MINUTES OF THE INLAND LAKE PROTECTION AND REHABILITATION DISTRICT AUGUST 10, 2015

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE INLAND LAKE PROTECTION AND REHABILITATION DISTRICT AUGUST 10, 2015 The annual meeting of the City of Antigo Inland Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District was held on the above date at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, Antigo, Wisconsin, Chairperson Timothy Kassis, presiding. Commissioners in attendance were: Darling, Kassis, T. Bauknecht, Feller Gottard, Bugni, Balcerzak, and D. Bauknecht. Absent: Kapusta and Dunn. Riparian owners and other voting members in attendance were: Mark Desotell, Kaye Matucheski, Sarah Repp, Christopher Arrowood, Sam Hardin, Florence Case, Elon Case, Elsa McKenna, John McKenna, Trinidad Cuellar, Adam Evans, and Todd Toburen. Others in attendance were Jeanne Jensen, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, JD Schroeder, and for a portion of the meeting, Lisa Haefs, Antigo Daily Journal. Commissioner Kassis reviewed the guidelines for voting eligibility. Election of officers ensued: (Present officers being Timothy Kassis, Chairperson; Tom Bauknecht, Secretary; and Jim Darling, Treasurer) Commissioner Balcerzak nominated Commissioner Kassis as Chairperson. Commissioner Darling moved, John McKenna seconded, to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Commissioner Kassis. Carried. Commissioner Bugni nominated Tom Bauknecht as Secretary. Commissioner Darling moved, Commissioner Bugni seconded, to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Commissioner T. Bauknecht. Carried. Commissioner T. Bauknecht nominated Commissioner Darling as Treasurer. Commissioner D. Bauknecht moved, Commissioner Kassis seconded, to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot. Carried. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Chairperson Kassis requested permission to move item b) before item a) for the presentation by Eddie Heath from Onterra LLC. Mr. Heath gave a review of Onterra and staffing noting they only work on lakes and do not sell any products. Onterra promotes realistic planning and lake management goals. A copy of his power point presentation was distributed.

2 Mr. Heath explained curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) was very prevalent in 2010 when the project started. Herbicide treatment is done in early spring before turions develop. Mr. Heath reviewed management goals and philosophy. Christopher Arrowood, 618 Fifth Avenue, commented on supporting Mr. Heath s explanation of not completely wiping out CLP as all species will die out. Mr. Heath showed an update on 2014 CLP and there has been a great improvement in Basins 1, 2, and 3 noting by taking a year or two off of applying herbicide some of the other native species of plants will better come back. Mr. Heath noted monitoring has led to ability to achieve effective herbicide concentration and exposure time and the CLP turion base has likely been reduced. CLP population in 2015 was low and sparse. Some native plants have observed shortterm impacts. Mr. Heath stated he is recommending to not treat in 2016 as well because the CLP population is still low but to continue monitoring of the plant community to determine when future treatments are warranted. Observe native community rebound. Mr. Heath noted the grant program for this type of project has gone through a major overhaul and Antigo Lake projects are less likely to receive grants now as the City will not be able to compete. Mr. Health reviewed the monitoring budget of $3, which is the same as 2014 and Mr. Heath recommended planning to re-herbicide again in Mr. Arrowood noted he feels if the City were to apply for a grant alone he did not think there was a chance of receiving a grant but if joined with surrounding areas (i.e. Shawano Lake) they may be able to get a grant. JD Schroeder, W9486 County Road D, inquired regarding different treatments. Mr. Heath explained one is for late native species and early is for CLP. Chairperson Kassis then returned to agenda item 1 a). Sarah Repp then gave a power point presentation with a review of the agenda items. 1. Budget/Capital Improvement Plan and Expenditures a) Spring Clean Up Expense On Monday, May 4, 2015 the City of Antigo sponsored the annual clean-up along Springbrook and the walking trail. We had approximately 30 volunteers. We scheduled the clean-up on a no school day, so we had assistance from a number of service organizations and youth groups.

