Conservation Commission -Minutes-20060814
Conservation Commission Approved
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Monday, August 14, 2006
Chairman Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Present: Mr. Howard Schneider, Alderman Melcher, Ms. Sharon Roy, Mr. Bill Miller and
Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar.
Absent: Mr. Ted Decker (excused) and Ms. Karen Hartwell (excused)
The meeting was posted on August 8, 2006 in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES - A motion was made by Mr. Bill Miller
to approve the Conservation Commission minutes of August 1, 2006; seconded by Mr.
Howard Schneider and carried by all.
OLD BUSINESS
EROSION CONTROL PROJECT ON HOLZ ISLAND – LITTLE MUSKEGO LAKE – Nothing
new to report. 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 –
Nothing new to report. This item is deferred.
DEVELOPMENT OF ENGEL CONSERVATION AREA – Nothing new to report. This item is
deferred.
DISCUSS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CITY OF MUSKEGO CONSERVATION PLAN
UPDATE – Nothing new to report. This item is deferred.
REVIEW STAGECOACH TRAIL PRELIMINARY PLAT – Conservation Coordinator Zagar
stated that Commissioners recommended disapproval of Stagecoach Trail preliminary plat at
the last meeting. This item was brought back for Commissioners to discuss what their specific
issues or objections are and give the developer an opportunity to speak. It was noted that this
is not a conservation subdivision. Bill Miller stated concerns about a significant tree loss due to
clearing for the building pads on smaller lots and construction damage. Conservation
Coordinator Zagar is concerned with the fragmentation of the resources where there might be
some trees remaining, but it would not be the woods anymore. Developer Mr. Joe Niebler of
NFI arrived and presented his development proposal. He is proposing to develop an area,
which could be viewed as blighted into a 75-lot subdivision with recreational trails, picnic areas,
open space and would dedicate 15 acres to the city. He feels this is the best use for this land
and feels there is no appreciation for the trails and nice subdivision he is proposing. He said
this is a large piece of property and it will be developed someday and a subdivision would have
less impact on the environment versus an industrial park. Conservation Coordinator Zagar
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August 14, 2006
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asked Commissioners to focus on environmental and conservation impacts to lands in
Muskego, which is our mission to protect forest and natural areas. Ald. Melcher said the
majority of residents at the public hearing on August 8, 2006 expressed concerns with
preserving the woods and beauty of the area, and wanted the existing zoning to remain.
Commissioners agreed that they would like to preserve as much as possible and avoid major
tree loss. Mr. Bill Miller made a motion to recommend disapproval of Stagecoach Trail
Preliminary Plat as presented; seconded by Ms. Sharon Roy and carried by all. The
petitioner can bring back a revised plat conserving more of the environmental areas in the
future for Commission review.
NEW BUSINESS
REVIEW FENWICK ESTATES PRELIMINARY PLAT – Conservation Coordinator Zagar
commented he has concerns with the proximity of the area to the lake and the disruption to the
wetland area along the west side of Lake Denoon. He recommends lots 17 thru 23 not be
extended into the wetlands and that the wetlands and a buffer are all included within an outlot.
Developer Mr. Daniel Kinart, Kaestner Kinart Properties Inc. explained this is a preliminary plat
that has not been officially submitted but he would like to address any concerns at this time.
Several Lake Denoon area residents were in attendance. Kim Gabrhel summarized
neighboring residents concerns:
Flooding
Ensure that filtration ponds are the correct size and maintained
Lawns are established in a timely manner and no dirt goes into the lake
Storm water issues
No destruction to any natural growth
Light pollution
Mr. Kinart said he is proposing an upscale subdivision and some of the residents concerns will
be addressed through deed restrictions and laws governed by the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources. Chairman Pilak suggested that the developer and neighboring residents
schedule a meeting to discuss their questions and concerns. This item is deferred.
DISCUSS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PARTNERING WITH DNR AND
PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR BIG MUSKEGO LAKE WILDLIFE AREA
PURCHASE – Conservation Coordinator Zagar introduced Mr. Jim Jackley, Land Agent for the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, who purchases land through the state for Big
Muskego Wildlife Area. There is an opportunity to purchase a property on the east side of Big
Muskego Lake. The property has high quality woods, wetlands and agricultural uplands. It is
adjacent to other DNR-owned and City-owned lands. Chairman Pilak made a motion to
recommend up to $250,000.00 to assist Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in
acquiring a conservation easement; seconded by Mr. Bill Miller and carried by all.
REVIEW HERON SPRINGS PRELIMINARY PLAT – Conservation Coordinator Zagar said this
property is located on the east and west side of Thode Drive, north of STH 36. Conservation
Coordinator Zagar has concerns with the lots that abut the wetland area, drainage into Big
Muskego Lake and the housing density impact to the lake. He explained the Department of
Natural Resources designated Big Muskego Lake Wildlife and its marshes as a legacy to be
preserved. He noted the flourishing wildlife especially since the successful restoration project
in 1996. Chairman Pilak made a motion to address the following concerns with the Heron
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August 14, 2006
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Springs Preliminary Plat: to create a buffer area around the wetland area, the impact to
the (2) wooded areas, and storm water run off to the lake; seconded by Mr. Howard
Schneider and carried by all.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS – Nothing new to report.
MEETING DATE - At this time, Commissioners did not set a date for the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Alderman Melcher moves to adjourn; seconded by
Chairman Pilak and carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Kim Chavie - Recording Secretary