BMLDDM20031023
Approved
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2003
Tom Kies called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Those present were Deputy Commissioners Greg Burmeister,
Leonard Pilak, and Tom Kies. Mayor Mark Slocomb and Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar were also
present.
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 June 19, 2003 meeting. A motion was made by Greg Burmeister to approve the minutes of the July 29,
2003 meeting. Seconded by Len Pilak and carried by all.
VOUCHER APPROVAL – There were no vouchers to approve.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
STATUS OF REHABILITATION AND ONGOING PROJECTS –
Len Pilak stated that it is his understanding that this was the last year for the osprey introduction program and that
the hack box could be dismantled. This could be a future project. (NOTE: Subsequent to the meeting
Greg talked about planning a woody plant removal project for the northernmost island. Tom Zagar said he’d look
into acquiring a brush cutter from the DNR.
DEVELOPMENT OF LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN-
Tom Zagar asked for comments on the recommendations chapter of the draft lake management plan that had been
sent to each Deputy Commissioner. Greg Burmeister supported the recommendation to establish wild rice. Greg
also perceived a discrepancy in descriptions for an action threshold for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM). While the
table in the Plan established a threshold of 60% frequency of occurrence for EWM, the text described how a
management action would be warranted if dense stands of EWM covered more than 30% of the open water. Tom
Zagar explained that frequency of occurrence only described the proportion of sampling sites where a plant was
observed and did not describe the density of the plant in each sample area. He estimated that in 2003 dense stands
of EWM covered 100 acres of open water, which is less than 10%. Tom Zagar felt that if dense EWM covered
more than 30% of open water, it would be a serious impediment to navigation.
DISCUSS OPEN HOUSE FOR PRESENTATION OF LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN-
Len Pilak felt that the Open House for the presentation of the Lake management Plan was well received. He felt
that people understood the management issues the way they were laid out.
2003 EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL CONTROL-
Deputy Commissioners were satisfied with the season’s control of EWM overall, despite the nuisance levels that
grew in the Bay in early summer. There was some agreement that the first treatment may have been less effective
because it was done a little too early in the year.
OPERATION, USE, AND MAINTENANCE OF WEED HARVESTER-
Deputy Commissioners agreed a policy should be developed for use of the mechanical harvester. Only persons
with permission of the Deputy Commissioners and with adequate training should be allowed to use the harvesting
equipment.
NEW BUSINESS
REVEIEW SUGGESTIONS ON CHEMICAL WEED TREATMENT FOR 2004
Deputy Commissioners discussed the suggestion from the annual meeting that the District consider training
someone to conduct chemical weed treatment to more economically control weeds than hiring a contractor. The
consensus among the Deputy Commissioners present was that it was likely not a good idea. However they agreed
to tabulate all potential costs including training, equipment, chemicals, and liability insurance to see if there
would be a substantial savings.
ESTABLISH POLICY FOR LAKE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES – ATTACHMENTS/DETACHMENTS
Mayor Slocomb explained the rationale for inclusion of Big Muskego Estates subdivision in the Lake District. It
was agreed a policy should be developed regarding attachments and detachments to the District. Mayor Slocomb
cautioned the Deputy Commissioners on future attempts to bring others into the district without a legitimate
reason. If disinterested persons became the majority of the District they would likely make decisions that would
not be in the best interest of sound lake management.
COMMUNICATION AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
There was no business at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Tom Kies moved to adjourn, and Leonard Pilak seconded. The meeting
adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Kies/Tom Zagar