BMLM20080708BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Approved
MINUTES OF QUARTERLY MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:19 p.m. Also present were
Commissioners Fiedler, Schaefer, Schneider, Werner, Borgman, Pavelko, and Snead,
Deputy Commissioner Kies, Conservation Coordinator Zagar, and Deputy Clerk Blenski.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The deputy clerk stated the meeting
was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law. Deputy Commissioner Pilak
arrived at 7:23 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Werner moved for approval of the April 22, 2008 minutes.
Commissioner Borgman seconded; motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Deputy Commissioners' Update
Mr. Zagar stated that the water level is almost two inches higher than it had been.
Cattails are more prevalent because of the increased rainfall. Bass Bay is experiencing
an increase in algae. Representatives from the DNR discovered blue green algae that
can potentially be toxic. Shoreline owners were notified as a precaution. The situation
should clear up in a few weeks.
Mr. Zagar reported that fishing is good right now although the carp and bullhead
population has increased over the past few years. One osprey hatched at the nest on
the west side. Bald eagles have been sited in the area.
2. Status of Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area - DNR Land Acquisition
Mr. Zagar stated that the DNR is actively negotiating with several property owners
regarding potential land acquisitions. The intention is to add land on the southwestern
side of the lake.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Modification of Differt Property - Lake District Assessment as "Off Lake"
Mr. Zagar stated the owners of the Differt property (S106 W17280 Muskego Dam Road)
notified him that an "on lake" assessment in the amount of $80 was received. Upon
examination, no portion of this property is adjacent to Big Muskego Lake. Mr. Zagar is
requesting that the property be reclassified as "off lake" and assessed accordingly.
Commissioner Fiedler moved to reclassify the Differt Property, Tax Key No.
2289.999.001 from "on lake" to "off lake" for assessment purposes.
Commissioner Schneider seconded; motion carried.
2. Sale of Aquatic Plant Harvester
Mr. Zagar stated that the Lake District purchased a harvester in 2000. The equipment
was purchased in conjunction with the rehabilitation project. A lot of cattails grew as a
result of the lake being drawn down. When the lake was filled back up, there was a
large amount of cattails that died off in 2000. The dead cattail tops were clogging the
BML/BB Board of Commissioners Page 2
July 8, 2008
channels. The harvester was purchased to pick them up. The district has not had a
need for it since that time. There is a market for used harvesters and the district would
like to sell it. Commissioner Werner asked if the Little Muskego Lake District would be
interested in purchasing it. Mr. Zagar stated he did not believe so as the harvesters that
the Little Muskego Lake District has are much newer. Commissioner Borgman
moved to authorize the sale of the harvester. Commissioner Fiedler seconded;
motion carried. Mr. Zagar stated that he would bring the submitted bids for the
harvester back to the Commissioners at a future meeting.
3. Testing of Canada Geese for Future Nuisance Removal
Mr. Pilak addressed the Commissioners regarding an ongoing problem with geese and
the litter they leave behind. He is requesting assistance from the USDA and DNR to
address the problem. Seven specimens would be collected and tested for toxins. The
ultimate goal is to harvest the geese and give them to food pantries. The estimated
cost is $1,800. The test for toxicity would stand for future years unless there was some
unforeseeable environmental change. Currently the geese population has diminished
from past years. However, Mr. Pilak believes this will not continue. It is proposed to
place funding in the 2009 budget and present the information at the annual meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Commissioner Borgman moved to approve voucher in the amount of $5,516.50
for Marine Biochemists for milfoil treatment. Commissioner Schaefer seconded;
motion carried. Mr. Zagar noted that this was a budgeted expenditure.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Borgman moved to adjourn at 7:36 p.m. Commissioner Schneider
seconded; motion carried.
Jill Blenski, CIVIC
Deputy Clerk
Secretary to the Board