Conservation Commission -Minutes-20030528
Conservation Commission approved
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Wednesday May 28, 2003
Alderman Nancy Salentine called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Present were commission members Howard Schneider, Gary Stewart and Conservation
Coordinator Tom Zagar (staff) and those per the attached list. Len Pilak and Henry Posbrig
were absent.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Alderman Salentine noted the meeting was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING’S MINUTES – A motion was made by Howard
Schneider to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2002 meeting, seconded by Gary
Stewart and carried by all.
OLD BUSINESS
STATUS OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT FOR THE RIDGES CONSERVATION LANDS
LOCATED IN THE SE ¼ OF SECTION 6 – Tom Zagar explained to the commission
members that he is currently working on a conservation easement for the property located in
SE ¼ Section 6. As it is written now in draft form Muskego Lakes Land Conservancy would
be the holder of the conservation easement and serve as a “watchdog” over the property to
assure it will be kept for conservation purposes. This item will be placed on the next agenda
for discussion.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDER CONSERVATION PLAN PRIORITIES RELATING TO LAND DIVISION OF THE
GEORGE SONNENTAG PROPERTY E ½ SECTION 34 (UNION CHURCH ROAD) – The
Commission reviewed the Conservation Priority map and discussed the proposed land
division located in the E ½ Section 34 (Union Church Rd). The parent parcel contains
wetlands identified in the Conservation Plan as a low priority acquisition area. Planning staff
recommends the land be considered as a low priority management area and remain in
private ownership. Mr. George Sonnentag appeared before the commission and explained
the land division and wetland delineation was done on this property. Gary Stewart question
if a tree survey would need to be completed on this property. Tom Zagar stated tree surveys
are only done in subdivisions when trees are planned for removal. Tom Zagar indicated
that a management plan might be required since the property is located in the low priority
conservation area, however the delineation of wetlands and floodplain already serve to
protect the area from development. Mr. George Sonnentag is asking the commission to
allow this division of land and recommend that the City not seek to acquire the land located
in the area identified as low priority acquisition.
Gary Stewart made a motion to recommend that the conservation land be identified as
a low priority management area instead of a low priority acquisition area, and allow
the land to remain in private ownership. Seconded by Howard Schneider and carried
by all.
Conservation Commission Meeting
May 28, 2003
Page 2
PROPOSED PRAIRIE PLANTINGS ALONG ROAD ROW & RECREATION TRAILS – Cindy
Wendland of W130 S9707 Jimmy Demaret appeared before the commission expressing
interest in wild flower plantings along the road right of way and recreational trails. Cindy
explained the positive effects that wild flower plantings would provide such as beautiful
scenery, habitat for birds, butterflies and other animals, and reduced mowing costs. Tom
Zagar suggested the project should start small and that it would take volunteerism and
private funding. Nancy Salentine commented that a resident on Woods Road planted wild
flowers along the Tess Corners Creek and it looks very nice. Howard Schneider questioned
Cindy to see if she is looking for financial assistance form the City of Muskego. Cindy would
like to see the idea take seed and wanted some direction from the Conservation
Commission. After further discussion the Commission encouraged Cindy Wendland to
contact her homeowners’ association or a landowner that would be interesting in starting wild
flower planting in a small area. The Commission members agreed wild flower plantings is a
good idea but at this time the management recommendations in the approved Conservation
Plan need to be addressed before taking on additional projects.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF CITY OF MUSKEGO PRESCRIBED BURN PROCEDURES-
Tom Zagar provided the Commission members with a copy of the City of Muskego
prescribed burn procedures for their comments. The Conservation Plan recommends using
prescribed burns as a management strategy for several inventoried natural areas in the City.
Tom Zagar attended courses S-130 and S-190 wild fire training and also assisted at (3)
prescribed burns. Wildlife staff from the Department of Natural Resources, and the manager
of Wehr Nature Center would likely lead initial prescribed burn projects. Gary Stewart
questioned if public notices will be sent out before prescribed burns would be done. Tom
Zagar referred to the official notifications list under “Burn Plans” in the prescribed burn
procedural handout. An official notification will be sent to the Muskego Sun, and notification
will also be given to the City of Muskego Police Department, volunteer fire departments and
all property owners adjacent to the burn area (within 1200 feet).
Gary Stewart motioned the committee to approve the recommended prescribed burn
procedures, second by Nancy Salentine and carried by all.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS – Howard Schneider questioned the status on the Ewald
Engel property. Tom Zagar said the Ewald Engel property purchase is moving forward and
an appraisal has been done. The City has applied for a 2003 Stewardship Grant; if
successful, the grant would pay for half the appraised value of the land.
NEXT MEETING DATE – At this time the Commission did not set the next meeting date.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Gary Stewart moved to adjourn, seconded by
Howard Schneider and carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Conservation Commission Meeting
May 28, 2003
Page 3
Kim Chavie
Recording Secretary