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BMLM20120828BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION AND Unapproved REHABILITATION DISTRICT MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING HELD AUGUST 28, 2012 Mayor Chiaverotti chaired the meeting and called it to order at 6:47 p.m. Present were Commissioners Madden, Schaumberg, Soltysiak, Glazier, Borgman, Harenda and Wolfe, and Deputy Commissioners Larry Schweitzer and Gregory Burmeister. Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar, Finance and Administraton Director Sharon Mueller, Recording Secretary McMullen and several district residents were also present. The Recording Secretary stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law. PUBLIC HEARING ON 2013 BUDGET Finance and Administration Director Sharon Mueller reviewed the proposed 2013 budget using a PowerPoint presentation. She noted the following: Expenditures - Overall the operating costs should remain fairly constant. A proposed land purchase has been added for approximately $100,000. Mr. Zagar, explained $5,000 is put in the Conservation Fund annually from district fees to help with purchasing conservation land within the watershed of Big Muskego Lake. This is something that could be in the budget every year in case an opportunity arose, and if it was not used would remain into the following year. Revenues — No rate increase for 2013 due to sufficient reserves. Changes in Fund Balance - The Conservation Fund has been reduced to $5,000 as a result of the land purchase. The Unreserved Fund Balance is down about $9,000 for the 2013 weed and goose control projects. The public hearing was closed. DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT REGARDING STATUS OF LAKE Deputy Commissioner Burmeister presented the following: The unusual weather has impacted the lake. The lake has been shallow and the weeds have been the worst ever seen. Milfoil has accumulated algae at the surface. Looks impassable. A quarter to a third of the area is covered in algae. In fall the weeds and algae usually disappear, but we don't know what will happen. Boating and fishing has been impacted. There has been a major die off of Northern due to the hot temperatures in early July. Bass fishing has been good, but tonight only 2 boats were out fishing on the 2,300 acres. Difficult to move around on the lake unless you know where you are going. Aid. Harenda questioned what will happen if these weather conditions occur next year. Deputy Commissioner Burmeister explained they may need to review and proceed with the Lake Management Plan that is on file. BML/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District Page 2 Minutes of Annual Meeting - 8/28/2012 Tom Zagar explained that the Milfoil problem was due to the mild winter. Many of the lakes in the area experienced the same problem. A normal winter will collapse the plants and knock them back down. There are multiple options to manage these plants. This year an aquatic herbicide was used on 35 acres along the eastern shore line. Bass Bay received treatment in late summer last year and there isn't a large problem with Milfoil this year. The treatment this year opened up some areas and created lanes for boats to use. Question from the audience: Has there been an intentional draw down of Big Muskego Lake this year? Mr. Zagar: No, the dam has been closed all year. The USGS has a website that is tracking the stage of the lake through the course of the year along with rainfall totals. Question from the audience: How is it decided that the lake is treated for weeds and not Bass Bay? Mr. Zagar: It is determined by where the need is for navigation and what parts can and cannot be treated. Bass Bay has not had a nuisance due to algae, and if there was one Mr. Zagar stated he should be notified and would come investigate it. Question from the audience: Could not launch at Boxhorn Site and had to go to Hunter's Nest. Could not find the way home through the green weeds. The weeds choke the propellers. Could the lake rent cutters? Mr. Zagar: There is established navigation from the Durham launch and from Hunters Nest because of the repetitive traffic. Little Muskego Lake has 5 times more members and the fees are 5 times more expensive to fund the harvesting of the weeds with the cutters. Also, this is not a feasible way to manage the weeds on Big Muskego because it is so shallow. The aquatic herbicides are the best way and could be used more aggressively. Question from the audience: Instead of using the $100,000 for land purchase, could it be used towards weed control? Mr. Zagar: This is a designated fund that for the past 20 years has been accumulating with the understanding it will be used for the purpose of land conservation. Aid. Harenda noted he uses the lake and to better the lake there needs to be a funding source. Aid. Harenda questioned if the $100,000 can be used for another purpose other than land purchase. Mr. Zagar explained this is a fund balance that has been designated for conservancy. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING HELD AUGUST 23, 2011 Larry Schweitzer moved to approve the August 23, 2011 minutes. Greg Burmeister seconded; motion carried. PERSONAL APPEARANCES - DNR REPRESENTATIVE BML/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District Page 3 Minutes of Annual Meeting - 8/28/2012 Mr. Jim Jackley, Department of Natural Resource Representative, was present and discussed the partnership between the City, Lake District, and State. • There are 593.6 acres in the State Wildlife Preservation Area of Big Muskego Lake, of which 538 are in Muskego. The City of Muskego contributed significantly to the Weber and Leonard properties of 150,000 on both. • Ten separate parcels have been purchased around the lake. • The southwest side has the largest area of opportunity for wildlife, outdoor recreation, hiking and hunting. • 134 acres has been transferred to the State by the D.O.T. • 270 acres in Franklin that MMSD is buying for flood control. State gave them 50% stewardship costs. MMSD will be turning this area over to the State. • More Forester Terns on Big Muskego Lake than anywhere else in the State. Also found on Big Muskego Lake are Black Terns, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Yellow Headed Black Birds, Green Heron, Grey Egrets, and Sora Rails. Question from the audience: Does the DNR pay taxes on the properties that are purchased? Mr. Jackely: Payment in lieu of taxes is made based on the value of the property. Mr. Zagar added there are benefits to these purchased lands aside from the wildlife and recreation. The undeveloped lands filter the run off to the lake, create ground water recharge and the wetland lessen the need for stormwater retention ponds, all which help to make the quality of the surrounding lands better. NEW BUSINESS Review 2011 Audit and Approve Engagement Letter for 2012 Audit Finance and Administration Director Mueller stated overall the District did very well. The Statement of Activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 reflects a $18,684 increase in net assets. Net Assets at year end were $154,032. Ms. Mueller requested approval of the Baker Tilly engagement letter to conduct the 2012 audit, which reflects a zero increase in fees and standard language. Larry Schweitzer moved to approve. Greg Burmeister seconded; motion carried. Adopt 2013 Budget as Presented Larry Schweitzer moved for adoption. Greg Burmeister seconded; motion carried. Selection of 2012 Quarterly and Annual Meeting Dates Greg Burmeister moved to approve the following dates for the 2013 quarterly meetings: January 22, March 26, June 25 and October 22 and to approve August 27 for the date for the annual meeting. Larry Schweitzer seconded; motion carried. Election of Deputy Commissioners The following nominations were made for the 2011-2012 Deputy Commissioners: BML/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District Page 4 Minutes of Annual Meeting - 8/28/2012 Greg Burmeister Tom Keis Kevin Ryan Larry Schweitzer Len Pilak Karl Hoeppner Larry Schweitzer moved to close nominations. Greg Burmeister seconded; motion carried. Paper ballots were distributed with instructions to vote for no more than five. Mayor Chiaverotti announced the five candidates that received the most votes: Greg Burmeister Tom Keis Larry Schweitzer Len Pilak Karl Hoeppner The Mayor thanked all those who were nominated. COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS None. ADJOURNMENT Larry Schweitzer moved to adjourn at 8:04 p.m. Greg Burmeister seconded; motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Kellie McMullen Recording Secretary