June 13, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

Rationale: 

NOTE: The agenda is on file at the LPNNRD office and may be changed up to 24 hours prior to the meeting as scheduled.

 

Rationale: 

It was requested at the last Board Meeting to get an estimate in placing bollards around the five electrical panels and transformers at the Lake Wanahoo SRA.  Mike Murren has put together an estimate of approximately $4,825 for materials and labor, see attachment.  The Committee discussed the situation and felt it unnecessary to place bollards around each electrical panel and transformer because the distance from the roads to these structure is substantial and they are insured.

It was brought to attention that the insurance cost of $2,700 for insuring 75 electrical camper pedestals was out of line and that the District self insure these pedestals. 

Rationale:  The Nebraska Association of School Boards is once again conducting their "Open Meetings Workshops" meetings this summer.  This is a good update for board members who want to keep current on this topic.  The workshops that are the closest for us are; August 3 in Columbus and August 4 in Fremont. See attachment for more details.

Rationale:  The Water Leaders Workshop will be held June 22 and 23 in Milwaukee.  This workshop is focused at entities that move water.  Originally I passed over interest in the conference, however was made aware that all participating entities will receive a Watertronics "Remote Telemetry Unit" (RTU) and one year cellular service as an incentive for attending the conference, over $3,600 value.  The RTU can be used to transmit data by cellular service from any water meter or data logger sending information for up to five different data sets.  To receive the RTU you must attend the Watertronics Tour at the end of the conference.

Rationale:  Attached find absences received from Director Olson and Sobota for the April Board Meeting.

Rationale: 

The Monthly Weaver conference call was held May 31.  WRDA 16 (Water Resources Development Act 2016) has been passed by the Senate and sent to the House for consideration.  Chances are slim that the House acts on the bill.

Weaver has informed us that he wishes for his services with the three NRDs to end June 30, 2016. A copy of his letter is attached.

Bob will be in Lincoln for Glenn Johnson's retirement reception on August 14.  We will plan some type of recognition event for Bob some time that weekend.

Rationale:  Doug Bereuter will address the Board at 5:30 pm prior to the June Board Meeting concerning his vision of the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance.

Rationale: 

We have received notice that we will be getting our final NRDF payment for this fiscal year in the amount of $52,444.11.  A motion is needed to authorize this payment toward our Union Bank Note.

For the fiscal year we have now received our entire NRDF year's allocation of $603,589.81.

Rationale: 

June is the month we make our annual Union Bank Note Payment.  This year we budgeted $412,925 that equates to one-half cent of property tax.

Last month it was requested to report the note balance which is $1,583,396.02 prior to this months payments.  Our June 30 balance will be $1,118,026.91.  See attachment for details.

Rationale:  Last month it was requested to show the interest we have paid on the Union Bank Note that is shown on the attached spreadsheet.  Please note that the last three amounts for interest paid are estimates.

Rationale:  The May 15 sale date passed for the Lickteig farm passed.  Jovan was preparing paper work for the NRD to purchase the farm as was contracted.  One week after the sales contract expired the listing agent called saying an offer had been made on the farm, would we still honor the previous agreement.  Jovan has worked to see that any transaction meets the legal requirement. Any motions necessary will be prepared prior to board meeting.

Rationale: 

Chair Hannah has asked for discussion on changing our Board meeting date.  His suggestion is to poll the board members and set the date when there are the fewest conflicts for board members.  This is occurring because we will have four board members absent from the June board meeting due to Water Tours that overlap our meeting date.

Our Board Meeting date is set in our Rules and Regulations as the second Monday each month with the alternate date being the second Thursday of the month.  The reason for this structure is so the public will have reasonable knowledge of when to expect board meetings as directed in statute.

Rationale: 

Unfortunately it has been a busy month with LARM with two claims being filed.  As previously reported an uninsured driver hit and destroyed an electrical panel and transformer at Lake Wanahoo SRA.  LARM has made payment to us.

Employee Bret Schomer's car was broken into and two computers were stolen.  Value of the computers was just under $4,000.  Again LARM has paid us for this loss minus the $500 deductible.

Because of the damage at the SRA we reviewed our coverages with our LARM representative and added the following items; Bridge - $180 per year, 6 Restrooms - $216 per year and 75 electrical hookups - $2,700 per year.

Rationale: 

The attached report on flooding in the Wahoo Creek Watershed was presented at O, E & RW Committee.  The committee recommendation is to hire FYRA Engineering to put information together for presentation prior to our June 13 Board Meeting.  The Executive Committee is the only one that can declare special circumstances and approve such an expenditure prior to full board ratification. 

A large group of individual is expected at the next board meeting who have asked to discuss the lack of flood control from Lake Wanahoo.  The board meeting will be held at Union Bank with the following schedule; Bereuter presentation at 5:30, Board meeting to begin at 6:00, discussion with landowners at 8:00.

