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BMLM083198-AnnualMtg BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION AND REHABILITATION DISTRICT MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING HELD AUGUST 31, 1998 The meeting was called to order by Chairman De Angelis at 7:13 PM. Also present were Commissioners Slocomb, Chiaverotti, Salentine, Sanders and Woodard, Deputy Commissioners Pilak, Schweitzer and Lawdanski and Clerk-Treasurer Marenda. Commissioners Patterson and Pionek were absent. The Clerk-Treasurer reported the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on August 11, 1998. Commissioner Slocomb moved for approval of the minutes of the annual meeting held August 25, 1997. Commissioner Sanders seconded. Motion carried. PERSONAL APPEARANCE - DNR REPRESENTATIVES DNR representatives Jim Jackley, Randy Schumacher, Sue Byler and Therese Gripentrog were introduced. Mr. Jim Jackley, Wildlife, announced the details of the open house to be held by the th DNR on September 10 at City Hall regarding a possible feasibility study. He also indicated the number of Forester Terns is increasing, which is an indicator of water quality and fisheries. Of the 225 nesting pairs in the state, over 25% are on Big Muskego Lake. Redheads and others are now nesting here, with a large number of wood ducks. Osprey were introduced. They will go to South America for three years until they are adults and then will come back. Because the habitat is there, we may get some wild ones on their own. There is a distinct difference in the water quality. Have been trying to knock down Eurasian milfoil. Army Corp of Engineers did a vegetation survey last week and will compare it to surveys taken before the drawdown. Mr. Randy Schumacher, Water Supervisor, presented water quality monitoring charts and reviewed the data. He indicated he found the best water quality in over ten years as to level of phosphorous. Ms. Sue Byler reported on the quantity of fish stocked and stated the growth rates of fish are excellent. Future plans call for more fish evaluations. Ms. Therese Gripentrog advised she is working on a feasibility study based on the success of the water quality project. A study for a state project may be proposed. An th open house will be held on September 10 in the Muskego Room at City Hall from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and she requested input on the feasibility study and the DNR having a state project in this area for the purpose of acquiring land from willing sellers. That land would help to improve the water quality of Big Muskego Lake and Bass Bay and potentially Wind Lake, and provide hunting and recreational activities. The DNR hoped to complete the study by the end of the year for DNR action in February, 1999. If approved could start with land acquisitions and management opportunities. Collette Klenz asked if this would require additional launch sites, and Therese responded it would not. Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Rehabilitation and Protection District Page 2 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held August 31, 1998 Sally McNutt asked if land is acquired, who is the owner and do they have a vote in lake district matters. Randy advised one of the items of the feasibility study is to look at ways of land to be managed in future and may result in no land being purchased. They would be looking for partners for land conservancy projects due to high cost of land. Currently where the DNR is owner of land on other lakes, they are not voting members. He also noted that even though the DNR is tax exempt, they do pay aids in lieu of taxes which are exactly the same. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on Islands. Deputy Commissioner Leonard Pilak reported this past summer the islands had additional plantings put on them with help of volunteers, to attract wildlife and hold back soils. Some duck blinds have been placed on the islands, which are allowed. Fish Restocking: Leonard reported very large bass and northerns have been coming into shorelines. Boat Launch/Public Access: Leonard reported it is being used, as well as the overflow parking lot. The access has been very busy with 12-20 cars there every day. A porta potty is being put in now by the City. Right now it is not planned to pave the overflow lot unless problems arise. Carp Barrier: Leonard reported on the success of the barrier this spring keeping a heavy load of carp from Wind Lake. Larry Schweitzer asked if carp could be poisoned or shocked in the channel between Big Muskego Lake and Wind Lake. Leonard said he was approached and offered help, but Wind Lake representatives haven’t gotten back to him. NEW BUSINESS Review Restoration Projects. Leonard Pilak stated the DNR has reported on the big items. The only other project is the land conservancy. We have a lake that has been restored pretty successfully. If we can get some land conservancy, we can protect the lake from development. Mr. Ron Ford was introduced. He stated that a land trust is a private, non-profit