Conservation Commission -Minutes-20080407
Approved 7/15/08
Conservation Commission
City of Muskego
Minutes of Meeting Held on, Monday, April 7, 2008
Ald. Schaefer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led those in attendance in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call - Commissioners: Mr. Ted Decker, Ms. Karen Hartwell, Mr. Bill Miller, Ms.
Sharon Roy, Alderman Tina Schaefer, Mr. Howard Schneider, Conservation Coordinator:
Tom Zagar.
Excused: Commissioner Leonard Pilak (Excused)
Also in attendance: Magnus Ekstrand, Anthony S. Alesci, Dave Meyer
The meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES – A motion was made by
Howard Schneider to approve the minutes of the meeting held March 3, 2008.
Seconded by Bill Miller; motion carried.
Mr. Zagar asked that Ald. Schaefer modify the order of the agenda to accommodate
public and guests in attendance for agenda items.
NEW BUSINESS
Review Edgewater Heights Preliminary Plat—Mr. Alesci reviewed briefly the
markings on the preliminary plat and what they designated. He pointed out the various
wetlands shown on the plat and the 50-foot and 75-foot setbacks for building purposes.
Mr. Zagar shared that the City of Muskego has a wetland building 30-foot setback from
the actual wetlands so there is a possibility that there could be some development in the
area between the 30-foot and these greater setback distances provided that the drainage
doesn’t go untreated to the wetlands. He did like the fact that the wetlands were kept in
the outlot area and not a part of the individual lots. With this design, there is less
potential that someone is going to fill in the wetlands. Ald. Schaefer suggested some
fencing around the wetlands. Mr. Dave Meyer commented that most of the elongated
wetland is a drainage ditch and the sides are relatively steep with a narrow band of
wetland vegetation around it so he could not see the benefit in fencing. If they fence it
off, they would be restricting wildlife and the types of wildlife that will use the area after
it is built are small such as opossums and raccoons. Some discussion on the responsibility
of maintaining the fence if installed. Mr. Alesci stated that with the wetlands not being
on any lot, you could not ask the owners to maintain something that is not on their lot.
Mr. Zagar shared that the entire area was a plowed farm field as late as 1980. The areas
that were not tilled in recent years were taken over by vegetation such as canary grass and
cattails. It not being a high quality wetland, he did not recommend fencing it. Mr. Miller
also did not see fencing it. In discussion of the deed restrictions, Mr. Zagar would like to
see the language modified to include references to the City of Muskego rather than just
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Waukesha County Parks & Land Use. He also would add language that they be allowed
to remove invasive and non-native species. Mr. Alesci will be provided with the
language once the City of Muskego gets the final plat. Mr. Miller moved to
recommend approval of the preliminary plat with deed restrictions. Mr. Schneider
seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Ald. Schaefer would
like the opportunity to view the plans as the come in. Mr. Miller inquired about the status
of the drain tile on the property. Mr. Alesci said the storm water plan will compensate
for the drainage that goes into the ditch as some disturbance may occur during the
construction. He noted also that the minimum lot size was an acre.
OLD BUSINESS
Erosion control project on Holz Island/Little Muskego Lake—Mr. Zagar reported he
is currently in the process of filling out the permit. In conversation with the WDNR
(Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources), it would be relatively simple to do a
permit for the biological control that would be done on the eastern side, proposing using
coconut-fiber logs on the shoreline, planting them in with shrubs and then doing an
occasional tree drop; tree drop where they purposely drop a tree into the water, anchor it,
creating a natural wave barrier and a habitat for fish and turtles. The WDNR would be
more apt to approve this permit right away. To do the whole project as one permit, would
require one permit at a higher permit cost and that is because on the other side, they will
be doing rip-rap as there are higher intensity waves hitting that area with a very steep
bank and they need to take harder measures to stop the erosion. He also needs to prove to
them that it’s a high energy site to have the rip-rap placed there.
Development of Engel Conservation Area—Mr. Zagar said there are wonderful Eagle
Scouts that are doing projects out there. Eagle Scout Austin Winkler will be building
another bridge as well as wood duck boxes. Another scout, Mike Senk, is doing a
different boardwalk crossing over a wet area. He mentioned that the wetland restoration
area on the north half is full of water and full of ducks. It’s in need of another outlet
structure because the one that is shedding the water to the creek is running full and it’s
still filling up. It’s breeching where it shouldn’t. It will be up to the USDA to pay for it
and take care of all the permitting. Commissioners inquired if the house had been burned
yet. Mr. Zagar reported not yet.
Discuss conservation easement for Ridges conservation site—This item will remain as
an agenda item. Mr. Ford will be bringing forth a copy of the conservation easement.
Review concept plan for Borst property—This item will remain as an agenda item
until they have an opportunity to schedule a meeting at the Borst site. The developer is
speaking with his client on this issue.
Discuss Ideas for Arbor Day (Earth Day) Observance—Mrs. Roy presented a flyer
announcing on April 25, the last Friday in April at 6:00 p.m., they will have an
observance at the Engel Conservation Area, involving planting some trees, distributing
seedling trees and taking a tree walk. Mrs. Roy shared that she had spoken to the district
office and once they review the flyer and okay it for distribution, it can be distributed to
Conservation Commission Meeting – April 7, 2008 – Page 3
the student body. Mr. Zagar will distribute the announcement also to the local
newspapers.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW—Mr. Schneider
inquired if any burns were planned. Mr. Zagar said he would be doing burns and may
start with the Luther Parker Cemetery.
Mrs. Hartwell inquired about getting some neighborhood crews to help out with some
conservation areas. Mr. Zagar said they did the Guernsey Meadows site last fall and
about five people showed up. Mrs. Hartwell asked about doing something in the spring.
Mr. Zagar said later in May or early in June may be a good time to target garlic mustard.
This will be an agenda item.
ADJOURNMENT – Bill Miller moved to adjourn, seconded by Sharon Roy at 7:42
PM. Carried by all.
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary