July 11, 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:  The Weaver Conference Call will be held the first week of July.  Weaver's relationship with the district formally ends on June 30.  The three NRD managers will work to put a package together with Water Strategies over the next month for consideration by our boards.

Rationale: 

LB 1038 recreated the Riparian Taskforce.  The new Taskforce will have statewide coverage rather than just for a limited area of the state.  We feel the Lower Platte Weed Management Authority is working exceptionally well and want to be sure we receive our share of any state funds that come forward.  With three NRD Taskforce position being allowed for we feel a representative from the Lower Platte is appropriate.  Rich Tesar has been the board member most involved in our local group.  The three NRD Managers agree that we should support Tesar's nomination for the Riparian Taskforce.  

If approved by the Executive Committee the letter for this nomination will be sent to both NARD and governor Ricketts prior to it's due date of July 8.

Rationale: 

Several board members have asked for an education program on the proposed Costco Poultry Plant near Fremont.  With the current location close to our proposed Fremont GI Levee it would be positive to see what their plans are.  We contacted the group who would have two representatives from Fremont give a program to our board.  The topics that were forwarded included:

     Overall plan
     Water Source
     Waste Water Plan
     Any other environmental discharges 
     Management of litter from CAFOs (confined animal feeding operation)
     Impact on planned Fremont Levee Project

It would work best to follow the routine as we did last month and have the education program from 5:30 until 5:55 with a short break prior to beginning our July Board Meeting.

Rationale:  As previously approved by the board the director computer allowance will change in June from $50 per month to $20 per month.  Any directors who wish to move to to a district provided iPad should let staff know so they can be ordered.

Rationale: 

National Land found a buyer for the Lickteig property and with agreement by Dave Lickteig and approval of the Executive Committee a purchase agreement was signed for $490,000.  The purchaser is 3801 Harney LLC signed by Mark Masek, Manager.  A copy of the purchase agreement is attached to the Executive Committee Minutes.

We will need to approve the "First Amendment to Settlement Agreement and Release" that extends the agreement to the end of August that is attached and will need to ratify the action of the Executive Committee to honor the terms of the Settlement Agreement and to approve the sale of the property.

Costs to LPNNRD

     Payment to Lickteig                      $50,000

     Payment to National Land (6%)     $29,400

     One-half of closing costs (est.)       $ 2,000

Rationale:  No new information since last month.  Lausterer has not received information on what the Ourada's are asking for.

Rationale: 

Last month we budgeted for engineering services with FYRA Engineering on the landowner request to lower Lake Wanahoo by three feet.  Attached is an invoice for Payment;

     Contract Total                $10,000.00

     Payment this month        $ 5,151.50

     Remaining Balance          $ 4,847.50

Rationale:  Lausterer recently made us aware that the NRD can receive charitable donations that are tax deductible.  We previously approved accepting donations to construct benches and trees along the trail at Lake Wanahoo.  These donations must be approved by board motion.  Attached find a copy of the receipt being sent to those that are making donations and a copy of the list of donators. 

Rationale: 

Attached find the Minutes from the June 6, 2016 Personnel Sub-Committee.  Each topic and recommendation will be listed below.

Also attached is the final report from Zelle HR.

Rationale:  Zelle conducted interviews with all NRD employees to review their job duties.  From these interviews and previous job descriptions new job descriptions were drafted for all positions and presented to the Sub-Committee.  Zelle also reviewed job codes for each position and recommended changes to four codes.  Descriptions and codes have been emailed to all directors.  

Rationale: 

The Committee reviewed performance reviews for employees that were prepared by their immediate supervisor and reviewed by management.  Lengthy discussion took place on one review with disagreement between several committee members and management.

The Executive Committee is suggesting to go into Closed Session to discuss this matter.

Rationale: 

The overall cost of living adjustment for the past 12 months is 1.1% as shown on the attached Department of Labor table.  

Rationale:  We have several positions listed on our Salary Range List that are not currently filled nor do we anticipate ever filling.  Rather than have Zelle produce a job description and match a job code it is recommended to remove these jobs from our Salary Range List.  

Rationale:  Attached find a list of LPNNRD Salary Ranges.  The ranges are based on the mid-points of the job codes recommended by Zelle.  

Rationale:  The Personnel Sub-Committee discussed the district’s 9-Step system and eligibility of employees for a Step advance (see attachment).  We are currently on the final year of implementing and funding the 9-Step System.  