Some item we should discuss:

     Program agenda

     Limiting time per speaker

     Keeping speakers on topic

     Response from board members

     Security

Rationale: 

No new information on the Ourada Complaint at this time.  Jovan will give an update at board meeting on discussions with Ourada's attorney Tom Thompson.

Action could take place at board meeting.

Rationale:  Proposed rate changes have been received from the NARD Intergovernmental Risk Management Pool Association for FY17.  The suggested increase is 6.4% for Health insurance and 3.2% for Dental Coverage.  These changes are subject to approval by the NARD Board on June 13.  Attached find details on reasons for the increase and the exact premium for each class.

Rationale:  Zelle has informed us that the Job Descriptions and State Salary number Work have been completed and they are ready to meet with the Personnel Sub-Committee.  A meeting has been set for the Personnel Sub-Committee to meet on Thursday June9 beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Zelle will arrive at the meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Rationale:  The Personnel Sub-Committee met on June 9th see minutes. 

Rationale:  The May Financial Statements will be emailed to all Directors by the end of the week.

Rationale:  Nothing to report.

Rationale:  The O & M crew now consist of three college interns, Will Brueggemann, Jake Maslonka, and Chris Smith. In between the rains have completed tree planting, checked a few dams, threw a playground together, installed signs, maintenance on equipment and around the building and property.

Rationale: 

The playground units were installed during the week of May 16 - 20.  The construction process went very well as we had close to 30 volunteers and 3 sponsors provided lunches over three days. Invoices to be paid to Outdoor Recreation Products are; $134,253 for the playground equipment, $27,950 for rubber mulch and fabric, $6,000 for on site supervision and $7,808 for 16 park benches.  Grand total is $176,011.  The rubber mulch will be cost-shared at 50% through DEQ.

Eagle Scout Max Hohn and his crew installed four park benches at Lake Wanahoo. He obtained four sponsors at $300 each.  See attached photo.

Eagle Scout Seth Varner has also succeeded in obtaining three sponsors and will install his benches and trees around the east playground in the near future.

Rationale:  The electrical panel box was repaired by Seco Electric Inc. before the Memorial Day Holiday. It was replace with materials just as it was original at a cost of $8,525.  The transformer was replaced by Butler Public Power  at an estimated cost of $5,000. LARM Insurance has reimbursed the District and will pursue the gentleman that ran it over for the repair cost.

Rationale:  To pay NE Game and Parks $2,113.27 for operating expenses for the 2015 season. See attachment.

Rationale: 

Questions are again arising due to all the rainfall in regard to what level the water should be sustained in Lake Wanahoo. A group of landowners will be in attendance at the June Board meeting with questions and concerns pertaining to the level of the lake.  The meeting has been moved to Union Bank and the concerned landowners will be on the agenda at 8:00 pm. Mike Sotak of Fyra Engineering will be present.

Manager Miyoshi reviewed the rainfall events and gauge levels that has led to these concerns. (See attachment).  Committee discussion took place as to whether the District should do a study by Fyra Engineering on the effects water being release from the dam downstream.  The cost of a study would not exeed $10,000.

Rationale: 

Cottonwood 23-A - Bob Proskovec is requesting that the District help repair the property line fence which crosses the water, this fence is a quarter of a mile west of the dam.  All PL 566 structures (dam & emergency spillway) were originally fenced when built for the establishment of grass.  The property line fence was not part of the fencing around the dam and emergency spillway.

Mr. Proskovec is also asking for a 48" x 20' culvert to be used as a crossing from one field to another which is divided by the drainage to the Cottonwood 23-A dam.  He had NRCS do a watershed drainage analysis to determine the size of pipe needed.

Rationale:  Property owner C.E. Simanek, Inc. is selling the property in which Cottonwood 32-A exist.  The new landowner would like a better defined easement. The old easement is vary wide open and covers more area than necessary. Staff is working with Attorney Loren Lindahl to release the old easement and establish a new easement based on one foot above the flood pool elevation which is 1287.5, which makes the easement area clearer and better defined.

Rationale:  Staff is recommending that the District advertise and accept bids by the ton to hay areas of Homestead and Czechland Lakes and sites at Lake Wanahoo.

Rationale: 

Colonel Henderson of the COE has signed the Schedule and Cost Change Request for the Fremont Study.  The study cost was lowered $50,000 to $550,000.  The study cost for the Non-federal partners is now LPNNRD $137,500, City of Fremont $66,550, Dodge County $59,675 and Inglewood $11,275.

Changes to design could be ongoing with future development around Fremont.

Rationale:  The Operations and Maintenance budget will be reviewed for FY 2017.

Rationale:  There are no payments or request for assistance.

