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BMLM082901-AnnualMtg BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION AND REHABILITATION DISTRICT Approved MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING AND BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING HELD AUGUST 29, 2001 Chairman De Angelis called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM. Also present were Commissioners Slocomb, Petfalski, Patterson, Salentine, Sanders and Wichgers (arrived 7:16 PM), Deputy Commissioner Al Bing, Lakes Project Coordinator Zagar, and Clerk-Treasurer Marenda. Commissioner Le Doux was absent. Approximately 27 district residents were present. The Clerk-Treasurer reported the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on August 3, 2001. Commissioner Salentine moved for approval of the minutes of the annual meeting held August 29, 2000. Commissioner Patterson seconded. Motion carried. PERSONAL APPEARANCE – DNR REPRESENTATIVES Sue Beyler, DNR Fisheries Biologist, reported that after the winter kill on the Big Lake, Bass Bay seem to survive very well with no loss of fish. There also were some areas within the Big Lake which were refuges. Restocking of fish started again in April. Have been suggesting to anyone who calls that they give the lake a rest for a year. The question was raised that with the water level so low is there a chance for another winter kill this year. Sue said it could, but Little Muskego Lake should be drawing down before winter. Last year it wasn’t just shallow water, it was the 50 inches of snow in a short period. A gentleman expressed concern that water wasn’t going over the dam last winter. Sue stated there was water going over the dam when she was there, and Commissioner Slocomb concurred. A gentleman asked if the lake level could be left higher in the fall. Commissioner Slocomb said the lake was only down 3” at the dam last year for the purpose of protecting the dike. Others stated further out the lake was much lower than that, and expressed concern about the lack of water now in the channels. Sue said the dam is closed now. Tom Zagar commented the draught this summer has affected the level of the lake and there hasn’t been any water going over the dam now. He said the U.S.G.S. keeps a gauging station at the outlet and the data can be viewed on the Internet with access through the City’s website. Sue said last year the DNR asked the City to retain some of its draw down from Little Muskego Lake. When the winter kill occurred, the LML dam was already open. That won’t help the entire lake. That lake has a history of winter kill. Asked if aeration would help, Sue said it would be complicated. For example, the longest power cord on Bass Bay was only 200-300 ft. which would put the aerators too close to shore on the Big Lake to do any good. Other types of aerators were discussed, but would not be feasible. A gentleman asked what was the purpose of the dike. Sue responded that if the earth dike wasn’t there the lake wouldn’t exist. Randy Schumacher, DNR Water Basin Leader, stated Big Muskego Lake was and remains an Integrated Management Project, so a lot of different people work on Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District Page 2 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held August 29, 2001 different aspects of it. A lot of people now know there’s a dike on the south side of Big Muskego, that holds back quite a bit of the water. The DNR found out about it when flying over it when the lake was drawn down. The DNR has been working ever since with the two landowners. There has been a $20,000 budget each year since 1996 to keep that dike patched, and last year used part of the funds for the aerators. We’re patching the dike and making it better than it was, but still it is not near what it needs to be to have a 20-year life span. Some carp have gotten in through this dike. The dike needs to be about 125 ft. across the bottom of it. Now it’s about 50 ft. It was never meant to be a dike, but a drainage ditch for the farmers in the area. We have been in contact with the two property owners who have been very cooperative. Would like a three-way project with Ducks Unlimited, the City of Muskego and the Fisheries Dept. of the DNR to rebuild this dike. A rough plan has been drawn up. Randy thanked the City and Tom Zagar for the help with the aerator project. He also noted that other shallow lakes like this one, when they experience what Big Muskego experienced last winter, have significantly deteriorated and carp took over, which didn’t happen in this case. So we did the right combination of things – still very good water quality out there, very good wildlife habitat, very good fisheries habitat. There are some carp back in and we knew it would happen as it does in all these restoration projects. He noted there was earlier discussion about aerating Big Muskego Lake. It could be done but keep in mind use on the lake would change, such as no snowmobiling. It would take a lot of money and a lot of time, and not something to be decided on quickly. Randy fielded more questions