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BMLDDM20030121 Unapproved BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2003 Greg Burmeister called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Those present were Deputy Commissioners Larry Schweitzer, Greg Burmeister, Steve Wojnowski, Scott Godleski, and Tom Kies. Lakes Projects Coordinator Tom Zagar was also present. Also in attendance was Leonard Pilak, and the Conservation Intern, Marisa Pankowski. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting law. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING’S MINUTES – The committee reviewed the minutes for the December 11, 2002 meeting. A motion was made by Tom Kies to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2002 meeting, pending a few minor changes. The minutes were seconded by Scott Godleski and carried by all. VOUCHER APPROVAL – There were no vouchers to approve. UNFINISHED BUSINESS STATUS OF REHABILITATION MANAGEMENT – Len Pilak suggested that the status of rehabilitation management should be changed to read status of rehabilitation maintenance. STATUS OF ONGOING PROJECTS – This past weekend, Greg and Tom Z. went to the DNR property on the west side of the lake to see the osprey platforms. They discussed the possibilities of how to put the brush up on the platforms. Due to the ice and the height of the platforms, getting up to the platforms would be somewhat difficult. Len Pilak volunteered his kids to help. The commissioners discussed the status of the ATV because it will be needed for this project. Len said that he is taking it in to get fixed on Friday, January 24. The commissioners discussed the current ice conditions. Greg commented that there are 4 open holes by his house, and one by the north island that is still open. Greg discussed the floatation capabilities of the ATV. Len said that it can float on its own, but it would be hard to get it out of the water. Len also said he could probably get a 24’ ladder for this project because the ladder owned by the lake district is only 16’ and will probably not reach. Regarding getting the brush to put on the platforms, Tom Z. said that the DPW is cutting brush right now, and that he will see if they can just drop a load of brush off on the DNR property. Tom Z. said he would talk to Wayne Delikat of the DPW and Jim Jackley of the DNR. The commissioners decided to complete this project on th Saturday, February 8. They discussed possibly cutting and treating invasive plants on the north island on that same day. DEVELOPMENT OF LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN – Tom Z. gave an update on the plan. He said that he is about a week away from a first rough draft. He said that he is going to have scientists from SEWRPC and the DNR go over it for any technical errors. Also, he said he will have the Planning Director, Brian Turk, read through it as well. After it is finalized, the Lake District will have an open house to let people know what the Plan entails. All the Deputy Commissioners will attend. The DNR will also be there to answer questions. It will give the people an opportunity to share their comments. Tom Z. stated that postcards would be sent out to all the Lake District members notifying them of the open house. Greg asked if there was anything in the Plan relating to the Eurasian Water Milfoil problem on the Big Lake or on Bass Bay. Tom said that the Plan does address the problem. He also said that it would not be feasible to cut or treat on the Big Lake because it is just too big. One reason for a future drawdown would be to expose the milfoil beds and dry them out and kill them. The lake does not need a drawdown at this time, but it is an option in the future if the problem gets out of control. Len said that he expects a horrendous bumper crop this year because there is no snow cover and the milfoil continues to grow even under the ice. Steve asked what is the current dike situation. Tom Z. said that they still have not got the easement from the property owner. This has been in the works for at least 6 years. Greg brought up possible legal action, if agreements cannot be reached. Tom Z. said that he would set up a meeting between the Mayor, the DNR, and himself to discuss the matter further. Tom Z. handed out a summary on shallow lake management techniques. Tom Z. said that it is a healthier situation to have a plant-dominated state vs. an algal-dominated state. The commissioners discussed the Lake District boundaries. Tom Z. brought in a map that shows the current Lake District boundaries, and 3 other scenarios for possible Lake District changes. The current Lake District boundaries are irregular. The first possible scenario would be to have the border of the Lake District be comprised of roads and section lines. The benefit of this scenario is its neatness and easy to determine border lines. The second scenario includes everyone who is within a 0.5 mile from the lake. The third scenario combines 1 and 2, and includes the road boundaries as well as the 0.5-mile boundaries. Len said that he would not even bother with the altering the District boundaries because it is very difficult to change and many people will be very upset about it. The point was brought up that if more houses were added, it would lower the lake fees. Steve said maybe the new subdivisions should have to pay Lake District fees. Greg asked about including the Champions Village additions. The commissioners all decided to put these boundary changes on hold for now. It was also discussed that when/if the boundaries are changed, the best scenario would be to include everyone in the watershed. They decided that this most likely would not need to be done in the near future, unless, perhaps, additional funding was needed. Len said that state charter states that the one of the definitions of Lake District boundaries is by the watershed. Len commented that many people have been over bagging and keeping under-sized fish. The DNR has been out to BML many times to check on people. He also said if anyone sees anyone catching undersize fish, to make sure and let them know about the size & bag limits. NEW BUSINESS The commissioners discussed the open house once again. They decided that it would be sometime in spring. Steve brought up the repairs that need to be done to the weed harvester. He wondered if the DPW could work on it, and will give Tom Z. a list of the repairs that are needed. Tom Z. said he would talk to the Mayor. COMMUNICATION AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW ADJOURNMENT Being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM. Respectfully submitted, Marisa Pankowski