Rationale:  The KTIC Radio ad for May promoted the three recreation areas.  The Wahoo Newspaper eAd focused on promotion of Czechland Lake Recreation Area.  The ads are attached.

Rationale: 

Evaluations were given to students and teachers at Spring Conservation Sensation.  Every activity and session were mentioned at least once with extremely positive reviews as a favorite activity or the most educational session.  Please see the attachment for highlights of some of the comments and direct quotes. 

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission has already agreed to attend next year’s event to present Reptiles of Nebraska again.  The 2017 Spring Conservation Sensation will be on Wednesday, May 3^rd.  

Rationale: 

TePoel and Schomer attended a two-day conference on water topics for education in Nebraska City on May 25^th & 26^th.

Rationale: 

A proposed educational activity for 2017 is well testing nights.  Lower Platte South NRD hosts “Test Your Well Nights” in partnership with local FFA Chapters.  In communication with David City FFA, they have expressed interest in having a day dedicated to water testing during county fairs this summer.  Supplies needed for these include:

Pocket Colorimeter: $473 (3 x $473 + shipping= $515.00)

Ampules: $33 for pack of 25 (12 x $33 = $396)

Midwest Lab Testing (If the test demonstrates over 10 ppm, offer to send the sample to Midwest Labs for further testing.): $5 per test (300 x $5= $1500)

Rationale: 

A proposed educational project for FY2017 is the addition of a disc golf course to Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area.  The design of the course will have a strong educational component.  Tee signs and scorecards would include environmental education information specific to the area.  There has been consideration of partnering with various other NRD's to connect disc golf courses to create a statewide network.    Kids in Parks is a company that will create the signage, scorecards, site integration, and educational designs.  Other disc golf courses that participate are connected and promoted through this company and visitors can receive prizes for visiting multiple courses.  This is a similar concept to the Great Park Pursuit.  

An example of tee signs and score cards with educational components are attached.  Themes are generic for the region but will be designed to specifically fit Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area.

Estimated costs through this company are $7,600 for signage, educational artwork and designs, and network integration.  The design and development of the course itself is estimated to cost $5,000.  The total estimated cost for this project is $12,600.  There is a little less than $15,000 remaining in the NRDF grant funds.  The cost share of this project under that grant would potentially cost approximately $5,040.

 

Rationale: 

A proposed educational opportunity for classrooms in the district is to apply for a mini-grant from LPNNRD for pollinator education.  This grant would include a Butterfly Garden with a cup of live caterpillars.  This would allow students to first-hand experience the life cycle of painted lady butterflies.  TePoel purchased one of these butterfly gardens to test the project.  These would be best to take place in early fall or late spring and the estimated time frame is 2-4 weeks for the project.  Part of the grant application would include teachers guaranteeing a pollinator lesson in connection to the butterfly garden project.  Butterfly gardens and live caterpillars cost approximately $33 each.

Rationale: 

Two radio stations have contacted LPNNRD in regards to advertising.  

Walnut Radio includes KHUB, KFMT, River Country, and 97.3.  The station coverage and pricing is attached.  They also offer $500 per month for news at 6 am or $500 per month for weather sponsorship.  There is also AG Closing reports at 5:50 pm for $125 per week.  These would include 30 seconds before and after these shows.   Agreements can be specified for specific months or for a year would be approximately $6,000.

Alpha Media includes KFOR, ESPN, KRFX, the BLAZE, The Eagle, KX 96.9, and KZEN.  The station coverage for KZEN in Columbus is attached.  Their proposal includes 30 second commercials for $950 a month.  They have mentioned they will build specific proposals if given a specific budget.  For a year would be approximately $11,400.

Current ongoing advertising agreements include KTIC radio ($2,300) and Wahoo Newspaper ($1,800).

Rationale: 

We continue to work with USTI moving forward with our new billing software.  

We have met with the Phoenix Group several times this past month and they are moving forward with technology that may allow us to read all our meters remotely AND send a daily report to me via e-mail as needed.  We will hold off purchasing a new handheld reader until the Phoenix Group has finished their work and provided us a cost estimate and hardware requirements for their system.

We will continue to use our old reader and upload reading manually until we make a final decision.  This process adds an additional 10-15 minute step to our current billing but may be worth the effort if we can utilize the Phoenix technology.

 

Rationale: 

All meters have been read, bills sent out and water samples collected for May. 

This past month we have had numerous calls regarding water in basements in Colon.  It appears the water table in the area has risen 5+ feet since April, thus causing numerous homes to have water issues.

I met with Tim Thayers (NHHS) on Tuesday May 31 to conduct our Colon Sanitary Survey.  This State required survey is done every three years and includes an extensive review of our system and records.  Mr. Thayers reported to me there will be no citations and his official report will be sent to us within a month.

