Conservation Commission -Minutes-20060313
Conservation Commission Approved
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Monday, March 13, 2006
Chairman Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
Present: Alderman Patterson, Mr. Ted Decker, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Bill Miller and
Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar.
Absent: Mr. Henry Posbrig
Guest: Mr. Brian Bashynski, Mr. Jim Doering, Mr. Jack Dowden, Mr. Joe Niebler, Jr., Mrs. Stella
Dunahee and Ms. Sharon Roy.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was posted on March 6, 2006 in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES - A motion was made by Mr. Schneider to
approve the Conservation Commission minutes of February 15, 2006. Seconded by
Mr. Miller and carried by all.
Chairman Pilak asked the Commission to discuss items out of order to accommodate
petitioners. Commissioners had no objection.
NEW BUSINESS
REVIEW RUSDAHL RUSTIC STRUCTURE DESIGNATION – Conservation Coordinator Zagar
explained this item is on the agenda for an annual review by the Planning Commission and
Conservation Commission. The Commissioners recall the property owners appeared before
them last year and stated they would address the maintenance of the building when funds
become available. Conservation Coordinator Zagar displayed recent pictures of the rustic
structure to the Commissioners. Mrs. Stella Dunahee stated the structure is not the original
barn, the windows do not reflect the year it was built. Alderman Patterson asked what the
condition of the rustic structure is now compared to a year ago. He questioned if anyone
received any complaints regarding safety issues. Mr. Schneider said that the agreement was
that the property owners would maintain and comply with the rustic structure designation.
Chairman Pilak would like a list of what the property owners’ plans are to repair the rustic
structure. He stated the Commissioners do not have a problem with the structure as long as it
is maintained. After further discussion, Commissioners agreed the owners of the property
should attend the next Conservation Commission meeting before a recommendation to the
Plan Commission can be made. Chairman Pilak made a motion that before
recommendation to Plan Commission, a letter be sent to the property owners asking
what their intent is (to repair the structure) prior to confirming that this designation is a
rustic structure; seconded by Mr. Schneider and carried by all.
REVIEW CONCEPT PLAN FOR STAGECOACH TRAIL SUBDIVISION – WASTE
MANAGEMENT SITE – This property is owned by Waste Management and is located off of
Janesville Road east of Crowbar Road. The developer Mr. Joe Niebler, Jr., of NFI and Mr.
Conservation Commission Meeting
March 13, 2006
Page 2
Jack Dowden of Waste Management presented the concept plan for the Stagecoach
subdivision. The concept plan is proposing to develop a conservation subdivision with 52
residential lots and to preserve natural resources and develop a connecting trail. Mr. Dowden
stated that a large portion of a wooded area that is defined as an isolated natural resource
area by SEWRPC has steep slopes and would not be developed. Through discussions with
planning staff, NFI is proposing developing it as a conservation subdivision with greater than
50% open space, preserving or improving existing resources, and providing the city a
connecting trail to the old rail line by Janesville Road.
The Commissioners questioned if this subdivision meets the criteria for a conservation
subdivision. Specifically they were concerned about inclusion of the landfill hill in the 50%
open space area – an area that can’t be built upon anyway? There was also discussion about
lots proposed upon several wooded areas. Mr. Miller cautioned that tree preservation efforts
on residential lots often fall short because of construction activities by builders.
Mr. Dowden stated this subdivision is preserving resources and NFI is committed to developing
equestrian/pedestrian trails that would provide inner connection down to the old rail line by
Janesville Road and that is the benefit the city is getting.
As this is a Concept Plan, the Commissioners agreed not to make any formal motions but that
concerns from the meeting minutes should be passed on to the Plan Commission and
Planning staff.
Mr. Schneider left the meeting at 6:30 P.M.
POTENTIAL DEDICATION OF OUTLOT AT WOODLAND CREEK ESTATES ADDITION – Mr.
Jim Doering representing Towne Realty stated that the final plat for this subdivision is in the
process of being approved. This development is located adjacent to the Engel conservation
property. Conservation Coordinator Zagar stated that at a previous meeting the Conservation
Commission was indifferent as to City ownership of the outlot area as long as it was being
preserved. Mr. Doering explained how this site could give greater connectivity to the High
School athletic fields than currently exists. Conservation Coordinator Zagar noted there is a
storm water pond on this outlot that would have to be placed on a separate outlot that remains
in ownership of the subdivision. The developer is seeking a reduction in fees for dedicating
lands in Outlot 4. Chairman Pilak motioned to recommend waiving conservation
dedication and trail fees for Woodland Creek Estates Addition #1 and accept the
dedication of lands within Outlot 4 that lie outside the storm water ponds; seconded by
Mr. Miller and carried by all.
OLD BUSINESS
EROSION CONTROL PROJECT ON HOLZ ISLAND-LITTLE MUSKEGO LAKE – Conservation
Coordinator Zagar spoke with the contractors today and they will be able to visit the site this
week. This item is deferred.
CONSERVATION EASEMENT FOR THE RIDGES CONSERVATION LANDS LOCATED IN
THE SE ¼ OF SECTION 6 – Nothing new to report. This item is deferred.
DISCUSS IMPLEMENTATION OF MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING TREE MITIGATION –
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March 13, 2006
Page 3
Mr. Miller and Conservation Coordinator Zagar will meet this week to discuss this item. This
item is deferred.
REVIEW AND RECOMMEND CONSERVATION SITE SIGNAGE AND EMBLEM – Chairman
Pilak stated with the support of the Commissioners, he would proceed with the criteria for the
emblem. He will contact Conservation Coordinator Zagar to discuss at a later date. This item
is deferred.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS- Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar, Conservation
Technician Marisa Pankowski and Bill Miller attended the Tree City USA banquet in Madison.
The City of Muskego received designation as a Tree City USA for 2005 and a new flag.
MEETING DATE- At this time the Commission did not set the next meeting date.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Mr. Decker moved to adjourn; seconded by
Chairman Pilak and carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.
Kim Chavie
Recording Secretary