3 Springbrook Clean-Up is scheduled again for We would like to continue the tradition of offering brats, hamburgers, chips, and beverages for the participants. In addition, approval to purchase trash pickers, trash bags, gloves, and other miscellaneous items used for the clean-up is being requested. The Clean-up will also include the Springbrook Walking Trail and Biking Path. Fund Balance appropriation $300 b) Improvement of Water Quality Flow (Milfoil, Run-off Fertilizer Pollution) Grant Award Onterra conducted an Early Season Aquatic Invasive Species survey for curlyleaf pondweed (CLP) on June 10th which consisted of a whole-lake, pointintercept survey. The field crew discovered very little CLP in the main basins. No CLP treatment was recommended for the 2015 season. The need for CLP treatment may not be necessary in However, that decision will not be able to be determined until the completion of an Early Season Aquatic Invasive Species survey by Onterra in June of We are projecting the need of $4,500 in consulting fees with Onterra for continued monitoring and lake planning efforts in In December of 2016 we can apply for Phase II of our planning and prevention efforts under the (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program if conditions regarding CLP are warranted. Fund Balance Applied $12,000 Lake Treatment Fund Balance Applied $ 4,500 Lake Planning & Monitoring c) Hydraulic Study Updates to the existing hydraulic data base might be required in conjunction with future projects such as detention ponds, building construction, retaining wall replacement, bridge removals or stream rehabilitation. No specific projects are identified at this time for the 2016 calendar year. Fund Balance Appropriation $0 Hydraulic Study Reserve $8,800 Mr. Desotell noted there are no changes in recommendations for the 2016 period. d) Springbrook Boardwalk and Trail Although not completely funded through Antigo Inland Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District (AILPRD), the continued development of parks and green

4 space along the Springbrook Trail has had many positive impacts for our community with the highlights listed below. In 2015, Peaceful Valley Park and Festival grounds has hosted, or will host, the following events that have generated awareness of our facilities, community and businesses. 1. Winter Fun and Family Wellness Day 2. Antigo Headstart Stand for Children Day 3. Outdoor Movies 4. Annual Water Carnival and Day of Play 5. American Legion Post #3 Pig Roast & Fundraiser 6. Badgerland Classic 7. CoVantage Loan Rally 8. Numerous family gatherings, birthday parties, and celebrations The 9-Hole Disc Golf course is a popular recreational pursuit and there are very few times that the course is not in use. In June of 2015, the Parks, Recreation & Cemetery met on-site with users of the course and authorized the expansion of an additional 9 holes. The trail is also used for a number of local walks and runs: 1. Healthy Ways Walk 2. American Federation for Suicide Prevention Out of Darkness Walk 3. Fall Healthy Ways Walk 4. Boys & Girls Club Color Run (first annual) We were very fortunate to receive a second donation from the Antigo Rotary Club, which will fund materials for a second bridge that spans Springbrook north east of the woodchip trail. This bridge is one of two that will allow for continued trail expansion and year-round use of the trail system (the bridge connects one of the segments of the x-country ski trail). The City Wide Bike Route will utilize the existing Springbrook Trail, follow signed street routes, and continue with expansion efforts. All signs will be placed by fall of In 2008 we agreed to fund a 10 year loan for $200,000 as part of the matching funds for the grant at $20,000 per year plus interest. This would be year eight of the loan repayment. Levy for Boardwalk $28, Sarah Repp reviewed the events held in the Peaceful Valley Park and Festival Grounds. She showed the current disc golf area and where the additional nine holes are proposed. Upon inquiry by Kaye Matucheski, Ms. Repp noted that no lake district funding will be used for the expanding of the disc golf area.