Rationale: 

All meters were read, bills sent out and water samples taken and delivered to the State.

 

Rationale: 

The District received one expanded water use variance application for 70 acres in the Middle Shell Creek subarea.

The District has a total of 98 applications for 6,067.61 acres.

Rationale:  No new updates.

Rationale:  The District received one expanded water use application for 34 acres in the Prague subarea. This field is adjacent to the Todd Valley subarea.

Rationale: 

No new permits were approved since the last Committee meeting.

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea

The total number of approved permits for 2016 is 5.

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2016:  Correct as of 6/1/2016

County	Irrigation - New	Irrigation - Replacement	Stock	Commercial	Municipal	Other	Total
Butler	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Colfax	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
Dodge	0	3	0	0	0	0	3
Boone	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Madison	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Platte	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Saunders	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Total	1	4	0	0	0	0	5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rationale: 

Jeffery Temme has applied for a new supplemental well in the NE 1/4, NE 1/4, Section 14, T22N, R6W, Boone County, Upper Newman Grove Subarea.  The new well will irrigate 156 acres that are currently being watered with well G-087266 (see attached map for a total of 212 acres).  Well G-087266 will continue to irrigate 56 acres in the N 1/2, SE 1/4 of the same section.  Attached is a map of the field in question, the well log for G-087266, and a copy of the application.

The committee reviewed the application and test hole well log.  

Rationale: 

There are 30 irrigation wells in this SQS -- water level has been measured in 28 of these wells.  25 of these have a flow meter; the other five wells were not used in 2015.

Rationale: 

Three informational classes for this area were held and some of these attendees were at more than one class.  Most of the attendees neglected to bring their well registration number(s) to the class so cross-referencing for the correct operator for each well has taken longer.  A landowner - tenant request sheet was mailed to those individuals for which no clear connection was made.  Permission sheets, for measurement of their water level, have been received for about 125 wells.  Landowner - tenant request sheets and permission sheets continue to be received in the mail.

 

Rationale: 

McCrometer Great Plains was asked to attend, but due to other commitments they won't be able to attend until the next Water Committee meeting.

Committee members discussed the number of wells that should have flow meters already installed and suggested that these wells should have higher priority on the meter maintenance schedule.

After the committee meeting staff pulled up information on wells that were issued well permits from May 2008 to the present, when flow meters were required to be installed.  The number in SQS #1 is 7 and in SQS #2 is 46 (see attached sheets).

From October 1, 2005 to May 8, 2008 the LPNNRD required on all well permits for high capacity wells that a flow meter or time totalizer be installed.  Therefore the number of wells with flow meters in both SQS areas could be higher.

Rationale: 

John Schure contacted the District regarding his flow meter installation. The meter is installed at the pivot point, but the well is also used to irrigate 5 acres with gated pipe in the SW 1/4 of the field. The irrigation pipe that feeds the gravity system connects to the discharge 3' from the well. Mr. Schure would rather not purchase a second meter for the 5 acres so he has asked the Board to provide him with an alternative option. Below is a list of possible solutions created by the staff.

1) Assume that 9 or 12 inches of water is pumped anually on the 5 acres. (12" is the hard cap LPSNRD has given to gravity fields in their district.) 

2) Take the acre inches pumped under the pivot and double that number for the gravity acres. (possibly cap at a certain level)

3) Take the acre inches pumped under the pivot and add on an extra 15% of that number due to the inefficiency of gravity irrigation.

4) Not allow the water to be provided to the gravity system without first passing through the flow meter. (This would require re-working the delivery system at the well and at the pivot).

See attachments of field map and pictures taken at the well site.

The disadvantage of options 1, 2, and 3 is that additional calculations would be required to track actual water use and take these into account for readings from the flow totalizer on the meter.

After review of the information and pictures it was felt by Committee Members that option 4 was preferred since the well pump could be turned and the piping system rearranged so all water pumped could flow through the meter.

 

Rationale: 

The latest information from the LPRBC is that the listed water demand at the Louisville gauge has nearly doubled.  This was due to an error in previous water accounting by DNR and may mean the basin is closer to being declared fully appropriated.

Notes from the May 4, 2016 technical committee meeting are attached.

See related projects to the basin listed below under 'Special Studies'.

 

Rationale: 

After recent review with DNR, attached are the Goals, Objectives, and Action Items for LPN V-IMP.  Annual meetings are required between DNR and LPNNRD personnel to track progress on this V-IMP.  Also attached are the final recommendations by the Stakeholders Comm.

Committee Members reviewed each action items and changes are outlined on the attached document.

Steps for approval of LPNNRD V-IMP

- Water Comm. and Board approval of Goals, Objectives, and Action Items (G,O,AI of V-IMP)

- Submit to Olsson Assoc. and DNR revised G,O,AI of V-IMP as well as edited Plan.

