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BMLM083099-AnnualMtg BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION AND REHABILITATION DISTRICT MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING HELD AUGUST 30, 1999 Approved (8/29/00) The meeting was called to order by Chairman De Angelis at 7:10 PM. Also present were Commissioners Slocomb, Chiaverotti, Le Doux and Sanders, Deputy Commissioners Pilak, Schweitzer, Klenz and Grunfelder, Finance Director Gunderson and Clerk-Treasurer Marenda. Commissioners Patterson, Pionek and Salentine were absent. The Clerk-Treasurer reported the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on August 9, 1999. Commissioner Slocomb moved for approval of the minutes of the annual meeting held August 31, 1998. Commissioner Le Doux seconded. Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on Islands, Fish Restocking, Boat Launch, Public Access and Carp Barrier Deputy Commissioner Pilak stated Tom Zagar has been working on the islands doing planting, weeding, and placing erosion control material. There is also a purple loosestrife eradication program in place utilizing weevils. The DNR continues to test the lake to determine fish population and will make any necessary adjustments regarding stocking. Mr. Pilak stated that the public access and boat launch are 99% complete. Mr. Zagar has been working with Tony Tobin on construction of the monument. The parking lot is done with large rocks having been placed around the perimeter to keep people off the grassy area. Fencing has also been installed to keep people off the property between the public access site and the overflow parking area. Mr. Pilak credited the efforts of Tom Zagar for the work he has done at the site and the informational brochure and photos of various wildlife he has displayed. Tom also takes care of posting and updating the rules and regulations at the site. Operation of carp barrier running smoothly. A new system was installed after the generator was failing. The DNR has not contacted him about any change of procedure in case of a power outage. Mr. Pilak responded to several questions from those in attendance regarding the population of various fish. Carp have been seen, but it’s hoped with the influx of all the other fish their population can be controlled. NEW BUSINESS Review Restoration Projects Mr. Pilak expanded on the program to eradicate the purple loosestrife plants utilizing weevils and the procedure followed to incubate the bugs and spread them out among the plants. Burning, pulling and cutting impossible due to the quantity. Several residents noted an abundance of the plants on their properties. Mr. Pilak responded to several questions presented by individuals in the audience about the program. Mr. Pilak stated the five major rainfalls this year contributed to the propagation of the Eurasian milfoil. Several years ago, the DNR introduced a certain type of beetle (at Bass Bay) as a means of eradication. Too many beetles were brought in and the milfoil was completely destroyed causing the beetles to either leave or die. There is again an abundance of Eurasian milfoil and Mr. Pilak encouraged the deputy commissioners elected Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Rehabilitation and Protection District Page 2 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held AUGUST 30, 1999 this evening to contact the DNR and have the program reintroduced in the future using fewer beetles. One resident asked why they were not introduced to the Big Lake. Mr. Pilak said the DNR could determine if needed in that area as well. Commissioner Slocomb commented that the beetles were introduced on the Big Lake; however, the milfoil was difficult to locate and it appears the amount was insignificant. It was further noted that the deputy commissioners should be informed by residents who notice Eurasion milfoil so it can be recorded. Deputy Commission Larry Schweitzer commented that individuals can purchase a supply of beetles (100 for $100) from the DNR to combat purple loosestrife. Mr. Pilak suggested that several people get together if interested. He encouraged people to attend the deputy commissioner meetings to obtain this type of information. Mr. Pilak next reported on the osprey operation. Six new birds arrived in June. The birds left a week and a half ago. He reported that over 600 lbs. of carp were supplied which he packaged and froze. There are six years of the project planned with next year being the third year. A gentleman in the audience asked about the cattails and when they would be considered a problem as they are increasing. Mr. Pilak stated the cattails have actually decreased and will continue to do so. He is not aware that there is a problem. Mr. Pilak noted that when the water gets shallow the cattails will take over which changes once the water level increases. Several people in the audience disagreed