Rationale: 

The discussion at Personnel Sub-Committee was to approve:

     1.1% across the board salary increase for all employees

     Allow for increases caused by Step levels

     No salary will increase greater than 7.5%

          The exception to the 7.5% increase is that all employees must be at or above the starting wage

Following these criteria our total salaries will increase by $22,222 which is a 1.95% increase from last years salaries.

Rationale:  Hilger led discussion on hiring a staff engineer to design smaller projects for the district and be available to assist small towns with engineering projects.

Rationale: 

Committees are reviewing the budget this week.  There will be one more committee review prior to the Budget Workshop.

We need to set the Budget Hearing and Levee Hearing.  The suggested dates are:

     Budget Hearing     Monday, August 8, 2016             5:00 p.m.

     Levee Hearing       Monday, September 12, 2016     5:00 p.m.

Rationale:  We will hold our Budget Workshop on Wednesday, August 3rd beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Lower Plartte North NRD Office. 

Rationale:  Attached find a letter from Butler County asking for us to refund $1,092.68 to them due to a software glitch.  They ask that this payment be remitted to them by June 29 (prior to end of the fiscal year).  If we approve this payment Bob Hilger will deliver the check to Butler County yet today.

Rationale:  The Water Committee is forwarding a recommendation to make payment of $125,000 to AGF for the AEM flights.  They ask that this payment be made in the current fiscal year, thus will need approval by the Executive Committee.  This would be the first payment for the $416,666 contract with flights that are scheduled for mid to late July.

Rationale:  Last month it was approved to make our annual payment to Schuyler for the 205 levee project.  The annual amount was reduced by $25,000 because our records indicated we were out of balance for contributions to the original study.  Upon further examination Mary Peshold was able to find where we were in balance for the study.  These payments go through Projects Committee, however we would like to make the payment this fiscal year (prior to June 30) and the only committee that has the authority to make payments prior to board approval is the Executive Committee.

Rationale:  There are no payments due.

Rationale:  The O & M Crew continues to inspect our watershed dams and are just about complete.  Assisting in forming park bench sites. Maintenance on vehicles. The interns are in full swing with Chemigation inspections led by Tyler Benal.

Rationale:  The Papio-Missouri NRD has sent an invoice for $1,723.60 for our District's portion in keeping the Ice Jam Inter-local agreement fund blaance at $150,000.  The expenses took place in 2015 and 2016. See attached letter.

Rationale: 

Lake Level Discussion

 

Testimony was received during the May 9 board meeting concerning the flooding in Wahoo Creek and unhappiness on flood damage reduction from Lake Wanahoo.  Most of those testifying asked that the lake level be dropped to provide additional flood damage reduction.

 

Mike Sotak from FYRA Engineering presented information on the Hydrology and Hydraulics for Lake Wanahoo (copy attached).  The information provided shows that the annual flood damage savings from Lake Wanahoo is $335,199.  He also explained that the height of the dam is set by Todd Valley to the east and more specifically the elevation of the Wahoo Airport runway.  Tabular and graphic data showed the inflow and outflow for Lake Wanahoo at various storm events that reduce flow in Sand Creek between 36% and 60% depending on the event.

 

Sotak went on to show the rainfall for the May 10-11, 2016 event and how the highest rainfall occurred over Wahoo Creek.  By 7:00 a.m. on May 11 the entire Wahoo Creek flood plain south, east and west of Wahoo was covered by floodwater.  Sand Creek flooded over old highway 77-92 for close to two hours beginning at 4:00 p.m. on May 11.

 

Sotak explained and graphically showed the difference that operating Lake Wanahoo at a lower conservation pool would make on a five year storm event.  Lowering the Lake one foot would reduce outflows 130 cfs (5%) and lowering the Lake two feet would reduce outflows 305 cfs (13%).

 

Those present were invited to attend the O, E & RW Committee Meeting on June 29 if they wish to have a dialogue concerning operation of Lake Wanahoo.  Those that wish to discuss additional dams in the Wahoo Creek Watershed were invited to attend the Projects Committee on June 30.

 

Mike Sotak has been asked to attend the June 29 committee meeting to be part of the discussion as well as Kent Zimmerman from the Department of Natural Resources Representing the Natural Resources Commission ($12.3 million funding sponsor).

 

Zimmerman has forwarded the resolution passed by the NRC in September of 2011 that allowed us to lower the lake elevation by one foot for the year 2012.

