Conservation Commission -Minutes-20050207
Conservation Commission approved
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Monday, February 7, 2005
Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Present were Commission members Howard Schneider, Gary Stewart, Henry Posbrig,
Alderman Madden and Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar and those per attached list.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was posted on February 2, 2005 in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES – A motion was made by Howard
Schneider to approve the minutes of January 4, 2005; seconded by Henry Posbrig
and carried by all.
Tom Zagar asked the Commission to discuss new business item #1 to accommodate
petitioners. Commissioners had no objection.
NEW BUSINESS
RECOMMENDATION FOR ACQUISITON AND /OR MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AT S75
W20755 FIELD DRIVE – Owners Mike Dilworth, Sr. and Mike Dilworth, Jr. attended the
meeting and distributed a yield plan and a refined site plan to the Commissioners. The yield
plan showed the property divided into of six lots of approximately 3 acres each. The refined
site plan showed a subdivision in which a 12.36-acre outlot on the south end of the property
preserves most of the environmental features including wetlands and woodlands. Mike
Dilworth, Sr. indicated that this outlot would be dedicated to the City. Mike Dilworth, Jr.
explained that the previous owner had rehabilitated the wetlands and installed split rail fencing
along a walking trail that traverses the woodlands and wetlands. Tom Zagar displayed an
aerial photo of the property and explained it is identified as a medium conservation priority
area. He also informed the Commissioners that planning staff had visited the site and were
impressed with the nature trail. Mike Dilworth, Sr. explained he would like to preserve the
12.36 acres for conservation purposes and is asking for the Commissioner’s recommendation
of approval of the concept plan to Plan Commission. Len Pilak stated the Conservation
Commission’s future plan is to conserve land through easements and acquiring donated lands
such as the owners are proposing to do with this property. Gary Stewart motioned to
approve the subdivision concept plan with donation of conservation outlot #1 and
recommend waiver of conservation fees; seconded by Henry Posbrig and carried by all.
OLD BUSINESS
TOUR OF ENGEL PROPERTY – Len Pilak toured the Engel property on his own and said the
property is beautiful; house appears to be structurally in good condition.
EROSION CONTROL PROJECT ON HOLZ ISLAND ON LITTLE MUSKEGO LAKE – Tom
Zagar is aware of the erosion problems and will be meeting with Faye Amerson to tour the site
and discuss remediation. Howard Schneider stated he would like to move forward with this
project because there is so much boat traffic causing the erosion problem. Howard Schneider
said the Little Muskego Lake Association has funds set aside for this project.
Conservation Commission Meeting
February 7, 2005
Page 2
DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT OF ENGEL CONSERVATION PROPERTY – Len Pilak said he
was quite impressed with the property and feels the house can be restored and used for
classroom training and meetings. Tom Zagar explained that needs for the building’s use must
be demonstrated before restoration can begin. He also noted that the easement payment for
the WRP-enrolled wetlands may amount to $100,000 and this would be an appropriate funding
source for renovating the structure, as the money would go back into the site. Tom Zagar
contacted the environmental education teacher at the Muskego/Norway School District to
inquire about using the site for education purposes. The Commissioners discussed different
uses for the building and property such as hunter safety, archery and conservation classes
and possibly solicit other clubs, organizations to find out if they would be interested in using
the facilities. Gary Stewart stated, “if you build it, they will come;” and likened the situation to
the usage of Veterans Park. Alderman Madden stated a clear plan of what is needed to
restore the facilities and an outline of its likely uses should be drafted before approaching the
Council. Gary Stewart thought that city staff could inspect the house and itemize what it would
take to make the facility usable for the public. Gary Stewart suggested a timeline be set up for
this project. Alderman Madden made a motion requesting the Building/Engineering
Department send an inspector to the Engel property to determine what will be necessary
to make the facilities accessible and usable for public use; seconded by Len Pilak and
carried by all. Len Pilak questioned the Commissioners on how much time they would like to
spend on this item. The Commissioners decided that the inspection should be performed on
the property and results could be discussed at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED
CONSIDERATION OF MERGING CONSERVATION COMMISSION AND URBAN FORESTRY
COMMITTEE – Tom Zagar discussed the possibility of merging the Conservation Commission
and the Urban Forestry Committee in the future. Alderman Madden thought Tom Zagar would
have to discuss merging the two committees with Mayor Mark Slocomb. None of the
Commission members had any concerns with merging the Committees.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS- Nothing new to report.
MEETING DATE- At this time the Commission did not set the next meeting date.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Henry Posbrig moved to adjourn; seconded by
Howard Schneider carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Chavie
Recording Secretary