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BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (Approved-01/25/05)
MINUTES OF QUARTERLY MEETING HELD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 7:39 PM by Mayor Slocomb. Also present were
Commissioners Salentine, Borgman, Buckmaster, Madden, Melcher, Patterson and
Schroeder, Clerk -Treasurer Moyer, Deputy Clerk Blenski, Conservation Coordinator
Zagar and Deputy Commissioners Pilak, Burmeister, Kies and Schweitzer.
The Clerk reported the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Salentine moved for approval of July 13, 2004 minutes. Commissioner
Melcher seconded; motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Mr. Zagar requested approval of voucher in the amount of $3,270, which represents the
District's portion of the costs for the U.S. Geological Survey to run the gauging station at
the lake's outlet. Commissioner Salentine moved to approve voucher in the amount of
$3,270. Commissioner Schroeder seconded; motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
• Deputy Commissioners' Update
(Current Condition of Lake/Bay: Water Levels, Plant Growth, Fish and Wildlife)
Mr. Pilak stated water levels are down considerably because of the lack of rain. It is
anticipated that the water level will not increase with the Little Muskego drawdown. We
should be in good shape for shoreline protection this fall and winter.
Regarding plant growth, Mr. Pilak stated that the Eurasion Milfoil was in check this year.
One reason is that there was significant snowfall covering the ice and stifling the growth.
Another reason is the major rainfall events that occurred in early spring. Some plant
growth may have been reduced because of a lack of sunlight. The cold water
temperatures may also have stunted some growth. The District only spent about 50%
of the funds allocated for weed eradication this year. It is intended to keep on top of
things in 2005 regarding weed control.
Mr. Pilak stated it has been a phenomenal season for fishing. The wildlife population
has also been good. He has seen numerous turtles. Big Muskego is one of the only
places in Wisconsin to have a nesting population of Forster's Terns. There have been
reports that Ospreys were using some of the nesting platforms.
Status of Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area - Land Acquisition by DNR
• Mr. Pilak stated the DNR is looking at property at Schultz Rod & Gun Club. He has no
other information on sites that are being investigated. The DNR has limited funds to
acquire lands; however, Jim Jackley is diligent in his efforts to acquire conservation
lands.
BMUBB Board of Commissioners
October 26, 2004
Page 2
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NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Current Projects
Mr. Pilak stated Mr. Zagar would report on the dike project. This winter, the Deputy
Commissioners plan to do some maintenance on Island No. 1. It is the island closest to
shore and appears to have woody growth, which needs to be controlled so it does not
get out of hand. One of the Deputy Commissioners prepared a report on duck blind
posts. The problem has been when the posts are not removed. Few were found to be
in the waterways - it appears many hunters today are opting to hunt from their boats
rather than pound posts in the water to build blinds. Spot-checking and removal of
posts left behind that are located in waterways will be done as needed. Due to past
removal efforts, left behind posts are not as much of a hazardous situation as it has
been in the past. Mr. Pilak also noted that the Osprey program has ended as of this
year. The Deputy Commissioners have discussed removing the osprey hack box and
disassembling it.
Discuss Potential Future Projects
Mr. Pilak stated other than the island, there is nothing planned; things are running
smoothly.
Consider City Use of ATV for Controlled Burn Projects
Mr. Zagar stated the City has done controlled burn projects on several of its
conservation properties. He is requesting that the City be allowed to use the District's
ATV for future controlled burns. Mr. Pilak confirmed that the Deputy Commissioners did
not have a problem with the City's use of the equipment. The additional use may
actually be more beneficial for the ATV. Commissioner Salentine moved to approve
City use of the ATV. Commissioner Buckmaster seconded; motion carried.
Mr. Kies noted that Leonard Pilak was the new Chairman of the Deputy Commissioners.
Mayor Slocomb gave an update on the dike. Mr. Zagar stated there are issues with the
DNR's bids to complete the project that need to be worked out. Mr. Zagar was still
optimistic that the project would be completed this winter. The water level should not be
an issue if the work is done during the winter.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Salentine moved to adjourn at 8:02 PM. Commissioner Buckmaster
seconded; motion carried.
(Minutes taken and transcribed by Deputy Clerk Blenski.)
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Moyer, CIVIC, Jerk -Treasurer
Secretary to the Board