- Review and final comments by Stakeholders Comm.

- Review and approval of Water Comm. and Board of entire V-IMP

- Submit to DNR for their final review

- Hold public hearings and final approval of V-IMP

 

 

Rationale: 

No new update.

 

Rationale: 

No new update.

 

Rationale: 

Eight producers have ordered equipment for 2016 in our NAWMN program (see attached spreadsheet).  The ordered equipment was picked up by Aaron Nygren (Colfax County Extension Educator) last Friday and he will get the orders to producers. 

Lindsay CO-OP is working with eight other producers in the Shell Creek area for additional orders, but this will not be part of our program.

Rationale: 

2016 is the fourteenth year for this Phase 2 Area.  This area was reduced from 32 sections to 21 sections in 2015.  The Phase 2 information will be mailed to producers during June.

 

Rationale: 

On September 1, 2015, the ten sections immediately north of the Phase 3 area became a Phase 2 Area.  Staff collected eight water samples from irrigation wells in these sections in 2015.  The nitrate results ranged from 6.00 to 20.7 ppm.

 

Rationale: 

2016 is the first year of this Phase 3 Area, since this area went into effect September 1, 2015.  The 55 sections of this area initially was a Phase 2 Management Area, which started in 2004.  

 

Rationale: 

No on-line test requests have been received since the last committee meeting and no on-line tests were completed in May.  

Rationale: 

Chris Poole says he has 133 acre certifications that have not been returned by today's (June 1, 2016) deadline.  Staff recommendation is to issue cease and desist orders against further irrigation at the June 13, 2016 Board meeting to take affect on June 17, 2016.

See attached spreadsheet for names of landowners and parcels.

 

Rationale: 

For 2016 we have received 464 renewals and 24 new permit applications for a current total of 488.  June 1st is the deadline for renewal chemigation permits.  At the end of last year we had a total of 515 permits.

 

County	Number of Renewals
Boone	50
Butler	63
Colfax	23
Dodge	78
Madison	6
Platte	79
Saunders	165

 

County	Number of New Applications
Boone	0
Butler	6
Colfax	5
Dodge	6
Madison	0
Platte	2
Saunders	5

Rationale:  The LPNNRD has received one livestock permit applications from DEQ since the last Water Committee meeting.

Name	Livestock	Type of Permit	Legal Description	County
Lindhorst Livestock 103 Ash Street Lindsay NE 68644	Finish Swine 2,400 Head 960 A.U.	Expansion on existing operation	SW 1/4, Section 25, T20N, R4W	Platte

 

 

 

Lindhorst Livestock is looking to expand on a existing operation of 800 head (320 A.U.) of finish swine to a total of 2,400 head (960 A.U.).

Rationale:  Two new wells has been reviewed and approved by Gottschalk for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

Rationale: 

No wells have been plugged, reviewed, or ready for cost share payment approval this month.

 

Rationale: 

No new update.

 

Rationale: 

Still waiting on contract from DNR for the AEM flights in both the SQS areas.  They hope to fly these areas mid to late summer of this year.  Spacing between flight lines is expected to be a half mile over each of the SQS areas.

The helicopter company requires a 30% payment before they fly to pay some of their equipment and personnel costs.  This would mean this 30% payment would have to come from FY2015-2016, but we do have money available in this fiscal year's budget.

A motion will be needed at the Board meeting to approve payment not to exceed $125,000 for this fiscal year FY15-16 (or 30% of the total grant request of $416,666 for the Lower Platte North NRD Aquifer Framework Mapping 2016) upon receiving an invoice from the grant Consultant. 

 

Rationale: 

Previously the board has approved participating with Papio NRD to look at the relationship between surface and groundwater aquifers between the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers.  Attached is the Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between Papio NRD and LPNNRD to formalize our previous agreement.  AS you can read in the agreement most of the funding was obtained from the WSF for a two year study and LPNNRD portion is $10,700 per year.  This was initially approved in December 2015.

This study is related to the LPRBC and the ability to convey water from the upper part of the basin to the lower portion.

Rationale: 

LPN, LPS, and Papio NRD's as well as the Cities of Omaha and Lincoln, representatives from DNR, LPRCA, and consulting firms of HDR and TFG met on May 12, 2016 to discuss the Lower Platte River Drought Contingency Plan.

LPSNRD is proposing to submit a grant request to the WSF in July to study the ability of the Platte River to conduct water from the middle portions of the basin to the lower portion.  Two funding scenarios are being looked at (see attached sheet) but both scenarios would total $400,000.  Scenario #1 would require $8,000 from each partner, while scenario #2 would require $14,812 from each.

