Fall is in the air as the summer is coming to a close. Here are the 3rd quarter highlights from the LDLD Board of Commissioners.
Fall Social Event
Tuesday, October 15 at Coach’s on the Lake. Cash bar starting at 5 PM. The lake district will sponsor the pizza’s, salad and garlic bread buffet starting at 6 PM.
Fish Stocking
The week of October 7, the lake district, along with a generous donation from Ken & Cindy Jensen and Bob Kargl, will stock 5,000 to 6,000 Black Crappie fingerlings. On Thursday, October 3, the DNR will stock 1,670 Walleyes.
Annual Member Meeting
The 2024 annual meeting was held at 6 PM on Monday, August 26 at the Muskego City Hall. Meeting notes and presentation slides are available on the LDLD.org website.
Guest Speakers:
Patrick Siwula, WDNR SE Region AIS Biologist, and Amanda Schmitz, WDNR Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, were the guest speakers.
Questions from the members:
How does the city of Muskego support the efforts and work of the lake district?
Kevin responded that the city pays a % of the lake district’s operating budget. The city also addresses areas outside the lake district, such as new property development, and requires new developments to maintain their retention ponds.
What can be done about the growth of cattails in the SE channel?
Patrick Siwula responded that cattails are a native plant and are most likely a hybrid variety. The property owner would have to address the issue.
What is the state of Wisconsin doing to address wake boats?
Patrick Siwula responded that the state has nothing that is enforceable and many local ordinances have been approved.
Can something be done about the lily pads?
Patrick responded that lily pads are a native plant and protected by the DNR.
What can be done about the rainfall run-off in the north tributary?
The board does have this topic on their agenda to investigate and implement appropriate solutions.
Public Comments from the members:
Should the annual special assessment be increased to build a financial reserve?
Tim responded that this will be covered during the 2025 budget presentation and discussion.
Can something be done to “pick up” the weeds that float ashore on the north shore?
Tim reported that other lake districts do arrange for some type of “curbside” pick up but not a “pier” pick up.
Are there any observations or improvements as a result of the Clean Boats Clean Water program?
Tim reported that this program has shown some effectiveness and provides education to boaters about aquatic invasive plants.
What is the city of Muskego doing about the Denoon Park boat launch?
Kevin has an update planned later in the agenda.
Can the chemical weed treatment be done earlier in the boating season?
The chemical weed treatment was planned to be after the mechanical harvesting.
Projects Review:
The projects for 2024 were reviewed by the appropriate BoC member.
Financial Report & 2025 Budget Presentation:
Tim Laseke led the discussion on the status of the current 2024 budget and proposed 2025 budget that was included in the mailer.
A “revised” 2025 budget was developed at an emergency LDLD BoC meeting on Friday, August 23. The revised budget was necessary due to the recent findings of 2 additional, 20 foot patches of SSW. The DNR recommends a DASH management plan as both patches are “monotypical”. The intent of DASH is to reduce the “biomass” of the SSW and promote native plant competition.
A discussion took place regarding the proposed 2025 special assessment amount of $350 because this amount does not result in a balanced budget. Members present requested the special assessment be increased to cover the 2025 budget expenses.
A motion to increase the special assessment to $400 for tax year 2024 was made by Bob Kargl and seconded by Linda Laseke. This motion failed by a unanimous vote of 33 “no”.
Another motion to increase the special assessment to $430 for tax year 2024 was made by Linda Laseke and seconded by Bob Kargl. This motion passed by a vote of 26 “yes” and 7 “no”.
After some additional discussion on the 2025 budget, a motion to approve the amended 2025 budget was made by Kathy McAvoy and seconded by Tom Ballo. This motion passed by a vote of 29 “yes” to 4 “no”.
The Special Assessment for 2024 tax bills will be $430.
A suggestion was made for future annual member meetings to provide paper copies of the budget at the meeting because it is difficult to read the information on the monitors in the council chambers. The BoC will add this to the planning for future years.
Election of Commissioners:
Terms are up for Tim Laseke and Nancy Long.
Tim asked if any other members wished to submit their name to join the BoC.
Ballots were distributed, collected and counted.
Tim Laseke = 33 votes
Nancy Long = 32 votes
Tim and Nancy were elected to the BoC. Their 3 year terms will end in August 2027.
City of Muskego Updates:
Denoon Park Project
Kevin Kubacki reported that 2025 will be used to apply for permits for dredging and launch improvements. The actual work will not be completed until 2026.
No Wake Ordinance
Kevin Kubacki reported that the city of Muskego is creating a city ordinance to standardize and address the enactment of a “Slow No Wake” designation. All 3 Muskego lakes will be included in the ordinance.
Date for Next Year’s Meeting:
Monday, August 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Have a question, comment or are interested in volunteering?
Contact the LDLD Board of Commissioners at commissioners@ldld.org
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