Conservation Commission -Minutes- - 6/12/2014
Approved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
June 12, 2014
7:00 PM
City Hall , W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present recited the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Ald. Robert Wolfe, Chairman Len Pilak, Julie Holubowicz, Howard Schneider,
Jessica Quinlan, and Tom Zagar. In the audience: Ald. Kevin Kubacki, Ald. John Engelhardt
and Ald. Neil Borgman.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Tom Zagar noted the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting laws.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2014.
Ald. Wolfe made a motion to approve the minutes of January 22, 2014. Julie
Holubowicz seconded.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
PROJECT UPDATES
Badertscher Preserve Developments.
Mr. Zagar updated the Commission that seeding has been completed in the agricultural fields
and oak savannah. 100 Oak trees have been transplanted onto the property from Engel
Conservation Area by the Eagle Scouts. A new entrance sign has been installed. The Eagle
Scouts will be doing a field stone/cedar rail fence project.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed removal of dam structure on Jewel Creek (Little Muskego Lake Tributary).
Mr. Zagar informed the Commissioners the DNR notified the City that the dam is failing and the
DNR prefers that it be removed. Mr. Zagar noted there is money available through the DNR to
remove the dam, but there is no money to repair it. Mr. Zagar discussed reasons why the
DNR wants the dam removed, with the main reason being there is no ecological purpose for it.
It is better to have water free flowing to allow the movement of aquatic organisims. Sediment
issues will be addressed in the removal process and shoreline restoration would be inlcuded in
the project funds.
Ron Ford- Concerned with motorboat access and property values. DNR rep told him she is
neutral on removal/repair. Dam is low cost, popular, DNR fishing clinics are held here,
provides the opportuity for stocking the lake.
Charles B - Concerned with water levels and flood plain. Mr. Zagar explained removing the
dam will even out the levels. Will be shallower upstream and no change downstream.
Janice Miller - Questioned if they will keep their lake and access rights? Dam is a good
situation for safe fishing, swimming, and walking. Feels taking the dam away is taking history
of Muskego away.
Dan Miller - Concerned with ski club closing off the beach, and then the city eliminating the
dam closes off another access and removes recreational opportunities for kids.
Larry Lefevre, Lake District representative, stated he spoke to Michelle Hase, Water
Managment Engineer for the DNR, who informed Mr. Lefevre that the dam is in disrepair and
prior to the removal an engineering plan must be created. The biggest benefit of the removal
is for fish habitat to seek oxygen further upstream. There is no known reason for repair.
Ald. Borgman explained the purpose of this meeting was to hear concerns and make a
recommendation to the committees who make the decisions.
Alderman Wolfe made a motion to defer proposed removal of dam structure on Jewel
Creek (Little Muskego Lake Tributary) to receive more information on the reasons
behind the project and to share the concerns of the residents with a representative
of the DNR. Howard Schneider seconded.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
Proposed trails and trail uses at Badertscher Preserve and Ridges Conservation Site.
Mr. Zagar reviewed the trail plan for the 130 acres of the Badertscher Preserve and Ridges
Conservation areas. The path will be a foot path with bridge crossings using repurposed pier
sections. Would like to keep trails open to horse traffic. Would like to have trails completed by
the end of summer.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Wolfe made a motion to adjourn at 8:01PM.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie McMullen,
Recording Secretary