 

 

Rationale: 

Downey Well drilling will likely start drilling our three new monitoring wells within the next two weeks.  The sites selected are west of Fremont, but just east of the Fremont cutoff ditch.  This area has a bedrock high and one of the wells here will be installed into this bedrock with estimated depth of 300 feet.  The second shallower well will be installed in the upper aquifer that is fairly thin and will be about only 25 feet deep.

The second site is near Malmo and this well will be installed into the Dakota with estimated depth of 500 feet.

=========================================================

Two Level Troll data loggers purchased in 2015 from In-Situ have both had sensor failure.  Both were under warranty and replacement loggers have been received.  Two other older loggers (one from 2006, other from 2007, both sent in for evaluation) are unrepairable due to their older style circuit boards.  One replacement logger has been purchased and the second one has been ordered.  We have six more loggers in operation that were purchased in 2006 or 2007 and may need replacing.

Rationale: 

The latest public availability meeting and tour was held on May 18, 2016 starting at 4:30 p.m.  The latest sampling efforts looked at the Omadi Formation of the Dakota bedrock for TCE and RDX.  Three sites were sampled and were found to have concentrations of both TCE and RDX at much deeper depths than previously reported.  See attached NOP Fact Sheet.

When the C.O.E. drilled and sampled these wells Katie Cameron of ENWRA also sampled these wells at different depths for general water quality such as conductivity, ions, etc.  While the general water quality looks encouraging several other parameters should be tested, such as arsenic and selenium which are naturally occurring. 

 

Rationale: 

We only have four cooperators left in the LPN Precipitation Gauging Network and three of those are in the Prague to Weston area.  I feel it is time to end this program and incorporate it into the NeRain program.  NeRain has ~19 sites in our District and with sites from the High Plains Regional Climate Center I feel we still have adequate coverage.  A letter was sent to each cooperator informing them that we could transfer them to the NeRain program if they are interested.  

The PGN summary for 2015 is attached and from this data, it was a wet year for our District.  These four cooperators reported an average of 38.9 inches for LPNNRD.  The drought map, drought forecast map, and the High Plains Regional Climate Center (HPRCC) map summary for 2015 are attached.

 

 

Rationale: 

Week of May 23^rd, 2016   

This week's lake beach bacteria and toxic algae results are now posted on the NDEQ web page (http://deq.ne.gov). 

Most lakes look to be in great shape for the big holiday weekend. However, continued spring rains and the associated runoff is leaving us with six lakes this week that are exceeding the E. coli criteria. Most of the microcystin levels are below detection levels with the exception of a few lakes. Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County looks to be shaping up early to be a hot spot for microcystin this summer.

Bacteria

SIX LAKES tested high for E. coli bacteria this week. E. coli levels measured above 235 colonies/100 ml of sample are considered a higher risk for illness when swimming.  Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels although DEQ want people to be aware and use their own judgment on their use.

Lakes with High E. coli Bacteria Levels

• Carter Lake in Douglas County
• Kirkman’s Cove in Richardson County
• Lake North in Platte County
• Mormon Island Lake in Hall County
• Valentine Mill Pond in Cherry County
• Willow Creek Lake in Pierce County

 

Rationale: 

Week of May 23^rd, 2016   

This week's lake beach bacteria and toxic algae results are now posted on the NDEQ web page (http://deq.ne.gov). 

Toxic Algae

NO LAKES will be on “Health Alert” this week. It is DEQ policy that any lake that has microcystin levels over the established criterion of 20 ppb will be placed on “Health Alert” Status until such time that it has tested below 20 ppb for two continuous weeks. If a lake is under a Health Alert, signs will be posted recommending people avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing, and camping are OK.  

 

Rationale: 

Attached is the latest funding agreement with USGS on continued water quality monitoring on Shell Creek through April 1, 2017.  From the last page the agreement from March 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017 estimated payment is $16,600. 

 

 

Rationale: 

Staff have met several times this last month with Phoenix Group on the Master Database and other projects such as telemetry for our data loggers and rural water systems.  The current database works well but staff recommended some modifications.

 

Rationale: 

See attached sheet for potential test holes and monitoring well sites.  Also attached is an estimated budget for FY16-17.

Current and future Water Staff focus is:

1. AEM flights in both SQS areas to better map the geology of these areas.  With this information we can better locate future monitoring wells in these confined aquifers.
2. Prague subarea has very little information about the geology, therefore some test holes are recommended deep into the bedrock.  This would serve as ground truthing information for future AEM flights and locations for future monitoring wells.

Rationale: 

The next GMDA conference will be held in Yakima WA on June 29th to July 1, 2016.

Because this overlaps with the June 29, 2016 Water Committee meeting it was the opinion of the Committee Members to move the meeting to Monday June 27, 2016 to start at the usual time of 5:00 p.m. 

Rationale: 

The three summer interns took the Natural Resources Ground Water Technician [NRGWT] training class and test yesterday (May 31, 2016) at the new office of UBBNRD in York.  Test results should be available in 7 – 10 days.

