Conservation Commission -Minutes-20071008
Approved
Conservation Commission
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on Wednesday, Monday, October 8, 2007
Chairman Leonard Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM and led those in
attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Mr. Leonard Pilak, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Bill Miller, Ms. Sharon Roy,
Ms. Karen Hartwell, Alderman Tina Schaefer, and Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar,
and those per the attached list.
Excused: Mr. Ted Decker
The meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting law on October 2, 2007.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES – A motion was made by
Sharon Roy to approve the minutes of the meeting held August 29, 2007. Seconded
by Howard Schneider, motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Erosion control project on Holz Island/Little Muskego Lake – Mr. Zagar noted that
he is drawing up construction plans. At the LML District Meeting, they did not fund the
project in the new budget but the District still has DNR grant monies earmarked for this
project. It would also probably be funded through Conservation funds and Lake
Protection grants. The project could be anywhere from $100,000.00 or less, depending
on depth of project.
Development of Engel Conservation Area – Mr. Zagar advised that Muskego High
School Science Club would be working on installing wood chips on the trails and
collecting prairie seeds.
Review Preliminary Plat of Wildflower Farms – Mr. Zagar advised that this
Preliminary Plat was approved by this Commission at the August meeting, but he left
this on the agenda because he recently contacted the property owners to make them
aware that they may be able to keep the existing barn through a rustic structure
designation - as was being considered for the barn on Thode Drive, to be addressed later
on this meeting’s agenda. He did not know if there was any interest in keeping the barn
or existing farmhouse, or what the condition was of either structure – but if they would
plan to keep them, the preliminary plat would need to be modified.
Discuss establishment of a nongovernmental fund to assist conservation acquisition
and management costs. Mr. Zagar advised that he had checked with the City’s Finance
Supervisor who verified that the City does manage funds for private entities including the
volunteer fire departments and the Friends Of the Library. Tom Zagar will check out
how monies donated to the City for this purpose could be classified as tax-deductible
contributions.
Conservation Commission Meeting – August 30, 2007 – Page 2
Discuss idea for volunteer workdays at neighborhood conservation areas – Tom
Zagar reported that volunteers from the Guernsey Meadows Subdivision and the
Quietwood Creek Subdivision, adjacent to the woods, did meet on site and assisted in the
removal of buckthorn and other nonnative plants. Chairman Pilak suggested notifying
the local papers next time for more volunteers.
Discuss conservation easement for Ridges City conservation site – Tom Zagar advised
that Ron Ford of Muskego Lakes Conservancy dropped off a draft easement document.
The Muskego Lakes Conservancy wants to be assured that future councils retain the
conservation values of the Ridges conservation property. Tom Zagar was questioning
why we are putting an easement on just one property and thought perhaps the
Commission should consider ways to protect many of the other conservation areas owned
by the City. It was agreed that what was presented might be a little restrictive for the
City. Mr. Zagar was agreeable to meet with anyone to go through the easement page by
page and report back to the Commission.
NEW BUSINESS
Recommend rustic structure designation for barn on Thode Drive – Tom Zagar
presented pictures of the barn. Blenda Ricco was present to answer questions brought
forth with this proposal. The Commissioners all agreed that the structure meet the intent
of City’s code to preserve rustic structures. Bill Miller voted to recommend this barn be
classified as a rustic structure. Seconded by Len Pilak, motion carried
Recommend sending letters to high conservation priority landowners expressing
City’s interest in acquiring lands – Tom Zagar read a draft letter that would be sent out
to various owners of lands designated as high conservation priorities in the Parks &
Conservation Plan. The letter informs them of the designation and invites them to call to
discuss the various ways that lands can be preserved. Leonard Pilak moved to direct Tom
to pursue a letter to be sent by Mayor Johnson after obtaining his comments and
approval. Seconded by Karen Hartwell, motion carried.
Discuss conservation work plans for 2008 - Nothing had specifically been prepared
and Tom Zagar advised that he would present, at a future meeting, a five year increment
plan.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW – None.
ADJOURNMENT – Sharon Roy moved to adjourn at 7:41 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathie Anderson
Transcribing Secretary