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BMLDDM20040727 BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD TUESDAY JULY 27, 2004 Deputy Commissioner and Chair Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Also present were Deputy Commissioners Greg Burmeister, Larry Schweitzer and Steve Wojnowski. Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar was also present. Howard Pegelow, a citizen from the Beaver Dam Lake Association was present to observe the proceedings of the lake district meeting. 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 Deputy Commissioners reviewed the minutes for the March 22, 2004 meeting. None of the Deputy Commissioners recalled the following being presented at the meeting: “DNR fisheries staff has also been spawning Northern Pike on Bass Bay to raise fry to stock in other lakes. The DNR is obliged to stock 10% of the fry back into Bass Bay. This is a better survival rate than in the wild as there is no egg predation in the hatchery.” Tom Zagar stated that he had intended to report this at the meeting but had apparently overlooked it. A motion was made by Larry Schweitzer to approve the minutes of the March 22, 2004 meeting without the reference to Northern Pike spawning. Seconded by Greg Burmeister and carried by all. VOUCHER APPROVAL – There were no vouchers to approve. UNFINISHED BUSINESS STATUS OF REHABILITATION AND ONGOING PROJECTS – Steve Wojnowski inquired about the status of the dike reconstruction project. Tom Zagar informed the deputy commissioners that essentially no work had been done since early spring but Randy Schumacher has been trying to get the contractor back out now that the wet weather has passed. Deputy Commissioners expressed their general dissatisfaction with how long the project has taken to this point. Len Pilak talked about the need to dismantle the osprey hack box as the osprey introduction project has ended. Tom Zagar and Greg Burmeister reported that they had released purple loosestrife beetles in various areas around the lake. Larry talked of how the plants along his shoreline have been controlled more effectively by the bugs this year. NEW BUSINESS CHEMICAL WEED TREATMENT UPDATE FOR 2004 – Len Pilak reported that nuisance weeds on Bass Bay are not nearly as much of an issue as they were last year. He hypothesized that in addition to the chemical treatment, conditions such as last winter’s snow cover and cooler temperatures of the spring and summer inhibited the growth. He added that murky waters from the rain blocked sunlight and when the sediments settled they coated the plants, further inhibiting growth. He also spoke of how successive years of raking and pulling efforts near his shore have produced a weed free area this year. Greg commented on how the milfoil continues to grow on Big Muskego and that the lake has been more turbid (cloudy) this year along the eastern side. He noted that the west side is much clearer. Stve Wojnowski said a big contributor to the turbidity on the east side has been the new Big Muskego Estates subdivision on Durham. Greg noted that an increasing carp population might also be responsible for the turbid water – as it appears that carp are grouped up in these areas. Larry questioned whether these could be controlled with a spot treatment (of rotenone). He also proposed that the DNr sample the golf course pond to see if it is a significant source of carp. REVIEW DRAFT OF BUDGET FOR 2005 – The Deputy Commissioners looked over the proposed budget for 2005. Greg agreed that the expenditure on the dike project should be completed in 2005, as he emphasized the dike should be repaired now. Greg also questioned if Lake District fees for the lots in Big Muskego Estates would be collected in 2004 or 2005. After reviewing the proposed budget Larry motioned to recommend approval to the general District members. Steve seconded, and carried by all. DISCUSS AGENDA ITEMS FOR ANNUAL MEETING AUGUST 30, 2004 Greg inquired about giving the City authority to institute a slow, no wake emergency order on Bass Bay (and the lake) if water levels are high as they were this past spring. Larry suggested putting this on the agenda. All agreed. Steve added that speeds on the channel to Bass Bay were a concern. Larry suggested that we request Randy Schumacher to attend the meeting to answer questions that may arise, particularly about the dike reconstruction project. Greg suggested that we consider taking other (legal) action if landowners of the dike site are unreasonable in accommodating repairs that are so critical in the lake’s ecological health - although no specific agenda item was proposed for this. Tom noted that there is a budget for legal counsel and that the DNR also has staff attorneys that may be able to advise the District. COMMUNICATION AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW There was no business at this time. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business to discuss, Steve Wojnowski moved to adjourn. Greg seconded. Carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Tom Zagar