Conservation Commission -Minutes-20070829
Approved
Conservation Commission
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Chairman Leonard Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM and led those in
attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Mr. Leonard Pilak, Mr. Bill Miller, Mr. Ted Decker, Alderman Tina Schaefer,
and Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar.
Excused: Mr. Howard Schneider, Ms. Sharon Roy, Ms. Karen Hartwell
The meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES – A motion was made by Mr.
Mr. Bill Miller to approve the minutes of the meeting held June 4, 2007. Seconded
by Alderman Tina Schaefer, motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Erosion control project on Holz Island/Little Muskego Lake – Mr. Zagar noted that
he has started working on the construction plan.
Development of Engel Conservation Area – Mr. Zagar outlined the projects being
worked on, as follows:
An Eagle Scout project has built benches and picnic tables – Another Eagle Scout
will be installing a fence around the parking lot – Public Works Department will
be putting down some recycled asphalt on the parking lot – City has given
permission for razing of the house and is waiting for fire department to advise
when they will be burning. Prior to burn, various items from the building will be
removed.
Prairie vegetation had been planted in wetland area and maintenance mowing was
started but halted due to recent heavy rains. Germination status is unknown.
NEW BUSINESS
Review Preliminary Plat of Wildflower Farms – Mr. Zagar advised that this is
property near Highway “OO” and Priegel Drive, east of Boxhorn Gun Club, north of
Boxhorn Reserve Subdivision. They propose a 24-acre preserved area on the west side,
adjacent to the Leonard Farm, that recently sold the western part of their land to the
DNR for conservation. The Wildflower Farms Subdivision will be developed into ½
acre lots with a restricted wetland setback for certain buildings. Tom advised that the
only question he had was whether the City should dedicate the preserved outlot to the
City or have the developer grant a conservation easement for maintenance purpose.
Conservation Commission Meeting – August 29, 2007 – Page 2
Another issue would be that the City’s proposed recreation trail could go through this
land and, if so, it would be good to also obtain a trail easement – if outlot remains in
subdivision ownership. These questions would need to be asked of the developer.
Mr. Ted Decker moved to recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat for
Wildflower Farms, as presented, and to ask that the City either seek dedication of
outlot #1 or obtain a conservation easement on it for the ability to do land
management activities. Seconded by Mr. Bill Miller, motion carried.
Discuss establishment of a nongovernmental fund to assist conservation acquisition
and management costs. Tom Zagar acknowledged a resident volunteer, Julie
Holubowicz, who is also entertaining the idea of possibly joining the Commission in the
future. He explained that he had asked Julie to secure updated information from the
Greater Milwaukee Foundation as she had previously worked for the foundation. Julie
explained to the Commission ways available to set up a foundation whereby funds would
be used only for land acquisition and land management activities. She explained
$25,000 in principal is needed before the fund can be drawn from – only interest can be
withdrawn. She explained that if the City were to do a fundraiser such as a seed sale,
etc., that the checks would be made out to the City who would then cut a check to the
foundation, but the individual would not receive a letter from the foundation
acknowledging donation, only the City. She also explained that the Greater Milwaukee
Foundation does not do any marketing aside from their quarterly newsletter and annual
report. She noted that an official brochure would have to be approved by the Foundation.
The Waukesha County Community Foundation is fairly new and she gave the
Commission information received from that Foundation. The Commission felt that
possibly they could start a Friends Of Muskego Conservation nonprofit organization.
Tom Zagar will discuss with various members of staff and report back to the committee.
Discuss idea for volunteer workdays at neighborhood conservation areas –
Tom Zagar advised that he would like to arrange a volunteer event for the City of
Muskego woodlot at Guernsey Meadows Subdivision. He suggested sending letters out
to neighboring residents to ask them to meet on a Saturday meeting date to assist in
removing buckthorn and other nonnative plants. The commission supported the idea and
also suggested that a call for volunteers be put on the City’s website and the City’s
newsletter.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW – None.
ADJOURNMENT – Bill Miller moved to adjourn at 7:59 PM. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathie Anderson
Transcribing Secretary