BMLDDM20060320
Approved
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD MARCH 20, 2006
Deputy Commissioner and Chair Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Also present were
Deputy Commissioners Greg Burmeister, Larry Schweitzer, and Tom Kies. Conservation
Coordinator Tom Zagar was 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 – Tom Kies moved to approve the minutes
of the Tuesday November 8, 2005 meeting. Seconded by Larry Schweitzer, and carried by all.
VOUCHER APPROVAL – There were no vouchers to approve.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
LAKE PROTECTION GRANT FOR SETTLING BASIN
A settling basin at the lake outlet is recommended in the lake management plan to settle silt
and other solids from water pumped during dewatering operations in the event of a future
drawdown/restoration project. Previously Deputy Commissioners agreed to apply for a grant
for design and building costs. Tom Zagar explained that at this time only the design would be
done. He indicated that Hey & Associates would be strongly considered for designing the
project as the Wind Lake Management District works with this firm and the intent of the
settling pond is to improve water quality of discharged to Wind Lake. He further explained
that innovative techniques such as the use of alum could help settle solids faster. Tom Kies
moved to recommend applying for a DNR Lake Protection Grant for design of a settling
pond seconded by Larry Schweitzer, and carried by all.
Discussion continued on whether the Wind Lake Management District land could be utilized
for a settling basin and if the channel west of the dam area could be reconfigured to improve
carp protection as part of the project. These ideas will be explored in discussions with the
engineering firm.
nd
DISCUSS 2 PHASE OF FISH BARRIER PROJECT
Hope was expressed that Jim Jackley would press negotiations with Mr. Rieger for finishing
the barrier project.
STATUS OF REHABILITATION AND ONGOING PROJECTS –
There was discussion on burning and woody plant management for the man-made islands along the
rd
eastern shore. It was agreed that Deputies should get together on Thursday March 23 to cut and
chemically treat the woody brush on the northernmost island. Tom Zagar said the middle and
southernmost islands are ready for a spring burn.
PILAK CREEK BANK RESTORATION
Greg Burmeister saw a notice that a project would be implemented to address streambank
erosion on Pilak Creek. He questioned whether the Deputy Commissioners should have input
on the project. Tom Zagar explained that indeed the District has the right to comment and
that he’d give Greg and others a chance to look at the plans.
NEW BUSINESS
DISCUSS EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL MANAGEMENT FOR 2006
EWM permit has been applied for – with up to 40 acres being permitted. Weed control was
discussed at length. The idea of having riparian property owners pay for additional weed
control not budgeted by the District was revisited. Deputy Commissioners requested having
representatives from the Marine Biochemists and DNR present at a future meeting to discuss
how to work out such a concept.
DISCUSS “BLIND CORNER” SIGN ON BASS BAY CHANNEL
At a previous BML Commissioner meeting the regular Commissioners agreed to purchase a
cautionary sign for a potentially dangerous “blind corner” area in the Bass Bay channel if a
suitable substrate could be found. Deputy Commissioners agreed to investigate placement
areas.
DISCUSS PERMANENT DUCK BLIND ISSUES
Tom Zagar presented the idea to prohibit permanent duck blinds – citing issues with blinds
left behind as well as the misconception that hunters can “stake a claim” to an area in a public
waterway. Deputies discussed acquiring a GPS unit to locate blinds and record data for
enforcement and/or removal. Tom Zagar said a unit would also be useful for locating water
quality and aquatic plant sampling sites (as currently he uses his personal GPS unit).
Deputies agreed to spend up to $300 on a GPS unit.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Deputy Commissioners discussed the potential to disallow permanent blinds on the lake.
There was discussion that the State may be looking at this issue. Deputy Commissioners
reminded Tom Zagar that he should purchase a GPS unit for the District.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Larry Schweitzer moved to adjourn. Greg Burmeister seconded.
Carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Zagar