 

Attachments:

            Sotak Presentation

            NRC Resolution – 9-27-11

            NRC Minutes 9-27-11

Rationale:  Several landowners along Sand and Wahoo Creeks southwest of Wahoo complained of excess stream bank erosion. 

Rationale:  Max Hohn completed his Eagle Scout Park Bench installation at Lake Wanahoo.  He and his Troop constructed four park benches.  He found four sponsors to help pay for the benches, 3 at $300 and 1 at $350.  The District will cover construction expense incurred by him and his family which is $169.84.  See attache spreadsheet by Max Hohn.

Rationale:  Bob Schmit is asking for assistance in repairing a dam in the Bellwood watershed built in 1974.  His dam is located between two NRD PL-566 structures 6-G and 6-E, see attached aerial photo.  Mr. Schmit's estimate is from Krivanek Construction at $10,130.00. This structure is due south of Bellwood, if it breaches and is not repaired the silt load damages downstream landowners.

Rationale: 

Early morning Saturday June 18th portions of Dodge County had large rainfall amounts ranging from 5-7 inches. Trouble Creek dam was at a record level, see photo.  All creeks, ditches, storage cells and fields were covered with water.  On Monday Heimann and Miyoshi inspected the area and opened two of four gates of one storage cell that had 4 feet of water, two gates are froze shut and need to be worked on to open.  There are areas of bank erosion on Ditch 8 that may need repaired.

Below Trouble Creek dam the water washed out a low water crossing at Ditch 8 and caused severe erosion on Ditch 8 below the sheet pile wall we put in 3-4 years ago, see picture. We will need add to the Rawhide budget line.

Water from the dam may have also caused damage to Gary Kremlacek's 48" concrete culvert water crossing by plugging with trees and over topping, this is his only access to a field. See aerial photo. We are not sure what Mr. Kremlacek wants as far as repair.  He is also asking for assistance to fill sink holes in his field along Ditch 8 in which he claims trees were buried when the Ditch was constructed.  Work on these problems can occur after harvest.  Staff will ask Mr. Kremlacek for an estimate to be presented at a later date. 

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. A motion was made to self insure the 75 electrical pedestals, however it was discovered that the cost for the insurance is actually $393 per year.  Director Gibney that made the motion asked that it be withdrawn.

Rationale:  Staff would like to replace our current 2008 ATV and trailer with a Side by Side Utility vehicle.  The current ATV is narrow 44" and becomes top heavy with a 20 gallon sprayer tank on board when spraying dams and ditch berms.  Mitch O'Reilly has researched the side by side utility vehicles and trailers and reviewed his findings. (See attachment). Staff would recommend selling the ATV and trailer and replace it with wider utility vehicle and trailer therefore budgeting $15,000.

Rationale:  North and South of County Road O in the wetlands of Lake Wanahoo many people bird watch.  There is not an adequate area to park and we would like to keep parked vehicles off of the County Roads. Staff suggest developing a five vehicle parking area at the old farmstead north of County Road O on Co. Rd 17.  This parking lot could also be used by the hunters who use the Ducks Unlimited Blind.  Limestone will be used as the base.

Rationale: 

The KTIC Radio ad this month focused on Chemigation.  The recording is attached.  The Wahoo Newspaper eAd continued this month with promotion for Czechland Lake Recreation Area.

Rationale: 

The summer issue of the Viaduct and 2015 Annual Report has been sent to Suburban Newspapers for printing and distribution.  Distribution is planned for the following area newspapers: Fremont Tribune, David City Banner Press, Schuyler Sun, Columbus Telegram, Albion News, Newman Grove Reporter, Humphrey Democrat, Wahoo Newspaper, North Bend Eagle and the Ashland Gazette.

Rationale: 

NARD is looking for volunteers during Husker Harvest Days on September 13^th-15^th.  The deadline to sign up is Friday, July 29^th.  The shifts are 3 hours and the roles are tree give-a-ways, greeters, floaters (answer questions and retrieve trees from cooler), and Native Prairie Outreach Display.  The current sign-up sheet is attached.  Please let Desirae know if you are interested in signing up to volunteer.

Rationale: 

This project was launched by photographer Michael Forsbert and NET Special Projects Director Michael Farrell to provide an unprecedented look at the Platte Basin and the importance of agriculture as it relates to the Platte Basin.  The Platte River Time-lapse Project will provide educational materials for the general public, classrooms, and out-of-school programs. The project will also create STEM curricula, meeting Nebraska state standards, for elementary, middle, and high school students. 

