BMLDDM20061023
APPROVED
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD OCTOBER 23, 2006
Deputy Commissioner and Chair Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Also present were
Deputy Commissioners Greg Burmeister, 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 – A quorum was not present for the
meeting scheduled for August 7, 2006, thus no business was conducted nor minutes recorded. Tom
Kies moved to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2006 meeting. Seconded by Greg Burmeister,
and carried by all.
VOUCHER APPROVAL – There were no vouchers to approve.
OLD BUSINESS
STATUS OF REHABILITATION AND ONGOING PROJECTS
Greg noted lake level is high as ever and weeds appear to be dropping back. He also noted
that there were some (moving) floating bogs. Len also witnessed a bog in Bass Bay. Len also
noted high water and inquired if Big Muskego dam was opened when Little Muskego Lake
was drawn down. Tom Z. said he’d inquire with DPW.
Len informed the group that the Schulz Gun range DNR land acquisition was nearing
completion. Deputies reiterated their desire to use District land conservancy funds to assist
the DNR in acquiring lands within the Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area project boundary.
Greg informed the group that ospreys are still hanging around. Tom Z. noted that these might
be migrants passing through. Tom K. observed kingfishers.
DISCUSS EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL COVERAGE & MGT. FOR 2007
Tom K. noticed that Eurasian Water Milfoil was under control this year. Greg suggested that
poorer water clarity might have played a factor. Tom K also noticed periodic algal blooms on
the Bay changing from clear to turbid conditions in cycles.
NEW BUSINESS
ELECTION OF SECRETARY AND CHAIR
Tom Kies moved to have Dennis Paulson as Secretary and Len Pilak Chair the group.
Seconded by Greg Burmeister and carried by all. It was noted that, as a new member, Dennis
might not have received meeting notification because committee lists might not have been
updated.
DISCUSS OTHER POTENTIAL LAKE PROJECTS
Deputy Commissioners discussed the potential that a Lake District fee assessment increase
might be necessary next year due to the diminishing fund balance.
Tom Z. informed the members that the District was unsuccessful at acquiring grant assistance
from the DNR for the settling pond design. (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). He
indicated that he had talked to Neil O’Reilly of Hey & Associates about how to proceed with
the $17,000 budgeted for the project. That budget should be enough if the District does
sampling and/or DNR staff completes some of the engineering work.
There was some discussion on stream bank improvements to Pilak Creek and addressing
drainage of the Groveway channel.
Greg inquired about wild rice establishment. Tom Z. informed the group that he spread about
a shoebox full of wild rice seed with Brian Glenzinski – the new DNR wildlife biologist. Len
thought that moving water was required for successful growth. Tom K. noted that some is
growing on the west side of Bass Bay.
ADJOURNMENT
Tom K. motioned to adjourn, seconded by Greg, and carried by all.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Zagar