Public Works Committee - MINUTES - 10/25/2005
approved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2005
Chairman Chris Buckmaster called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM with Ald. Bob
Melcher and Ald. Neil Borgman present along with Engineering/Building Inspection
Director McMullen, Deputy Clerk Blenski and those per the attached list.
Chairman Buckmaster led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Buckmaster reported that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the
Open Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 17, 2005
Ald. Melcher moved to approve minutes noting a correction on Page 3 under
Discuss Annual Drawdown of Little Muskego Lake/Big Muskego Lake to change
the word “to” in the last sentence of that paragraph to “by.” Ald. Borgman
seconded; motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Further Discussion on Annual Drawdown of Little Muskego Lake/Big Muskego Lake
Mr. McMullen reviewed various documentation with the Committee. He referenced a
1997 memo from Liesa Nesta, Water Management Specialist with the DNR. The DNR
issued an administrative order (#67.11 Operating Order) for the operation of the Little
Muskego Lake dam, which authorizes specific ranges of lake levels for the dam. The
normal summer water elevation is 792. The top or 100 year flood elevation of Little
Muskego Lake is 794.5. There is no minimum drawdown requirement. The maximum
is 2 ft. The winter elevation must be set by November 15 of each year. The DNR would
actually prefer it be earlier and the City customarily tries to have it done by November 1.
Mr. McMullen stated there are structural issues with the dam that have to be looked at
when determining the drawdown. Ald. Buckmaster stated the Committee ordered the
12” drawdown and deferred the issue until tonight to determine if the lake level should
be lowered more. He asked if anyone presented wanted to speak.
Don Conner stated he was speaking as a riparian owner. He suggested doing the
same thing that was done in the past. If something different is to be done, people need
more notification. If the lake is only drawn down 12”, he will have to take his pier out.
The best time to discuss the issue is at the Lake District annual meeting.
Jim Mortle asked why the lake was drawn down at all. Ald. Borgman stated because
Little Muskego is a dam-impounded lake. Mr. McMullen added that if the water
elevation is left at 792, when any ice breaks apart it flows in the direction of the dam and
Public Works Committee Page 2
October 25, 2005
can damage the gates. Suzi Link stated the primary reason the drawdown was
implemented was for flood control.
Sandy Kurka stated it is too late this year to change what has been done since the 70’s.
Ms. Link stated any change needs to go to a full forum. Ald. Melcher suggested the
rationale for the drawdown needs to be given to the lake owners
Sara Planton stated she is the president of the Lake Association. She wanted to go on
record to state that the Lake Association has not made any formal statement regarding
the drawdown.
Mr. Conner suggested the item be placed on the agenda for the Lake District annual
meeting.
Ald. Melcher moved to continue the drawdown of Little Muskego Lake as in the
past (18” to 20”) by November 15, 2005. Ald. Borgman seconded; motion carried.
Ald. Buckmaster thanked all those present for attending.
2. Review Entrance Sign for Vision Corner - Northfield Green Subdivision
Mr. McMullen stated the sign for Northfield Green is in the public right-of-way. A
determination must be made that the sign is outside the vision corner. The sign will not
be illuminated. Mr. McMullen does not have any issues with the sign, which is about
one to two ft. outside of the vision corner. Ald. Borgman moved to approve the
location of the sign. Ald. Melcher seconded; motion carried.
COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Ald. Borgman stated there is a property owner on Ranch Drive, which abuts the Copper
Oaks Subdivision, who is concerned about drainage issues. Ald. Borgman requested
that the homeowner and Mr. McMullen be present at the next Public Works meeting
scheduled for November 8, 2005 to address the issue.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Borgman moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 PM. Seconded by Ald.
Buckmaster; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, Recording Secretary