tom noted that the District is eligible for DNR grants to cover most
costs to assess the population, develop and employ management strategies, and provide boat ramp
inspection & education. Deputy Commissioners agreed that a presence at the boat landings would be
useful in limiting SSW spread to other waterways and would also hel p with greater compliance in launch
fee payments.
2. Discuss agenda items for annual meeting
It was agreed that information and update on the SSW issue would be a logical topic.
3. Recommend budget items for 2016.
No new budget items beyond what is required for matching ramp attendant costs for the SSW issue.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Tom Kies moved to adjourn at 7:25 pm.