Currently, NARD and 13 NRDs are considering participation in the project.   The cost of participation in the Platte River Time-lapse Project is $1,800 a year for three years.  This financial partnership will support the development of:

• Identify location/partner for time-lapse cameras
• Install image-gathering technologies on ag location
• Assemble team of corn/agriculture experts and educator advisors
• Identify best STEM themes that align to Nebraska State Standards
• Create storyboards and wireframes for content

Rationale: 

A proposed project for FY2017 is the addition of a nature education trail/disc golf course at Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area.  The 9-hole disc golf course will include environmental education that is specific to the local area.

Tee signs will include traditional tee sign information, disc golf pro tips, and educational information of our choosing (Lake Wanahoo, the Saunders County Poor Farm, bald eagles, prairie grasses, etc.). We will choose 9 themes for the tee signs.  There are 3 themes for scorecards: birds, trees, greens.  These will include species specific to the area.

Kids in Parks is a national company that will develop artwork, signage, and scorecards. This company will also administer the rewards program for visitors that connects disc golf courses across the country that are a part of this organization.  LPNNRD staff have researched cost-effective materials to utilize in the building and installation of the disc golf course. 

Estimated costs through Kids in Parks is $7,600.  The design and development of the disc golf course is estimated at $5,000.  The total estimated project cost is $12,600.  There is a little less than $15,000 remaining in the NRDF grant funds- making the cost share for the project approximately $5,040.

Cost break down per hole is $790.

• Signage: $250
• Building Materials: $140
• Basket: $400

To help alleviate costs, we have developed a sponsorship plan. There has been strong interest and positive responses from potential sponsors.   Community sponsors could support the project at the following levels:

• Basket Sponsorship: $400 (Would include decal of company logo/business name along top of basket)
• Tee Sign Sponsorship: $250 (Would include company plaque)
• Full Hole Sponsorship: $500 (Would include both plaque and decal)

 

Rationale: 

State required Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR's) have been completed, mailed to customers and all reporting information submitted to DHHS.

Continue to work with Phoenix Group moving forward on radio read system for both Colon and Bruno.

Rationale: 

Service leak on Oak street was isolated and repaired.

Replaced one defective service meter.

Coordinating new rural service customer on Browning drive.  Once connection fee ($3,000) is paid work will begin installing meter pit, trenching line and tapping main.

Meters were read 6-28-16 and monthly samples collected.  Bills will be sent out 6-29-16.

Rationale: 

Meters were read 6-28-16 and monthly samples collected.  Bills will be sent out 6-29-16.

Conducted air relief inspections along system.

Rationale: 

The District received one new well variance application for 80 acres in the Weston subarea.

The District has a total of 99 applications for 6,147.61 acres.

Rationale:  No new updates.

Rationale:  No new updates.

Rationale: 

2 new permits were approved since the last Committee meeting.

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Fremont Family YMCA	1	0	Dewatering (Permanent)	Dodge	Fremont
Jeffery Temme	1	0	Irrigation (New)	Boone	Upper Newman Grove

 

 

The total number of approved permits for 2016 is 7.

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2016:  Correct as of 6/27/2016

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	1	4
Boone	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
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	2	4	0	0	0	1	7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rationale: 

AGF expects the AEM flights in our SQS areas to begin around July 18^th, but it could be a little sooner or later depending on weather.  They expect to do the work for LLNRD around July 13^th and assume they will do the Platte-Colfax SQS area (SQS #2) right after that.  No flight details yet on the Butler-Saunders SQS.  It could be right after SQS #2 or after other LENRD flights, which means it would be later in the month.

Flight line spacing in SQS #2 will be 1/3 mile, which is what NRD staff were hoping for.  Flight line spacing in SQS #1 will be 1 and 1/2 mile spacing, with the tighter spacing along the western and southern portion of this area.

The invoice and contract agreement are attached.  AGF is requesting an advance payment of $125,000 to pay operating cost for the helicopter and its crew.  The LPNNRD was successful in obtaining a Water Sustainability Grant from DNR for a total of $416,666, of which the grant will pay 60% or $250,000.

Rationale: 

 #1  (Butler-Saunders)

There are 30 irrigation wells -- water level was measured in 28 of these wells in 2015.  25 of these have a flow meter; the other five wells were not used in 2015.  Letter for non-use in 2016 has been mailed to those without flow meters.  One letter was returned in today’s mail.