Rationale: 

Board chairman John Hannah, LPN staff members Cassi Deerson and Desirae TePoel, and Nathan Rossman of HDR were also present at the Water Committee meeting.

The Water Committee adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

Rationale:  Attached is the June SWCP spreadsheet for Board review.

Rationale: 

SUMMER 2016 SWCP APPROVALS:

Doris E. Treptow Rev. Trust     Terraces/Tile     $   6,812.72

Glen Treptow                          Terraces/Tile     $ 12,500.00

                                               TOTAL:            $ 19,312.72

Rationale: 

15-S-18 & 19     Norman Lindgren     Terraces/Tile/Basins     $   1,037.53  (25%)

15-S-4               Rudolph Houfek        Terraces/Tile/Basins     $ 12,500.00  (75%)

14-SD-4             Michael Swanson      Terraces/Tile/Basins     $   7,441.80  (75%)

15-S-1               Kenneth Polacek       Terraces/Tile/Basins     $ 12,442.49  (75%)

                                                         TOTAL PAYMENTS:       $ 33,421.82

Rationale: 

LANDS FOR CONSERVATION APPROVALS:

Frances Kastl                  8 acres     $ 1,472.00

 

 

Rationale: 

LANDS FOR CONSERVATION:

  MaryJo Spicka/Lierman     50.6 acres     $ 11,132.00

 

CONSERVATION WORK: 

  Donald Blazek   Terraces/Tile     $ 185.38  (10%)

Rationale: 

Ken Polacek has completed an LPNNRD approved terrace/tile outlet/ basin project on his land.  After the project was complete, Mr. Polacek is requesting changes to the terrace lines and basins so they are 100% parallel to each other as he originally understood.  There were various challenges in designing this project to provide what the landowner requested and meet standards and specifications.  While the NRCS engineers have reviewed the completed work and declared that it meets NRCS standards and specifications, Mr. Polacek desires to make further alterations so that exactly two passes with a 16 row planter can be made in between as he perceived would be the outcome.  As it stand now, in places, the project is four rows wider then expected, which requires an additional pass for field operations. 

Mr. Polacek has obtained an $3,180 estimate for the desired project alterations, as attached, to be completed after fall harvest.  The NRCS initially believes that the alterations should not negatively alter the project and that this work could be done to make things more desirable to the landowner.  If the NRCS makes a final determination that this work can be done without negatively impacting the project design, Mr. Polacek is asking LPNNRD to consider some additional cost-share assistance for these alterations.  Kelly Bartek, LPNNRD Conservation Technician, who designed the project, discussed this issue.  The committee made no recommendation and will again be review this issue after Mr. Polacek's field is harvested this fall. 

Rationale: 

At the December 30, 2015, Projects Committee Meeting, Dennis and Karen Waak were present to discuss concerns about his private dam.   Director Bailey presented some pictures to show the dam issues ( as attached).  The vertical overflow tube is rusted through, causing the erosion. The concern is that the erosion will continue and ruin the horizontal drain tube as well.  Their structure is close to the start of the Neiman ditch that goes along the north side of Schuyler and drains into it directly via county road ditches.  

The Waak's hired an engineer to evaluate the structure damage (see attachment) and has a contractor estimate for the repair.  While Mr. Waak was not in attendance, it is anticipated that a cost estimate and other information may be presented at the June 13th Board Meeting. 

While the committee acknowlegded the benefits of this project, it was mentioned that it would be desirable to review detailed engineer plans with a detailed cost estimate for the repair.

 

 

Rationale:  The Board has an established sinking fund for the Shell Creek Watershed and authorized keeping a balance of $100,000 for future projects.  The major commitment from this fund is $76,380 remaining for the Bailey Levee Project which may see construction in FY17.   To keep the balance at $100,000 the Board has transferred unused budgeted Shell Creek land treatment funds.  There are $15,000 of unused funds in the Shell Creek land treatment budget line (405-204) and the committee is asked to recommend transferring $13,040 from this line into the Shell Creek Sinking fund to bring the total back to $100,000.

Rationale: 

Mountford reviewed the below information with the Projects committee:

At the May Board Meeting, a motion that LPNNRD not be a member in the LPRCA was tabled.  

The following Projects Committee recommendation that was approved at the April 28th Projects Committee Meeting was brought to the full Board with no action being taken was as follows: " To approve the LPRCA 2017 selected budget project and program items (as attached to the Projects Committee Minutes) totaling $51,200 (as shown in black) and to budget an additional $34,167 for projects and programs (50% of the total shown in red) that will require Board approval before moving forward".   

At 5:30 p.m. just prior to the June 13th Board Meeting, former Nebraska Congressional Representative Doug Bereuter and other Alliance members will discuss views on the value of the the LPRCA.  