stating that the cattails are denser, larger, and closer to the shorelines. Concerns were expressed that the cattails were adversely affecting boating and the quality of the lake in general. Jim Jackley (DNR) was present. He stated the cattails that are there are denser and taller than last year. However, on a lake basis, they have declined. In water over two feet, they will drown out. The problem area is along Groveway and to the north because it is very shallow. Mr. Jackley stated the cattails cannot be pulled out. They can be cut off and removed. Once cut, they drown out after the water freezes in winter. A gentleman asked if wild rice could be planted. Mr. Jackley presented some pros and cons. Mr. Pilak suggested this matter be discussed further at a Deputy Commissioners’ meeting. When asked if there was a plan to burn cattails, Mr. Jackley responded it has been discussed and could be initiated. Mr. Jackley and Mr. Pilak suggested the issue be discussed further at future quarterly meetings. John Wiederhold reiterated concerns expressed about the cattails and noted although people can go out and control cattails at their shoreline, the Big Lake is intimidating. He asked if the Fire Department would be willing to help with a burn if areas were slotted to burn. Mr. Jackley commented that before the rehab project of the lake was started, some thought there was more damage by wind action than by carp, and by eliminating all the cattails the wind action would be a major problem. Mr. Jackley recommended only going out up to 200 yards in front of properties to clear out the cattails, and using maps to navigate the lake - allowing the cattails to remain. Mr. Pilak noted this issue can be discussed in more detail at the Deputies’ quarterly meetings. Discuss Future Projects Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Rehabilitation and Protection District Page 3 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held AUGUST 30, 1999 Mr. Pilak stated this was covered previously under restoration projects, particularly with the bugs and purple loosestrife project, and it appears that the cattail issue will also be a future project. Discuss Water Patrol of Bass Bay and Big Muskego Lake Mr. Pilak stated there are concerns about problems on Bass Bay and the Big Lake and more water patrol is needed. The warden is out there two to three times a week. The increase in water traffic is creating speeding problems and adversely affecting the wildlife . Posting a possible “Slow, No Wake” area during nesting season is being considered. Chief Johnson stated the issue is controversial. The Police Department uses its resources to address safety issues. Little Muskego is the most dangerous lake in the City because of the boat traffic, high speed of traffic, and concentration of boats. Lake Denoon is patrolled as the next priority. The DNR is patrolling the Big Lake more due to the increase in fishing activity. The department has a limited number of officers that are water certified. When the officers do patrol the Big Lake, it depletes resources from patrolling the other lakes. Chief Johnson also noted that there is a learning curve for patrolling the Big Lake. He does believe the Big Lake has received more patrolling efforts than before (through the DNR) and his officers have indicated that the safety issues that exist tend to be for nonmoving violations (i.e. no life preserver). If more patrolling on the Big Lake is desired, additional resources must be provided to his department. The Chief believes the existing coverage is adequate. The situation on the water regarding speeding vehicles is similar to that on the streets. The police will not always be there for every violation that occurs. Chief Johnson did acknowledge that the cattails in the channel are posing a safety hazard. Warden Bruce Buenning also addressed safety issues and the possibility of slow no wake areas in the channels. There are problems and violations on the Big Lake but the concentration is not the same as on the other lakes. There is no speed limit on Big Muskego Lake; it is left up to the City. Theresa Bennett moved to have Deputy Commissioners gather information about establishing a speed limit, or other restrictions to enhance water patrol enforcement. Ted Pekel seconded. Discussion took place regarding speed limits with the Mayor noting that there are no speed limits on any of the lakes, other than slow no wake from dusk to dawn on Little Muskego Lake. Chief Johnson commented on the difficulty to enforce. Equipment would need to be purchased and staffing authorized. He urged people to think about establishing speed limits carefully. Mayor noted if a recommendation on speed limits comes from the deputy commissioners, it will go before the Commissioners who will probably want the issue brought before the District members for a vote. It will then be submitted to Public Services Committee for review and recommendation, and then to Council for an ordinance, which will require DNR approval. Commissioner Sanders suggested a post card be sent to all lake district members to obtain their input on this issue. