Conservation Commission - MINUTES - 6/12/2013Approved
Conservation Commission
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Chairman Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:02pm and led those in attendance in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Roll Call — Commissioners: Alderman Neil Borgman, Ms. Julie Holubowicz, Mr. Bill Miller, Ms. Sharon
Roy, Mr. Howard Schneider and Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar.
Guests: Conservation Technician - Jessica Quinlan
The meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES: A motion was made by Bill Miller to approve the
minutes of the meeting held September 26, 2012. Seconded by Julie Holubowicz; motion carried.
PROJECT UPDATES:
Badertscher Preserve Developments - Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar explained that the
wetland restoration was completed and seeded this fall. The oak savannah restoration is well on its way
with extensive brush removal, a prescribed burn, black walnut removal, herbicide application on areas to
be seeded to prairie and a few tree plantings. Bill suggested increasing tree diversity at Badertscher as
compared to Engel, to minimize the threat of losing and one species. Tom touched on the burn extending
beyond the limits of the oak savannah burn unit. Julie inquired if the prescribed burn was contained within
the boundaries of Badertscher Preserve and Tom assured that it was. The kiosk has been put up and WE
Energies is going to be contacted to remove the tree line along the roadside in front of the parking lot.
Tom also noted that the Little Muskego Lake Association has already given $15,000 of a $50,000
donation commitment.
NEW BUSINESS:
Proposed drainage swale at Marian Meadows — Tom explained that there is a drainage concern with a
neighbor adjacent to this conservation site. The City engineer has proposed a drainage swale that would
affect a rather small area on a strip of land that connects to the roadway and would impact some trees
here. Tom explained that Marlan Meadows has a high quality woods with a good diversity of tree and
plant species but the trees in this area are dominated by relatively young basswoods. One mature oak is
nearby the proposed swale but the work could avoid the critical root zone. Julie inquired if they are having
flooding near this area. Alderman Borgman confirmed citizens are having flooding issues and some have
seen actual foundation movement. Bill suggested it would be best to complete any construction in the fall
to reduce oak wilt spreading through the high quality woods. A motion was made by Bill Miller to
approve the removal of trees needed to complete the installation of a drainage swale. Seconded
by Sharon Roy; motion carried.
Emerald Ash Borer update and management recommendations — Tom gave a background on the
invasive pest and Alderman Borgman inquired as to what happens after the pest is found. Bill explained
the city would notify appropriate authorities and commented that the city is inside the quarantined zone
and it is not a matter of if but when the pest will arrive. The city would need to decide which trees should
be treated to be protected from being affected, proactively removing ash trees, or waiting until affected
and taken down. Bill also explained that research is being done to develop a bio control such as
predatory wasps, and he is hopeful that it will be available soon. Alderman Borgman asked what the
population of ash trees is verses other species in the city. Tom explained that not many city owned ash
trees were planted, many have just volunteered. Many of the ash trees in parks were recently treated by
drenching the root zone near the trunks with the insecticide imidacloprid. Bill stated this is about 85%
effective. Tom stated that there are ash trees within city -owned woodlots that are adjacent to private
lands and public rights -of -way. He suggested proactive removal of those that are of bad form or would
cause a problem if (when) they die. Alderman Borgman strongly suggested that areas with proposed
pedestrian paths should be considered when evaluating and locating critical concern trees. Bill Miller
suggested completing a tree survey to find such trees. Julie inquired if there is any state or federal
funding to complete a survey based around emerald ash borer concerns and Bill explained there is none.
Howard suggested that removed ash trees could be utilized as fire wood, which would diminish concerns
raised with cutting down healthy trees. Julie inquired as to where fund would be derived for ash borer
abatement and ash tree removal. Tom said it would take a greater sum of money than is available in the
conservation fund and it may be prudent to take proactive measures now so that the workload is not as
great when the infestation hits.
Recommendation on request to fund a part time summer intern position to assist in development
of Badertscher Preserve — Tom referred the commissioners to the June 6t" Memo regarding details on a
current volunteer to become a part time seasonal employee. Howard asked if the employee would be
specific for Badertscher projects and Tom said that he would help out on any conservation projects
necessary around the City. A motion was made by Howard to hire the volunteer. Seconded by
Alderman Borgmen; motion carried.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW —
Alderman Borgman noted the 50TH Anniversary celebration is going to be a tree planting and time capsule
on November 9th that will require Tom's recommendation of a tree species and location.
Commissioner Julie Holubowicz asked if the department planned on receiving any grant money this year,
and Tom said there was no grant money coming this year. She also had further questions regarding
actual expenditures and projected and the available fund balance. Tom said that final numbers take time
to show up on the budget (after auditing) and the conservation fund balance can vary depending on how
much is used in a year to pay down debt from purchasing property. Tom referred her to contact Sharon in
the finance department for more detailed answers.
Alderman Borgman asked if the maintenance of the new street trees on Janseville Road will be under the
conservation budget and Tom said it is from a community development department budget.
ADJOURNMENT — Commissioner Schneider moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:05pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Jessica Quinlan