BMLM20100824-Annual
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION AND Approved 8/23/11
REHABILITATION DISTRICT
MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING HELD AUGUST 24, 2010
Mayor Johnson chaired the meeting and called it to order at 7:14 p.m. Present were:
Commissioners Fiedler, Schaumberg, Soltysiak, Werner, Borgman, Harenda and
Snead, and Deputy Commissioners Larry Schweitzer, Leonard Pilak, Tom Kies,
Gregory Burmeister, and Dennis Paulson, Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar,
Finance and Administraton Director Sharon Mueller, and Deputy Clerk Jill Blenski.
Several District residents were also present. Those present recited the Pledge of
Allegiance.
The Deputy Clerk stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open
Meeting Law.
PUBLIC HEARING ON 2011 BUDGET
Finance and Administration Director Sharon Mueller reviewed the proposed 2011
budget using a PowerPoint presentation. She noted the following:
Revenues - A 1.9% increase in revenues is projected. This is due to Lake
District special charges with no increase in rates.
Expenditures - There are no significant changes to report other than a $3,000
decrease in future projects over the prior year, which amounts to an overall
9.6% decrease in total expenditures.
Changes in Fund Balance - As done in prior years, $5,000 has been allocated
to the Land Conservancy Fund, which will amount to $95,000 by the end of
2011.
Doug Dougherty, Groveway Lane, asked about weed control. Deputy Commissioner
Kies responded that 90% of the weeds are native and cannot be eradicated. Mr.
Zagar added that nuisances are dealt with where they occur.
The public hearing was closed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING HELD AUGUST 24, 2009
Commissioner Borgman moved to approve the August 24, 2009 minutes.
Commissioner Fiedler seconded; motion carried.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES - DNR REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. Zagar stated that Ben Heussner was present from the Department of Natural
Resources. He will speak regarding the “Fish and Wildlife Populations” (No. 2 under
Deputy Commissioners’ Report/Update).
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Minutes of Annual Meeting - 8/24/2010
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT/UPDATE
Mr. Zagar presented the following information:
Water Levels, Floating Cattail Bogs and Effectiveness of Debris Barriers
There has been an incredible amount of rain this year, which has caused the
water levels to fluctuate. At one point the water level was a foot and a half
higher than normal. The water has receded and is currently at 11.7 feet,
which is 2/10 of a foot above the dam crest. The dam is currently closed.
The higher water levels have caused the floating cattail bogs to move. The
bogs have been problematic coming onto the shore and blocking the launch
sites. The largest bog was 60 acres in size. A 23-acre piece recently broke
away. Mr. Zagar stated he and his assistant have been working to manage
the bogs.
The barriers that were put in place have worked.
Fish & Wildlife Populations
Two ospreys were born in early June, but perished due to extreme weather
conditions. The osprey will be back again next year. The eagles had three
young. The Forster’s Terns nested but success was unknown. The birds are
endangered and unique to Big Muskego Lake.
Mr. Ben Heussner reported the following:
The 40” size limit for Northern Pike passed and will be effective April 1, 2011.
The focus needs to be on water level manipulations, which will promote the
growth of emergent vegetation.
The health of the lake is dependent on proper aquatic plants.
From a fishery standpoint, it is important to maintain water quality and clarity.
The best way to do that is through water level manipulations.
Mr. Zagar continued to report on the following:
Chemical Treatment of Nuisance Aquatic Plants
Most lakes are having issues this year; weather conditions have caused
prolific plant growth. Extensive treatment was done last fall in Bass Bay for
Eurasian Water Milfoil. Algae treatment was done during the summer.
Several acres of Big Muskego Lake were treated for Eurasian Water Milfoil.
One plant that was very abundant this year was yellow water star grass.
Ducks graze on it and will probably keep it in control. Some fall treatment this
year is planned on Big Muskego Lake.
Nuisance areas are dealt with as they occur. Deputy Commissioner Kies
stated that research is done to see where the Eurasian Water Milfoil is
prevalent.
Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area Land Acquisition by the DNR
The DNR is always looking to expand and add to their wildlife area but no
purchases are imminent.
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Minutes of Annual Meeting - 8/24/2010
Nuisance Canada Geese
There was no contracted removal of nuisance geese. There was no roundup.
The roundup that was done in the past was quite expensive. Money has been
placed in next year’s budget for geese control.
Bass Bay Tributary Land Restoration Project
A tributary stream runs through Moorland Park and other city-owned lands to
the south and flows into Bass Bay. This is the second year of land preparation
for establishment of native prairie vegetation. The 25-acre area will be seeded
this fall with a diverse seed mixture. This vegetative cover will provide better
rain water absorption and a natural habitat for the watershed.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Future Management Needs and Management of Water Levels
Need to find middle ground. Extreme manipulation is not necessary.
There is an order on how the dam is to be managed, which has been on the
books since the 1890s. The dam level was established at 11.5 feet. The
order states that the level is not to exceed 11.7 feet and should be managed
at 11.4 feet (about one inch below the dam sill).
Variation of the water level occurs naturally with droughts and wet periods.
A gauging station is operated by USGS and “real time” water level information
is available on line.
Andy Lewandowski, Parker Drive, requested that consideration is given to abolishing
the district and putting the responsibility on everyone that lives in Muskego. He
objects to the fertilizer runoff that occurs.
Gentleman in the audience stated the water level should not be dropped any further
than the top of the dam; let Mother Nature take care of the situation.
Review 2009 Audit and Approve Engagement Letter for 2010 Audit
Finance and Administration Director Mueller stated the District’s net assests
increased by $1,459. Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2009 were $122,391. Of
this total, $85,000 is designated for land conservancy. The District had a very
positive outcome for 2009.
Ms. Mueller requested approval of the Baker Tilly engagement letter to conduct the
2010 audit at a cost of $1,150, which does not represent an increase. Leonard Pilak
moved to approve. Tom Kies seconded; motion carried.
Adopt 2011 Budget
Larry Schweitzer moved for adoption. Leonard Pilak seconded; motion carried.
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Minutes of Annual Meeting - 8/24/2010
Selection of 2011 Quarterly and Annual Meeting Dates
Leonard Pilak moved to approve the following dates for the 2011 quarterly
meetings: January 25, March 22, June 28 and October 25 and to approve
August 23 for the date for the annual meeting. Tom Kies seconded; motion
carried.
Election of Deputy Commissioners
Leonard Pilak, Tom Kies, Larry Schweitzer, Greg Burmeister, and Dennis Paulson
were nominated for the five Deputy Commissioner positions. There were no other
nominations. The Deputy Commissioners will remain the same.
COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Werner stated he believes it is important to retain the Lake District.
Big Muskego is a perfect lake for hunting fishing.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Snead moved to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Commissioner Fiedler
seconded; motion carried.
Minutes taken and transcribed by
Jill Blenski, Deputy Clerk