Conservation Commission -Minutes-20060925
Conservation Commission Approved
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Monday, September 25, 2006
Chairman Len Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led those in attendance
in the Pledge of Allegiance
Present: Alderman Melcher, Ms. Karen Hartwell, Mr. Bill Miller and Conservation Coordinator
Tom Zagar.
Absent: Mr. Ted Decker (excused), Mr. Howard Schneider (excused) and Ms. Sharon Roy
(excused)
The meeting was posted on September 19, 2006 in accordance with the open meeting law.
The committee agreed to take items out of order.
REVIEW FENWICK ESTATES PRELIMINARY PLAT – Conservation Coordinator Zagar
advised that this is a new submittal, different than the one discussed at the August 14, 2006
meeting. Conservation Coordinator Zagar advised that the developer has taken the
committee’s recommendation and changed the lot configuration for lots 17 thru 23 so that all of
the wetlands are included in an out lot. The developer has also met with neighboring residents
to address their concerns as recommended by the Commission. Mr. Zagar stated this revised
plat shows the wetlands contained within one out lot. These wetlands are designated as a
conservation priority area in the City’s Conservation Plan. City Staff is reviewing the option
allowable by Code of getting a dedication of land for conservation purposes, adjacent to the
shoreline, then having the remaining portion of the out lot placed in reserve for purchase at fair
market value. The upland area is not in the conservation area.
Chairman Pilak requested that the guests present move up to the meeting table and introduce
themselves to the Commission.
Harry Brodel, Jr., heir to the property just south of the development.
Kim Gabrhel, Lake Denoon Area resident
Tina Schaefer, District 6 Alderman
Cindy Thota, Vice President of the Lake Association
Michael Bruch – representing parents who live on the north shore of Lake Denoon
The main concerns of the group are the ownership of the wetland area and the potential for
placing a significant number of piers along this shoreline. They questioned whether the
Commission could ask for the total out lot to be dedicated. Tom Zagar explained that these
items would have to be negotiated. It is also unclear how many watercraft and piers could be
placed along the shore. The DNR could declare this a sensitive area so it would be more
restrictive than a typical shore. Tom Zagar felt that working with the developer to try to provide
a modest access with a limited amount of pier and getting the land dedicated would be the
best route to approach. Tom Zagar also mentioned if the City would look more favorably on
purchase of reserved lands if there were a monetary participation by the Association. The
citizens in attendance were also concerned that some pines would be lost in the development.
Tom Zagar indicated that these trees are not part of the native landscape but that tree
Conservation Commission Meeting
September 25, 2006
Page 2
mitigation provisions would require that other trees be planted. Storm water regulations have
to be adhered to with grading of the property so it may result in losing these trees. A
discussion was held regarding runoff and stormwater concerns. Ald. Melcher questioned an
existing drain tile. The developer had told the residents that there are several drain tiles going
to the Fox River. Ald. Melcher also explained that the development plans would come to
Public Works Committee to address ingress and egress concerns.
Ald. Melcher moved to have the City acquire wetlands through dedication and
reservation. Seconded by Bill Miller, motion carried. It was clarified that this Commission’s
recommendation will go to the Plan Commission and the Common Council.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES - A motion was made by Ald. Melcher to
approve the Conservation Commission minutes of August 14, 2006; seconded by
Chairman Pilak 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 – Tom Zagar advised that he is putting information together that would clarify the
issues and make recommendations for the future. The Committee can then enhance the plan.
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, Bill Miller moves to adjourn. Seconded by
Chairman Pilak and carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathie M. Anderson
Transcribing Secretary