on the status of negotiating with the property owners regarding the dike, and he explained the process and status. Another question related to the control of the lake levels, the effect of rain and if the level decreased throughout the year due to evaporation, since it’s nearly impossible to launch a boat now. Randy responded regarding rain that it depends on vegetation and if there’s a heavy rain when the vegetation is growing a lot of the water never reaches Big Muskego. If you get it when frost is in the ground or the ground is saturated, then you see it come into the lake quickly. Sally McNutt asked what could be expected with the cattails in the future. Randy said they are worried about the loss of cattails because they are good for water quality. Anything that stops the driven wind and waves kicking up the organic bottom is good for maintaining water quality. Jim Jackley of the DNR said that the cattails that died out in the water aren’t going to come back. Existing cattails will continue to grow and can increase slowly. There was coverage of about 40% which is down to about 5%. Muskrats are driven by the habitat of cattails and when plentiful have multiple litters a year. Habitat also good for nesting ducks and fish refuges. Some of the benefit from the draw down with the vegetation was the amount of nesting birds and ducks. He explained the good vegetation there and the very little amount of milfoil. The water quality has not decreased at all with the fish kill. When we originally did the project the primary goal was the water quality and the vegetation and getting rid of the milfoil. The secondary benefit would be the wildlife. There has always been a winter kill with the fisheries, and there will be again. Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District Page 3 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held August 29, 2001 A woman expressed concern about a notice posted about poisoning and restrictions imposed. Tom Zagar reported earlier in the year 32 acres of Bass Bay were chemically treated for Eurasian water milfoil and signs were posted. Recently another patch of milfoil was discovered around Groveway Ln. and it was treated on Monday and was posted. He explained precautions as posted. A woman asked if the treatment will be done next year that it be done earlier. Leonard Pilak noted that it’s important that the plants are growing before they are treated. Mr. Schumacher also advised that the treatments that are being done are only to manage the kind of vegetation not to get rid of all of it, but to promote native vegetation. He agreed that the plants need to be growing for treatment to be effective. Jim Jackley responded to a question about the value of planting wild rice to improve water quality. He said several hundred pounds were planted in spring 1997, but it was choked out. Wild rice has a hard time getting started among native plants. It needs isolated bays without wind fetch to disturb it, and needs a lower water level in summer. In answer to a question if all cattails will be lost, Jim Jackley said there will always be cattails around the edges and probably about 1400 acres of cattail fringe will probably remain. Most of the cattails that grew from the draw down are gone. Dick Bennett said there are two types of winter kill, where the lake freezes down or there is a lack of oxygen like this year. Earlier we talked about doing some dredging, and asked aren’t we about ready to start dredging some channels to make passages for bigger boats, yet maintaining the deep water marsh in other areas. Discussions have been had about the costs, but there are also costs to restocking, recoveries, etc. Sue Beyler noted really need 20 ft. to assure safety against winter kill. Restocking this time probably cost about $5-6,000. Randy noted that going back to 1996, the fisheries were number three or four on the list of priorities. The fish are primarily out there to keep the carp in check and keep water quality high. If anglers can catch them that’s good too. Mr. Bennett said his main concern wasn’t the fisheries, but providing paths for the boats. He reiterated that this is a deep water marsh and needs varying water levels. Another gentleman stated what is needed is a water flow through the lake, but the channels are clogged up or back-washed and stagnant. Leonard Pilak reported on the status of the Ospreys and explained the history of the project. Will have a total of 36 over a 6-year period. He expressed thanks to Pick ‘n Save and Sentry for giving outdated fish that they froze and provided for the Osprey, and asked that thank-you letters be sent. This replaces the carp used in the past. He noted there is a high mortality rate because of the distance to travel. We’re also attracting some wild Osprey because of the habitat and clear water. Mr. Pilak expressed surprise at the cattail controversy. Prior to the rehabilitation project people were concerned that the lake would be choked with the cattails. Now people are asking what will be done about the lack of cattails. He said we had been told by the DNR that