5 Elsa McKenna, 410 Mary Street, inquired as to when the new bridge will be constructed. Ms. Repp advised that the Rotary Club and Park s Department will have a work day on August 31, This will allow for future expansion to the north, which will connect to the apartments and shopping complex. Upon inquiry by Mrs. McKenna, Ms. Repp advised that the bridge will expand recreation year round, incorporating skiing as well. Mrs. McKenna advised that this is a great asset for the community. Ms. Repp reviewed different runs and walks held throughout the year and City wide bike trail. e) Restoration of Native Species We plan to continue the Springbrook Banks and Woodland Park restoration program as administered by the Parks Department to eradicate non-native plants and to restore wild native plant species. The program will focus on the removal of buckthorn, garlic mustard, other non-native species, and cattails. Removal of invasive plants and replacement with native species will promote wildlife while helping to enhance the waters of Antigo Lake and Springbrook. During the winter months of 2014/15 an effort to minimize fire susceptibility along the elevated boardwalk north of 2 nd Avenue was completed by our Parks, Recreation and Cemetery crews utilizing our tracked UTV (Gator) to compact an 8 foot wide path of the cattails along each edge of the boardwalk The removal/maintenance of cattails at the viewing stations (located in Basin # s 1 thru 3) as identified in the Antigo Lake Comprehensive Management Plan was started on June 23, 2015 and successfully completed on June 25, Members of our Street Department crew harvested the cattails and deposited them along the shoreline over a 2-day period followed by our Parks, Recreation and Cemetery crew removing the stems from the shoreline for final disposal. The cattails were cut 1 foot below the water surface with a sickle mower system fabricated at our Street Shop saving the Inland Lake District considerable investment. We will monitor the success of the cattail harvesting through the spring of 2016 and recommend that we explore the opening of additional viewing or access areas via a 2016 Harvesting Permit with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The remainder of the 2016 funding would be allocated for the removal of buckthorn, garlic mustard and other non-native species north of Second Avenue. The overall success of our cattail harvesting and invasive species removal will be continually monitored for consideration of native species plantings in areas responding well to the eradication efforts. The funding requested in this category will be for any combination of cattail harvesting, invasive species removal and native species plantings.

6 Fund Balance appropriation $25,000 Sarah Repp explained Christopher Arrowood and his wife were walking the trail and noticed some invasive plants. She has talked to him regarding removing invasive plants and promoting native species and wildlife. Mr. Arrowood is with Timberland Invasive Partnership Projects which is a non-profit organization in the Menominee, Shawano, and Langlade Counties. He found the following invasive species wild parsnip, purple loosestrife, Japanese barberry, Common Buckthorn, Glossy Buckthorn, Tatarian Honeysuckle, Morrow s Honeysuckle, Spotted Knapweek, Common Tansy, and Marsh Thistle. Upon inquiry by Ms. Matucheski, Mr. Arrowood noted funding currently comes from Great Lake Restoration Initiative and Lumberjack RC&D. As far as a cost to the City, this is worked out on an individual basis. There is no cost in training individuals and hosting events. Ms. Repp and Mr. Arrowood noted the wild parsnip should be addressed next year as they oil from the plant can cause burns on skin. Mr. Desotell reviewed the areas crews worked on with cattail issues. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked the City to look at a mechanical harvesting. Elon Case, 310 Fifth Avenue, asked about his property. Mr. Desotell advised that the cattail removal was done on City owned property. Mr. Case advised that he ownes approximately 40 feet of water frontage full of cattails and when purchased fifty years ago, it did not have cattails. Mr. Case asked about who is responsible for areas in front of private property. He felt the City would be to which Mr. Desotell stated he did not think that was correct and would need to check further. Commissioner Balcerzak inquired about not being able to take care of cattails on the entire lake. Mr. Desotell advised that the City would not be able to work on private property. Ms. Matucheski noted that private property owners have a responsibility for their own property and the Lake District should not be responsible. Chairperson Kassis stated Mr. Desotell should talk to the DNR and be in contact with Mr. and Mrs. Case. For 2015, no funds have been expended yet but any funds expended before the end of the year will be deducted from the fund balance appropriation for f) Basin Dredging Program Staff is working to compare the basin elevations (post-dredging in 1989/90) with grade shots taken subsequent to the 2004 flood and will prepare a crosssectional drawing indicating the amount of change over the time period. This information can be evaluated to project the overall rate of sedimentation (plant decay + soil deposits) to determine if other efforts designed to slow down the

