Conservation Commission -Minutes-20061204
Conservation Commission Approved
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Monday, December 4, 2006
Acting Chairman Sharon Roy called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM and led those in
attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance
Present: Ms. Sharon Roy, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Ted Decker, Alderman Bob Melcher,
Ms. Karen Hartwell, and Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar.
Also present were Wayne Salentine and Tim Baseler.
Absent: Chairman Len Pilak.
The meeting was posted on November 28, 2006 in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES – A motion was made by Sharon Roy to
approve the Conservation Commission minutes of September 25, 2006; seconded by
Howard Schneider and carried by all.
OLD BUSINESS
EROSION CONTROL PROJECT ON HOLZ ISLAND – LITTLE MUSKEGO LAKE
Conservation Coordinator Zagar advised that he met with Faye Amerson a few weeks ago and
they had walked the property that consists of a one acre wooded island on Little Muskego
Lake. Detailed notes were taken of soil erosion issues that need to be done. It was originally
planned to contract this project out, but after reviewing proposals, it was determined that Tom
would work with Faye Amerson who works for the DNR and is a representative of the Little
Muskego Lake District, to survey the property and come up with a plan. This plan will then be
sent to the DNR for approval and, if approved, the City will go out for bids for the projects that
cannot be accomplished in-house.
The Committee decided to go directly to New Business to accommodate the guests at the
meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
REVIEW LAND DIVISION OF BASELER PROPERTY ON CROWBAR ROAD (SECTION 7)
Conservation Coordinator Zagar explained that this property is listed on the City’s
Conservation Priority Map as low priority. It is in the northwest part of the City and is a
relatively small wooded lot. Wayne Salentine, representing the landowner, explained that it is
a 17-1/2 acre site and the required zoning will be rural country estate. Perk tests were done
and they were able to locate a perk test on lot 2 and large lot in the center. They are
attempting to pull the cul de sac out of the woods. There are no electrical towers, just lines
crossing. Tom noted that he had discussed with various staff members and it was felt that
minimizing the removal of trees to accommodate the homes would be recommended. He
recommends that a notation be placed on the Certified Survey Map to minimize removal of
trees. The rural cross section road will be built to city specifications. Mr. Decker felt that
someone has to walk the area and then come up with a building pad for each home. Ald.
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December 4, 2006
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Melcher moved to approve the land division for lot two and lot three subject to submitting
building pads that are compact enough to conserve as many trees as possible. Seconded by
Howard Schneider, motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS (continued)
CONSERVATION EASEMENT FOR THE RIDGES CONSERVATION LANDS LOCATED IN
THE SE ¼ OF SECTION 6.
Conservation Coordinator Zagar pointed out the Ridges on his conservation maps. This
easement is a dedication made to the City through the development. This consists of
approximately 27 acres. There is no public access to the property. Mr. Ron Ford, Muskego
Lakes Land Conservancy has been asking the City to put a conservation easement on this
property so that it remains intact. The City is waiting for response from the attorney regarding
proposed easement.
DISCUSS IMPLEMENTATION OF MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING TREE MITIGATION.
Conservation Coordinator Zagar stated that he and Bill Miller are working on a draft for the
Committee’s review. Some thoughts would be to mitigate elsewhere, do wetland restoration,
prairie restoration, or even a payment made in lieu of value of tree to fund management and
enhancement of other areas in the City. He requested that the Committee review and come
up with suggestions.
DEVELOPMENT OF ENGEL CONSERVATION AREA
Conservation Coordinator Zagar updated the committee that the wetland reserve program
(northern tier) is enrolled in the Federal USDA program and is 90% completed. They have
made scrapes and blocked ditches that drain to the north, plugging ditches at ends and will be
diverting an artesian well to keep it wet longer period of time. Tom noted that he has the seed
ready for the restoration prairie but has not been able to plant because of the excessive wet
weather. As soon as it freezes, he will then be able to dormant seed.
Tom also noted a new section of land has been dedicated to the City for wetland restoration.
He noted that the Muskego School District is looking to provide more ball fields and the City
may be able to assist in wetland mitigation.
DISCUSS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CITY OF MUSKEGO CONSERVATION PLAN
UPDATE
Conservation Coordinator Zagar distributed additional maps that are part of the draft
Conservation Plan Update. He noted that chapter 4 (Inventory) and chapter 7 (Plan) are the
most important areas to be reviewed. He looks forward to receiving the committee’s
recommendations.
MISCELANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Ald. Melcher noted that Mr. Niebler is marking trees on the Waste Management site and he
feels that it would be good for the committee to meet with him in the near future.
Sharon Roy showed student submittals for the logo for the Conservation Plan. After initial
review, it was decided to defer any recommendation at this meeting.
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December 4, 2006
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ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Karen Hartwell moved to adjourn. Seconded by
Ald. Melcher and carried by all. Meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathie M. Anderson
Transcribing Secretary