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