corporation set up to protect land permanently. The trust can offer tax incentives to land owners and it can qualify for grant programs. The plan is to create partnerships with developers and landowners to create corridors. He reviewed the Little Muskego Lake Land Trust. The Lake District can own the land. It can be donated. You can negotiate conservancy easements where a landowner agrees to certain restrictions on his property. As a trust, you can apply for funding under the lake protection program. The other major funding program is the State Stewardship program, with 11 different funding categories. Funding is currently not available to lake districts, but is available to cities and land trusts. Funding is available for the set up of a land trust. A national land trust rally will be held in Madison in October. Commissioner Slocomb moved to have the deputy commissioners investigate and make a recommendation regarding the forming of a land conservancy or trust. Larry Schweitzer seconded. Mr. Ford noted Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Rehabilitation and Protection District Page 3 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held August 31, 1998 that an annual meeting or special meeting of the lake district would have to be held to form a land trust. Motion carried. Discuss Future Projects Weed management in front of individual properties - all those interested will be notified by postcard of a meeting to be held on this subject. Boating Lanes - there is some confusion in getting around on the lake. Mr. Jim Jackley and Leonard Pilak have been working on it. Considering a proposal for a large oval for traveling lanes, and when off the lanes speed would be at slow no wake. Boater Safety Classes - will be continued. Public Access Site - possibly a walkway along the channel from the access to the lake. Ospreys - Every spring for the next five years, new osprey will be placed on the lake. Overhead Photos - A flier will be going up and taking some photos, and if useful they will be made available to lake district members. Drainage channels - Four erosion control projects proposed to include rip rapping and/or detention ponds: BML to Bass Bay Lane; Groveway Lane; Sandy Beach; and, channel between LML and BML. Review Proposed Ordinances Duck Blinds: Problems have occurred with a few duck hunters who leave posts in the water. Consideration had been given to eliminating duck blinds on the lake bottom, or other alternatives. Posts in the water are a concern and are dangerous. Collette Klenz moved to have the newly elected deputy commissioners review the lake district or municipality policies of surrounding lakes regarding duck blinds, what enforcement they have, and to report back to an annual or special meeting of the District. Sandy Herda seconded. Motion carried. Speed Limits: Discussed pros and cons of speed limits and on creating boating lanes. A gentlemen with an airboat defended use of it. The Mayor advised the District can only recommend to the City, which can pass restrictions, but DNR approval is also required. Review 1997 Audit and Engagement Letter for 1998 Audit Mayor advised the auditing firm had given the district a clean opinion in the 1997 audit. Collette Klenz moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the engagement letter for the 1998 audit with Conley McDonald. Craig Lawdanski seconded. Motion carried. Expenditure for Lake District Equipment Leonard Gultch moved to authorize the purchase of a 6-wheel ATV for lake district business in an amount not to exceed $8,000 including trailer, with $7,500 from 1998 Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Rehabilitation and Protection District Page 4 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held August 31, 1998 contingency and $500 from 1998 future projects. Larry Schweitzer seconded. Motion carried, with 1 no vote. Amendment to 1998 Budget Collette Klenz moved to amend the 1998 budget to increase Special Revenue Fund Revenues from $5,000 to $47,764, and Expenditures from $10,000 to $52,764 due to the alum treatment grant received and expenditure made. Craig Lawdanski seconded. Motion carried. 1999 Budget Curt Klenz moved to approve the 1999 budget as submitted. Craig Lawdanski seconded. Motion carried. Meeting Dates The next annual meeting date was set for Monday, August 30, 1999. It was agreed quarterly meeting dates of the Board of Commissioners will be determined throughout the year as needed. Election of Deputy Commissioners The following nominations were submitted for deputy commissioner: Curt Klenz Leonard Pilak Craig Lawdanski Larry Schweitzer Andy Grunfelder Commissioner Slocomb moved to close nominations and accept nominations of Klenz, Pilak, Lawdanski, Schweitzer and Grunfelder. Kevin Ryan seconded. Motion carried. Leonard Pilak thanked Jeff Keiser for his many years of service as a deputy commissioner. Adjournment: Collette Klenz moved to adjourn at 9:06 PM. Craig Lawdanski seconded. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jean K. Marenda, CMC Clerk-Treasurer jm