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Wind Lake district approves weed pickup contracts, appoints harvesting manager and declines DNR land-use renewal
Summary
The Wind Lake Management District approved a roadside weed pickup contract (nine dates at $1,800 per pickup), approved $90/hr trucking, accepted Jerry Kotarak as Harvesting Program Manager and agreed by consensus not to renew a DNR land-use agreement needed for USCG boat inspections.
At its April 28 meeting, the Wind Lake Management District approved contracts and operational changes for the 2026 season and addressed several shoreline and navigation items.
The board voted 6-0 to accept a proposal for roadside weed pickup from Jerry Kotarak covering nine scheduled dates (6/8, 6/22, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3, 8/17, 8/31, 9/14 and 9/28) at a cost of $1,800 per pickup. The board then approved trucking of weeds from the harvester at a rate of $90 per hour by a 6-0 vote. County Representative Joe Bellante moved the roadside pickup approval; Secretary Jeremy Sauld seconded. Sauld moved the trucking-rate approval; Treasurer Todd Flunker seconded both motions.
Chairman Mike Bluemel reported that Jerry Kotarak has accepted the role of Harvesting Program Manager for 2026 and that the new harvester will be scheduled the week of May 18. Commissioners discussed logistics, noting the new machine runs on gasoline rather than diesel and reviewing transport and refueling needs.
On other business, Secretary Jeremy Sauld relayed that the DNR does not remove trees that fall into the water from natural causes after a report of a fallen tree in the Sadler Drive canal that is impeding navigation; Town Representative Mike Lyman said the town has no ordinance addressing the issue and will discuss it at the next town meeting. The board also discussed the U.S. Coast Guard boat inspection program and the DNR land-use agreement required for inspections; members noted historically low participation and reached a consensus not to renew the land-use agreement with the DNR at this time.
Secretary Sauld said lighted buoys have been ordered and the district is awaiting delivery. Public comment included a question from resident Patty Mueller about whether a goose roundup will occur this year; the board said the decision is typically made later in May and roundups have typically occurred in June. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