they will recede within five years, and that’s happened. Also, the Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District Page 4 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held August 29, 2001 lower water is caused by the drought this summer. It’s a shallow water lake, and people need to deal with it. Regarding the weed control, he felt it went very well. NEW BUSINESS Review Restoration Projects Tom Zagar reported on purple loosestrife, which is a nuisance. Traditional eradication methods aren’t working because there’s so much of it. The method of using an insect has been done for three years and will continue. Hopefully will start seeing some control within the next few years. A group from Muskego High School, girl scouts, Al Bing, Lenny Pilak, Curt Klenz, and Larry Schweitzer helped with the project. The weeds are getting worse and it is hoped these bugs will take hold. Discuss Future Projects Deputy Commissioner Bing said he had nothing to bring forward at this time. Mr. Jim Jackley mentioned that last week the DNR received $50,000 of duck stamp monies to help with improvement of the dike. The engineer estimated about $200,000 for the job. Review Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area – Land Acquisition by DNR Mr. Jackley said the DNR bought 101 acres from John Lang on the west side and 86 acres from Dick Schaumberg also on the west side. Currently in negotiations with at least 6-8 parcels. The DNR has a funding shortage, but we’re continuing to work on it. The Mayor noted that the City has been working with the DNR on some of the acquisitions as a partner because of the funding issue, trying to make the dollars go further. The City has a conservation land fund set up for land acquisitions throughout the City. Mr. Jackley said there is a strong interest by many of the residents and the City to preserve open space. The land purchased by the DNR is open to non- motorized public use, which includes hunting, walking, berry picking, etc. A small 3-car parking area has been provided on the former Lang property. Much of the land is being share cropped. In response to a question about paying taxes on the land purchased, Mr. Jackley said the DNR makes a payment in lieu of taxes. Review 2000 Audit and Approve Engagement Letter for 2001 Audit Mayor asked for any comments or questions on the 2000 audit. None received. Commissioner Petfalski moved to approve the engagement letter with Virchow, Krause & Company for the 2001 audit at a fee of $650 for the General Fund and $1,000 for the Special Revenue Fund, depending on level of fund activity. Commissioner Salentine seconded. Motion carried. Approve Amendment to 2001 Budget No amendment proposed. Adopt 2002 Budget Deputy Commissioner Bing stated the proposed budget includes $50,000 for dike/dam repair. He noted from an article in the paper the cost is doubling and asked if that was true. Mr. Schumacher stated their estimate has always been $200,000. Mayor noted Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District Page 5 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held August 29, 2001 the proposed budget included no change in the special charge for on-lake parcels of $80.00 and the special charge for off-lake parcels of $35.00. Leonard Pilak moved to adopt the 2002 budget as submitted. Al Bing seconded the motion. Motion carried. Selection of 2002 Quarterly and Annual Meeting Dates It was determined the Board of Commissioner meetings will continue to be held quarterly, just prior to Common Council meeting. It was moved and seconded to hold the Annual Meeting during the fourth week of August, 2002. Motion carried. Election of Deputy Commissioners The following nominations were submitted for deputy commissioner: Gregory Burmeister Larry Schweitzer Al Bing Jean Lafratta (declined) Curt Klenz (declined per Mr. Pilak) Leonard Pilak (declined) Scott Godleski Steve Wojnowski Commissioner Slocomb moved to close nominations and accept slate of officers as presented. Dick Bennett seconded; motion carried. VOUCHER APPROVAL The following vouchers were presented: Midwest Aquatics, $3,250.00; Virchow Krause, $625.00; Leonard Pilak, $700.00; Marine Biochemists $12,498.00; for a total of $17,073.00. Commissioner Salentine moved to approve. Commissioner Sanders seconded; motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Mr. Pilak requested that a thank you letter be sent to the Little Muskego Lake District for the use of their conveyor for the removal of cattails. Those assisting were also thanked. Commissioner Salentine reported it was decided by the Public Works Committee that the Little Muskego Lake draw down of 18-21” would be started the third Monday in October. She noted that because of the acreage of the Little Lake compared to the acreage of the Big Lake, 24” off the Little Lake would only add 6” to the Big Lake. ADJOURNMENT Tom Kies moved to adjourn. Dick Bennett seconded; motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District Page 6 Minutes of Annual Meeting Held August 29, 2001 Jean K. Marenda, CMC Clerk-Treasurer Jm S:CityHall:BML:BMLM082901