7 sedimentation rate (i.e. storm sewer detention, site-specific erosion control measures and others are warranted in addition to the dredging reserve. The WDNR has indicated that dredging is something they would approve in the future especially if it is part of the management plan. It was noted during the 2009 meeting that the original project was $750,000. Last year we agreed to levy and set aside $15,000 bringing the reserve balance for dredging to $85,000 at the end of In view of the cost of such a project we propose to levy $15,000 this year. We have estimated the costs associated for the completion of a consultant based Sedimentation Control Study that would identify specific locations of opportunity to minimize sedimentation within the lake basins. An Urban Sediment Loading Analysis would provide a water quality assessment of areas within the City draining into Antigo Lake. It would provide an estimate of total suspended solids entering the lake by way of computer modeling. Conceptual designs identifying locations for Best Management Practices (BMP s) along storm sewer systems out-letting to the basins would be developed along with estimates for construction of sediment control structures. The study would also help to identify grant funding sources for implementation of the proposed BMP s. It is estimated that such a study would be at a cost of $35,000 with the funds being derived from the dredging reserve balance in A Lake Bathymetric Survey would also be scheduled to coincide with the Sedimentation Control Study. City staff would conduct a lake bottom survey such as to provide a contour map of the basins. A consultant study would then be completed comparing the new data against the 1900 dredging project to estimate an annual sedimentation accumulation rate for the lake. The data will then be placed into a computer modeling program to verify the validity of any BMP practices being proposed. This effort is estimated to require $3,000 in labor efforts by City crews with $7,000 in consultant fees. The Onterra provided Lake Management plan currently addresses soft sedimentation being produced in the basins through the growth and decay of invasive species such as Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) and minimizes the impacts through lake-herbicide treatments as warranted. The hard sedimentation studies will identify several BMP s to supplement these efforts in hopes of minimizing the frequency of actual dredging that may be needed. Chapter 33 Public Inland Waters Subchapter III Section of Wisconsin State Statutes identifies potential financial assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) via competitive applications for feasibility studies. We will explore such opportunities in an effort to minimize the overall funds eventually required from the AILPRD. Fund Balance Applied From: Dredging Reserve $35,000 Urban Sediment Loading Analysis Dredging Reserve $10,000 Lake Bathymetric Survey Proposed to Levy $15,000 Dredging Reserve Balance $55,000 as of

8 Mr. Desotell noted it is being proposed to go into a Sedimentation Control Study to look at specific ways to limit sedimentation. Another study that coincides with the Sedimentation Control Study would be a Lake Bathometric Survey which would provide data to compare the last twenty-five years. This will show best management practices to limit sedimentation. Commissioner Balcerzak questioned taking money from the dredging reserve for the analysis and how that can be done. Ms. Matucheski explained that the heading is basin dredging program, not just dredging. It was just discovered that the control study may be an opportunity to provide answers to do other things rather than dredging, which is very costly. This is a program that will determine if we have to dredge or do not have to dredge. Program does not mean the actual word dredging has to occur. Mr. Desotell advised that there may be other opportunities that present themselves once the study is completed. He has shown the DNR areas where he thought sedimentation may be able to be controlled to the north, before the lake, and the DNR does not find them to be condusive. g) Restoration of Springbrook Flowage from Faust Dam to Seventh Avenue If provided the opportunity, we would re-apply for a Capstone Grant from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as part of a program designed to engage senior class members in the Landscape Architecture program. Fund Balance Applied $2,500 Mr. Desotell noted he would like to reapply for this grant if it is still available. He explained how the program works. h) Trail Maintenance / Improvements and Future Expansion SPRINGBROOK TRAIL & OUR COMMUNITY: The Springbrook Trail is an incredible asset for our community. Recreational pursuits can be enjoyed on paved or rough trail; creating inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities for our whole community. Economic opportunities for our local businesses exist through tourism dollars. Additionally, it is a sought after amenity for those considering relocation for a business or family. This project was constructed through the use of Grant, Lake District and TIF dollars; maintenance and expansion efforts of the Springbrook Trail will continue to benefit our community. MAINTENANCE: The current trail system is relatively new, but still requires annual maintenance (woodchips, crack sealing, boardwalk board replacement, blacktop replacement and sealing etc.); the use of inland lake funds in combination with general operating funds allows our community to maintain a recreational trail, which