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Sanders asked if the third liaison officer hired will provide more patrol time. Chief Johnson noted the officer was not hired to patrol the lake but to augment first shift vacation time, etc. The only way to increase patrol time is to increase overtime. A question was asked if constables could patrol the lake. Chief noted it was a law enforcement position requiring training and certification, which is very difficult with part time people due to lack of consistency. A gentlemen stated there’s a lot of discussion about the solution, but has the problem been documented - how many safety incidents? Don’t we need a needs analysis? Chief noted there is a level of feeling of safety, even though there Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Rehabilitation and Protection District Page 4 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held AUGUST 30, 1999 may not be many accidents. We try to keep a certain level of enforcement to provide a feeling of safety. Review Proposed Ordinances Mr. Pilak noted nothing new to report until after Deputy Commissioners review issues brought up at this meeting. Review Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area - Land Acquisition by DNR Mr. Jim Jackley discussed the proposal to purchase acreage around Big Muskego Lake in an effort to preserve the wildlife diversity and protect the water quality. A plan and map are available at City Hall and Library for review. No specific amount of funding has been allotted by the State for this project. The southeast area of the State does have a higher priority and interest because of development pressures. The Natural Resources Board and Governor must approve all land acquisitions. Several purchases are in the approval process. Mr. Jackley noted that the project is paid for with State bonded money. The quality of the land and amount available are considered when looking at potential purchases. Mr. Jackley asked any interested parties to contact him. Commissioner Sanders asked if the DNR would allow the development of trails in the future. Mr. Jackley responded that public meetings to obtain input would be held in the future to develop a master plan. Review 1998 Audit and Approve Engagement Letter for 1999 Audit Finance Director Dawn Gunderson reported the auditors gave the lake district a clean audit report and summarized the fund balances. She reported that Virchow Krause had submitted an engagement letter to conduct the 1999 audit. This year’s audit expense was $900.00. Collette Klenz moved to approve the engagement letter with Virchow Krause for 1999. Larry Schweitzer seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Approve Amendment to 1999 Budget Finance Director Gunderson presented a proposed amendment to the 1999 budget. Collette Klenz moved to amend the budget as presented. Russ Stinebaugh seconded, motion carried unanimously. Adopt 2000 Budget Finance Director Gunderson presented the proposed 2000 budget. Leonard Pilak noted no additional fees are needed to be collected to allocate $15,000 to the land conservancy fund. The charges for 1999-2000 will remain at $80.00 for on-lake properties and $35.00 for off-lake properties. Collette Klenz moved to approve the 2000 budget as presented. Russ Stinebaugh seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Selection of 2000 Quarterly & Annual Meeting Dates Collette Klenz moved to set the 2000 annual meeting date as Tuesday, August 29, 2000. Leonard Pilak seconded, motion carried unanimously. There was no objection to holding the quarterly meetings in January, April, June and October with exact dates to be determined. Election of Deputy Commissioners Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Rehabilitation and Protection District Page 5 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held AUGUST 30, 1999 The following nominations were submitted for deputy commissioner: Andy Grunfelder Leonard Pilak Curt Klenz Larry Schweitzer Allen Bing (Declined) Kevin Ryan (Not in attendance, unable to accept) Cindy Ryan Commissioner Slocomb moved to close nominations. Collette Klenz seconded, motion carried. Collette Klenz moved to accept the slate of candidates as nominated. Commissioner Slocomb seconded, motion carried. VOUCHER APPROVAL Clerk-Treasurer Marenda presented request for payment of voucher in the amount of $900.00 for Virchow Krause for the 1998 Audit. Commissioner Slocomb moved for approval. Russ Stinebaugh seconded, motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Allen Bing moved to adjourn at 8:52 PM. Russ Stinebaugh seconded; motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jean K. Marenda, CMC Clerk-Treasurer jm