BMLDDM20030619
Unapproved
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2003
Greg Burmeister called the meeting to order at 7:08 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. Several residents of the Lake District were also in attendance.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Tom Kies stated that the meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING’S MINUTES – The Deputy Commissioners reviewed the minutes
for the January 21, 2003 meeting. A motion was made by Larry Schweitzer to approve the minutes of the January
21, 2003 meeting. Seconded by Scott Godleski and carried by all.
VOUCHER APPROVAL – There were no vouchers to approve.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
STATUS OF REHABILITATION AND ONGOING PROJECTS – Greg Burmeister updated the commissioners
on the removal of old duck blind posts, noting that he has observed more hazards. He plans to rig up the same
apparatus used last year to remove hazardous posts. He also noted that the island vegetation is looking better now
that much of the woody plants have been removed.
Tom Zagar noted that the purple loosestrife beetle rearing project is going well: Beetles for this year’s project
were easily collected at previous release sites and did not have to be acquired from the DNR. Bugs are now doing
noticeable damage to the purple loosestrife plants.
Greg noted many dead fish have been observed recently on Big Muskego Lake. It is theorized that nighttime
respiration by plants is causing depletion of oxygen within dense plant beds and fish were literally trapped and
suffocated in these dense weed growths. He also noted the extensive growths of Eurasian Water Milfoil on Big
Muskego Lake this year that have not been seen in the years since the drawdown project. This led into a
discussion of the aquatic plant nuisance on Bass Bay.
NEW BUSINESS
MILFOIL CONTROL AND OPERATION USE AND MAINTENANCE OF WEED HARVESTER – Residents
expressed their dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the spring treatment for Eurasian Water Milfoil. Tom
Zagar explained the strategy begin treatment earlier this year (a request several residents made last year) and
perform a second treatment later in summer. The spring treatment did not fully take care of the nuisance. Tom
Kies spoke of how algae were holding up dying/weakened plants at the surface. Paul Conrardy, a resident in
attendance, stated that he spoke with a representative from Marine Biochemists who indicated that they have a
80% kill guarantee. Tom Zagar said that Brian Suffern from Marine Biochemists looked at the bay earlier in the
day and agreed to provide some treatment free of charge. Treatment will be done on Monday June 23.
Residents asked about the use of the weed harvestor for weed cutting. Steve Wojnowski and Scott Godleski
explained that the machine is set up (and was purchased for) picking up floating cattails. Costs of operation,
repair, maintenance, and disposal sites were discussed and it was agreed that the District does not have the
amount of money in its budget at this time that would be required for a weed-harvesting program. Residents
asked about the possibility of a Lake District member becoming a certified and licensed applicator and therefore
conducting treatments more cost effectively. Residents also inquired about the possibility of individual
homeowners contracting for treatments (beyond what the District could fund) under the City’s permit. Tom Zagar
said he’d look into each of these matters.
COMMUNICATION AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Several residents said they would like to be notified of meeting agendas and receive copies of meeting minutes.
Tom Zagar passed out business cards for interested individuals to E-mail this request so that he could assemble a
distribution list of their E-mail addresses.
Deputy Commissioners agreed to hold the next meeting on Tuesday July 22, 2003.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Larry moved to adjourn, and Greg Burmeister seconded. The meeting
adjourned at 8:17 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Kies/Tom Zagar