9 enhances the opportunities for public enjoyment along our 3 Lake Basins and watershed area. Areas that show signs of repair are noted and addressed during the construction season Maintenance: Charley Brinkmeier, City Land Surveyor/Project Manager, and his assistant Beth McCarthy worked with the Parks Department to complete repairs on the trail between the Fourth Avenue Trail Head and Second Avenue. We successfully repaired approximately 200 of trail in Maintenance: We coordinated with VanOoyen electric company to trench certain segments of the trail in 2015 as a preventative measure in areas that had been repaired due to root damage. We plan on continuing this effort to prevent damage in the future. There are also segments north of the dead end of Virginia Street that have shown signs of cracking that will be repaired in Maintenance: 1. We plan on bidding sealing of the trail or portions of the trail to extend the life of the blacktop. 2. We plan on making necessary repairs during the construction season that may have occurred over the winter months such as cracking and heaving. 3. We plan on continuing the trenching along the trail to prevent root damage. EXPANSION: We would like to maintain the current trail system at the highest level possible while also expanding. Expansion provides the opportunity for, as stated in Wisconsin State Statutes Section 33.22: (4m) A district may undertake projects to enhance the recreational uses of a lake within its jurisdiction, including recreational boating facilities as defined under s (1) (c). (4r) If authorized by an annual meeting of a district, the district may appropriate money for the conservation of natural resources or for payment to a bona fide nonprofit organization for the conservation of natural resources within the district or beneficial to the district. The proposed dollars levied through Inland Lakes will be used to maintain and expand the areas along Antigo Lake and the Springbrook Waterway, which allows the public to recreate and enjoy the natural resources along the lake basins and waterway Expansion: We have begun expansion efforts through the Rotary Bridge (funded by the Antigo Rotary Club and Inland Lakes) and a second bridge to the west of the Rotary Bridge (funded through Inland Lakes) Expansion: We are coordinating with Rotary to complete the second bridge to the west of the bridge that was constructed in Expansion: Boardwalk expansion off the second bridge will continue with any available funds after sealing and repairs. Expansion

10 funds would not be used beyond the Langlade County Fairground property boundary. We are requesting $10, to be used to maintain the current trail system and expand in approved areas. We anticipate continued requests annually. Proposed to Levy $10,000 Ms. Repp advised these funds are being used to repair and maintain the trail. i) Any Other Budgetary Items Arising from Discussion (No action may be taken on these items.) Ms. Matucheski advised the advertising budget is at $700 and that needs to be increased to $1,500 but this will not change the levy amount as the additional funds will be taken from the fund balance. Upon inquiry by Alderperson Balcerzak, Ms. Matucheski advised that the total mill rate is , using the assessed value from Adopt Budget and Tax Levy Ms. Matucheski indicated that the budget will be $129,425 and the levy $53,490. The Lake District is not approving mill rate as that is based on the assessed value. John McKenna moved, Commissioner Bugni seconded, to accept the budget as presented. Carried. (14 yes, 0 opposed) 3. Set Policy for Purchasing, Contracting and Bidding (per Wisconsin Statute Sec (1) Mr. Desotell read a portion of the statute to the group noting he took the existing City policy and augmented it to follow statutes for lake district. He further noted the proposed policy has been reviewed by City Attorney, Michael Winter and staff. Ms. Matucheski explained that this policy will allow the Director of Administrative Services or department manager if assigned to award the bid as long as it is within the budgeted amount that has been approved. If it is over the budgeted amount, there would have to be a special lake district meeting. Commissioner Kassis moved, Commissioner T. Bauknecht seconded, to accept the Policy for Purchasing, Contracting and Bidding (per Wisconsin Statute Sec (1). Carried. (14 yes, 0 opposed) ANY OTHER BUSINESS AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO BE CONSIDERED There was no other business to be considered.

11 ADJOURNMENT John McKenna moved, Commissioner Darling seconded, to adjourn at 6:52 p.m. Carried. Thomas Bauknecht, Secretary