BMLDDM20050510
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD TUESDAY MAY 10, 2005
Deputy Commissioner and Chair Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Also present
were Deputy Commissioners Steve Wojnowski, Tom Kies, Larry Schweitzer, and Greg
Burmeister (who arrived at 7:17 pm). Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar and Randy
Schumacher were also present.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Len Pilak stated that the meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING’S MINUTES – The scheduled meeting on October
25,2004 did not have a quorum and therefore no minutes were taken.
VOUCHER APPROVAL – There were no vouchers to approve.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
STATUS OF REHABILITATION AND ONGOING PROJECTS –
Tom Zagar passed out pictures of wildlife that were recently taken on Big Muskego Lake. One
was of a female osprey apparently incubating eggs on one of the platforms.
DISCUSS DIKE PROJECT AND LAKE LEVELS –
Deputy Commissioners were informed that the first phase of the fish barrier (dike)
project was almost complete. Discussion ensued on how the district could get started on
the second phase. Randy informed the group that the landowner had been given an offer
from the DNR to purchase the property and it was refused. He also stated that wildlife
manager Jim Jackley was switching positions to become a land agent for the DNR. Ideas
about how the second phase could be funded were discussed including: DNR grants,
DNR wildlife funds, Ducks Unlimited, and other private grants or contributions.
Deputy Commissioners were in agreement that the owner of the lands containing the
project’s second phase should be contacted to come up with a resolution to move forward
with the project completion. Len Pilak made a motion to have all the Deputy
Commissioners contribute written ideas to Tom Zagar so that they could be incorporated
into a letter to be sent to the landowner. This letter would be presented at the next
District quarterly meeting for approval to send on to the landowner. Motion was
seconded by Greg Burmeister and carried by all. Discussion followed. Deputy
Commissioners agreed that it was imperative that the fish barrier be reconstructed to
maintain the health of the lake and all options should be considered. It was also agreed
that if offers of a fair agreement, easement, or land purchase to complete the project fail,
condemnation authority should be considered.
ELECTION OF SECRETARY AND CHAIR
Len Pilak was nominated as chair and Tom Kies as secretary. Nominations were closed.
Larry motioned to elect Len Pilak as Chair and Tom Kies as Secretary, seconded by steve
Wojnowski, and carried by all.
ONGOING PROJECTS (revisited)
Randy spoke of how the landowner of the first phase of the fish barrier project had
concerns about the lumpiness of the surface of the reconstructed fish barrier. Randy was
concerned that efforts to smooth it out would cause ruts. Tom Zagar said that Jim
Jackley would visit the site to assure that the surface was not too rough to mow. Randy
thought that the organic material would eventually even out.
NEW BUSINESS
nd
DISCUSS 2 PHASE OF FISH BARRIER PROJECT
Discussed under old business
EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL (EWM) COVERAGE AND MANAGEMENT FOR
2005 –
Tom Zagar told the Deputy Commissioners that he had sent in the application and ran the
required notice for the DNR permit for aquatic plant control. The contractor has also
been called. Deputy Commissioners agreed that some areas of Big Muskego Lake proper
should be treated in addition to Bass Bay. Greg stated that it is an EWM problem in the
historic deep area of the lake that should be considered since it is a popular area to fish.
COMMUNICATION AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
There was no business at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Larry Schweitzer moved to adjourn. Steve Wojnowski
seconded. Carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Zagar