Conservation Commission -Minutes - 9/17/2014
Unapproved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
September 17, 2014
7:00 PM
City Hall , W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Pilak called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Members: Len Pilak, Ald. Rob Wolfe, Sharon Roy, Howard Schneider,
William Miller, Julie Holubowicz, and Barb Schroeder. Staff: Tom Zager and Jessica Quinlan.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting laws.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JUNE 12, 2014.
Alderman Wolfe made a motion to approve the minutes of June 12, 2014. Julie
Holubowicz seconded.
Motion Passed 7 in favor.
PROJECT UPDATES
Badertscher Preserve developments
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Emerald Ash Borer update and management recommendations
Proposed trails and trail uses at Badertscher Preserve and Ridges Site
Proposed removal of dam structure on Jewel Creek
Michelle Hase, DNR Representative, gave 3 options for the dam. The City could apply to the
DNR to take ownership of the dam, a group of residents can form an association, and if they
have the financial means to take care of the dam, can apply for ownership, or no one can take
ownership and the DNR will declare it abandoned and will remove it. Ms. Hase explained
seepage in dams may cause concrete failures underneath the surface. Sinkholes could form;
which will become a liability issue. An engineer should be hired to determine if it is safe.
Ben Heussner, DNR Representative, explained in this situation there is more benefit to the fish
habitat if the dam were removed.
Ron Ford expressed emotional connection of the dam to generations of Musekgo residents.
Public access is used for recreation like swimming and fishing. The dam provides great fish
habitat. Removing the dam will remove an opportunity for children to connect with nature.
William Miller made a motion to remove or abandon the dam. Julie Holubowicz
seconded.
Motion Failed 3 in favor 4 opposed.
Barb Schroeder made a motion to take ownership of the dam. Howard Schneider
seconded.
Motion Passed 4 in favor 3 opposed.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss the property modified Preliminary Plat of Wildflower Farms subdivision
Mr. Zagar explained the subdivision preliminary plat for Wildflower Farms, originally approved
in October 2007, dedicated land adjacent to city conservation land. The area is alos within the
Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife Area project boundary. A redelineation of the wetland areas
was recently required and is now found to be affecting the layout of the development and two
lots were lost.
Jim Doering, developer, was present and explained they have reconfigured the lots and picked
up the lost lots in other areas, but will have an impact on the outlot to be dedicated to the city.
Mr. Doering stated the goal is to maintain 51 lots. Council approval may be needed to allow
smaller lots.
Mr. Zagar added that with this proposal there are considerations of creating a park in this area
and trails. Mr. Zagar added he would like to keep what was originally proposed, however, if
there is some other benefit such as city park land, staff would recommend considering the
reconfiguration of the new lots. Mr. Zagar questioned if the lots not affected by the wetland
delineation could be reconfigured/shrunken to keep 51 lots without moving into the dedicated
conservancy land.
Len Pilak made a motion to recommend approval of a redesign/revision for smaller
lots and retain the outlot as originally approved on the preliminary plat. William
Miller seconded.
Motion Passed 6 in favor 1 opposed.
Barb Schroeder made a motion to recommend to Council that the Conservation
Commission is receptive to a smaller dedication size if there are other benefits to the
city. William Miller seconded.
Motion Passed 7 in favor.
Ald. Wolfe voted no.
Discuss wetland restoration project on Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife Area
Mr. Zagar noted that MMSD stormwater funds may be applied to this project.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
Len Pilak adjourned the meeting at 8:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie McMullen,
Recording Secretary