Conservation Commission -Minutes-20040209
Conservation Commission approved
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Monday, February 9, 2004
Chairman Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Present were Commission members Howard Schneider, Gary Stewart, Alderman Salentine,
Henry Posbrig, Conservation Intern Wendy Multhauf and Conservation Coordinator Tom
Zagar.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Len Pilak noted the meeting was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting law on
February 5, 2004.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING’S MINUTES – A motion was made by Gary Stewart
to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2004 meeting, seconded by Henry Posbrig and
carried by all.
NEW BUSINESS
REVIEW REVISED CONSERVATION DEDICATION FEE STUDY – Tom Zagar reviewed
with the Commission the revisions to the conservation fee plan. The costs of acquiring 50%
of the medium acquisition priority lands and 25% of the low acquisition priority lands are now
also utilized in the calculation of the fee. Mr. Zagar noted that this raised the fee
approximately $50 to $589.96 per acre of development. Gary Stewart commented that on a
per acre basis the value of the low and medium priority acquisitions was less than half that of
high priority acquisition lands. The Commission agreed this was likely due to the fact that
these were mostly wetland areas that did not have as much development potential. Gary also
stated that the money could go further if used to purchase development rights (PDR) rather
than outright acquisition, although he noted that in many cases the difference may not be
that significant. Discussion ensued on the difference between preserving land through PDR
or as a subdivision outlot versus acquisition. Tom Zagar noted that a big difference would
be the ability of the general public to access the property. Gary Stewart stated the
Commission would develop more experience and understanding of preserving land through
purchasing development rights as time goes on. Len Pilak commented that the conservation
fee study plan recommends periodic review and adjustment of fees.
RECOMMENDATION TO IMPLEMENT CONSEVATION DEDICATION FEE – Gary Stewart
moved to accept the fee schedule as recommended by Ruekert/Mielke and forward this
recommendation onto the Finance Committee and Plan Commission, seconded by Howard
Schneider and carried by all.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Tom Zagar polled the Commission for their comments regarding a tour of the conservation
properties listed in the plan. Howard Schneider stated the Parks/Recreation Board would be
interested in touring the various conservation plan area also. Tom Zagar will contact
Parks/Recreation Director Craig Anderson to facilitate a tour date for both committees to
attend.
Conservation Commission Meeting
February 9, 2004
Page 2
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 Nancy
Salentine and carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Chavie
Recording Secretary