Also at the May meeting, it was requested that we put together dollar figures on what has been spent and what has been received through the LPRCA.  Attached is an e-mail Mountford send out earlier this week outlining estimated federal and State funds that directly and indirectly can be linked to receiving project approvals through the Lower Platte River & Tributaries Authority that was established under the umbrella of LPRCA. Also attached is a spread sheet showing what amounts LPNNRD, LPSNRD, and PMRNRD have contributed to the Alliance since FY 2006.  Also attached is a listing of other grant funding directly secured by the Alliance since 2005.

In a nutshell, all the attached information shows that LPNNRD has contributed $683,667 to the LPRCA since FY 2006.  During the same period, LPSNRD has contributed $1,305,931 and the PMRNRD $1,220,625.  LPNNRD's contribution over this period is 52% of what LPSNRD has contributed and 56% of what PMRNRD has paid. 

As outlined on the attached e-mail that was sent out last week, it is estimated that LPNNRD has received $21.7 million in direct federal project money (Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project and Western Sarpy Clear Creek Project) that came through the  Lower Platte River & Tributaries Authority established under the umbrella of LPRCA.  While the LPRCA was not directly involved, we have indirectly received about another $20 million of federal and state money that came about because of the approval of the above two large Army COE projects. 

As far as other outside funding recieved, since FY 2005, another $3.1 million has has been directly secured by the LPRCA for a variety of projects and programs for all Alliance partners.

Depending on the Board's action concerning LPNNRD'S future with the LPRCA, the April 28th committee recommendation shown above or some version of it could again be considered by the Board. 

Rationale:  Meghan Sittler was present to review the attached LPRCA Reports and answer committee questions about the Alliance. 

Rationale: 

Colonel Henderson of the COE has signed the Schedule and Cost Change Request for the Fremont Study.  The study cost was lowered $50,000 to $550,000.  The study cost for the Non-federal partners is now LPNNRD $137,500, City of Fremont $66,550, Dodge County $59,675 and Inglewood $11,275.

Changes to design could be ongoing with future development around Fremont.

Rationale:  Attached is an amendment to the Schuyler 205 project which will allow the Army COE to include needed drainage ditch cleaning as part of Schuyler's levee cost-share project.  There is no financial commitment from LPNNRD by signing this amendment. 

Rationale: 

Attached is the City of Schuyler's annual $125,000 project assistance request.  This is in our current budget and we normally wait until the June Board meeting to approve payment.

Upon reviewing all project accounting, when we paid the Army COE their final payment request of $50,000 in 2011 to complete the Shell Creek study, it was discovered that Schuyler was not invoiced their 50% share ($25,000) as outlined in Addendum C in our Interlocal Agreement dated June, 2011.   It is suggested to simply deduct this $25,000 owed from our FY2016 project assistance payment of $125,000 or deduct it from our FY 2017 budgeted assistance.   

Rationale:  Director Bailey said that project plans are complete and they are now waiting for permit approvals. 

Rationale: 

We have been discussing completing a bathymetric survey and sediment analysis of Lake Wanahoo and its wetlands to get an understanding of how quickly the structures are silting in and when we need to complete maintenance.  Mountford has contacted NDEQ to find out how much grant assistance would be available to complete this work.  Attached is a proposal from Lake Tech, Inc., to consider if we decide to move forward.  This issue will be discussed further after more information is received. 

 

 

Rationale:  Miyoshi presented detailed information discussed at the O, E, & RW meeting, about a group of about 25 Saunders County landowners who presented their concerns with flooding below Lake Wanahoo at our office on May 16.  This issue will also be discussed with the Executive Committee as we prepare for a landowner group who will address this issue with the Board at our June 13th meeting.  

Rationale:  This project has been completed.

Rationale:  Attached is Papio Missouri River NRD's $150,000 annual payment request on the Western Sarpy/Clear Creek Project. Also attached is a detailed project summary. After this payment, our project amount owed to PMNNRD will be $428,607.36. While PMRNRD continues to request full payment of the remaining balance owed, we plan to continue to pay $150,000 annually as previously agreed upon. 

Rationale: 

Margie Vrana	Terraces/Tile/Waterway	$8,717.36
Eric Nelson	Trees	$405.01
Brett Miller	Trees	$414.10
Bryan Hein	Trees	$202.00
	Total	$9,738.47

Rationale: 

Attached is Sales Quote for ordering three data loggers from In-Situ.  After the drilling of the three monitoring wells is completed, these trolls will be installed. Cables for these loggers will be ordered at a later date.  Trolls need to be installed before we can determine how long of a cable is needed. 

Rationale: 

NOTE: The agenda is on file at the LPNNRD office and may be changed up to 24 hours prior to the meeting as scheduled.