Conservation Commission -Minutes-20020325
Conservation Commission
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Monday March 25, 2002 Approved
Alderman Slocomb called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.
Committee members Gary Stewart, Howard Schneider, Len Pilak, Henry Posbrig and Plan
Director Brian Turk were present. Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar was absent.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Alderman Slocomb noted the meeting was posted on March 13, 2002 in accordance with the
Open Meeting law.
Introduction of Commission Members and Staff
Election of Commission Chairman – Alderman Slocomb explained the process for
appointing a chairman for the Commission, noting the chairman should be a citizen.
Alderman Slocomb nominated Len Pilak to be the chairman for the Commission. Alderman
Slocomb motioned to appoint Len Pilak as chairman, Henry Posbrig seconded. There being
no further nominations, Alderman Slocomb closed the nominations. The motion to appoint
Len Pilak carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
OVERVIEW OF COMMISSION’S PURPOSE - Plan Director Brian Turk defined the purpose
of the Conservation Commission Committee. The Commission shall have the following
powers and duties to manage the City’s Conservation Plan by making recommendations to
the Common Council for protecting the community’s natural resources, preserving its rural
character and open space, and improving its overall quality of life while respecting the rights
of individual property owners within the community by:
Maintaining inventory of Muskego’s natural resource base, including extensive
open space areas, woodlands, wetlands, natural resource areas, critical habitat
areas, prominent vegetation cover, steep slopes and environmental corridors.
Establishing and maintain a system for evaluating and prioritizing lands in
Muskego which are appropriate for conservation and that protect important
“viewsheds” and/or connect recommended “greenway” corridors.
Providing detailed strategies to implement plan recommendations.
Directing the management of all City-owned conservation areas.
Recommending Annual Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Budget to
Common Council.
Advising the Common Council on best conservation practices, which may
include acquisition, easement, transfers to public or private land trusts, or other
means as may be appropriate.
Alderman Slocomb informed the committee that conservation funding is derived from the
Superior Landfill Agreement. Gary Stewart requested a copy of the Superior Landfill
Agreement be distributed to the committee members.
Conservation Commission Meeting
March 25, 2002
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OVERVIEW OF ADOPTED CONSERVATION PLAN – The process began with consultants
from Vandewalle & Associates performing on-site evaluations within the City of Muskego.
After 15 months of research, the Common Council adopted the Conservation Plan. Plan
Director Brian Turk displayed three maps and explained each one to the committee:
Conservation Priority Map illustrates lowland natural areas, upland natural areas, agriculture
areas, nodes, scenic roadways and ecological significance.
Visual Resource & Character Analysis Map illustrates significant scenic corridors, gateways,
historic crossroads, nodes, community character areas.
Viewshed Analysis Map illustrates the characteristics and locations of various types of views,
high points, fleeting & enclosed found in the city.
OVERVIEW OF CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION CONCEPTS – Plan Director Brian Turk
discussed encouraging developers to follow the Conservation Plan guidelines. An example
of a subdivision (Martin Estates) was explained to the committee stating the advantages to
the developer by following the Conservation Plan.
Plan Director Brian Turk noted a public hearing for Rustic Structures Ordinance is scheduled
for Tuesday March 26, 2002 at 7:15 PM.
SELECT FUTURE MEETING DATES AND TIMES – The committee discussed dates and
times for the next meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Len Pilak stated as chairman he would attend future Plan Commission and Council meetings
involving the Conservation Plan and requested an agenda or notification be sent to him.
Gary Stewart requested a copy of the ordinance created for the Conservation Commission
and Rural Development handbook.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The committee set the next meeting date for 7:00 PM on April 17, 2002. Thereafter, the
Commission will generally meet on the second Wednesday of every month.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Alderman Slocomb moved to adjourn, seconded by
Howard Schneider carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Chavie
Conservation Commission Meeting
March 25, 2002
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Recording Secretary