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

Larry Ratkovec called this afternoon (June 27, 2016) with concerns regarding his domestic well and the start of high capacity irrigation wells pumping.  Five of these wells are within one mile of his house.  He lives in this SQS and his domestic well is in the NE¼SE¼ of section 35-T15N-R4E.  During this past weekend he did not have enough water to run his six pop-up lawn sprinklers as his well shut down several times.

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

Greg Fujan has talked with Director McDermott regarding his irrigation well, G-135952, in this SQS – about petitioning his well out of this area.  Three attachments:

1. Aerial photo from Well permit LPN-005-742 (G-135952) / Section 25, T15N, R5E
2. Well logs for three wells: 
   • G-123366 (Mayer – domestic);
   • G-135952 (Fujan – irrigation);
   • G-067804 (Kellner – irrigation, east of SQS #1)
3. Map of SQS #1

Mr Fujan attended the Water Committee meeting.  His concern was that his well which is within the SQS area is under pumping restrictions while his neighbors well about 0.6 miles away to the east is not.  He contends both wells are in the same aquifer and therefore he should not have pumping restrictions placed on his well.

The NRD has only one summer measurement from his well, which was taken last year when we had exception wet conditions.  The AEM flights are scheduled for July of this year, but the final report is not due until August 2017.  Whether or not a Section of land is in or out of an SQS depends primarily on the geology and the degree of ground water energy level decline in mid-summer.

The Water Committee took no action.

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

 

Rationale: 

Staff have been in field getting flow meter information, water levels, and talking with producers.  Benel reports that he is seeing Senninger propeller flow meters on several installations.

 

Rationale: 

Thursday June 23, 2016 was the fourth and final class for operators in the Platte-Colfax SQS area (SQS #2). This class was held that evening at the LPNNRD office in Wahoo.  The expected producers (seven) were in attendance and this should be the last of the operators that needed to have the class.  Pink sheets and permission sheets continue to be received in the mail, which allow the LPNNRD to measure the ground water energy level in their irrigation wells.

 

Rationale: 

The next LPRBC Managers meeting is set for July 6, 2016 at LPNNRD starting at 11:00 am.

 

Rationale: 

Angle is finishing an update of the V-IMP goals and objectives reviewed at the last Water Committee and Board plus the V-IMP Plan.  These will be forwarded to Olsson Associates and DNR for their review.

 

Steps for approval of LPNNRD V-IMP

Water Comm. and Board approval of Goals, Objectives, and Action Items (G,O,AI of V-IMP)	Done
Submit to Olsson Assoc. and DNR of revised G,O,AI of V-IMP as well as edited Plan.	Pending
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
Final approval of V-IMP

 

Rationale: 

Sampling kits for irrigation wells are usually mailed in June to area producers.

 

Rationale: 

No new requests.

 

Rationale: 

Eight producers have ordered for 2016 in our NAWMN program.  Aaron Nygren (Colfax County Extension Educator) is delivering the equipment to producers and guiding them in its installation.

 

Rationale: 

2016 is the fourteenth year for this Phase 2 Area.  Phase 2 information packets with order forms have been mailed to producers.

 

Rationale: 

2016 is the first year of this Phase 2 Area.  This Phase area is the 10 sections immediately north of the new Richland-Schuyler Phase 3 area.

Rationale: 

2016 is the first year of this Phase 3 Area.  This Phase 3 area went into effect September 1, 2015.  The 55 sections of this area first went into a Phase 2 Area in 2004.  

Rationale: 

No on-line test requests have been made since the last committee meeting and no on-line tests have been completed in June.

 

Rationale: 

Poole has received most of the acre certification forms from Dodge and Saunders County's landowners.  Only seven individuals remain and these are still filling out the forms and need to send them in. 

To date, no 'notice to cease and desist orders' have been necessary, but this depends on the final seven landowners to get those reports submitted.

Rationale: 

For 2016 we have 478 renewals and 56 new permit applications for a current total of 534.  A total of 33 permits have lapsed or were not renewed by the June 1st deadline.

Summer chemigation inspections are listed below:

	Number to be inspected this summer	Number inspected	Number approved	Number and reason not approved
Renewal	~188	47	47	mainline 0 interlock 0 not ready 0
New	56	31	31	mainline 0 interlock 0 not ready 0

 

The breakdown, by county for the 56 new chemigation permit applications, are listed below:

County	New Chemigation Applications
Boone	3
Butler	11
Colfax	7
Dodge	11
Madison	0
Platte	7
Saunders	17

 

 

The breakdown, by county for the 478 renewal chemigation permits, are listed below:

County	Number of Renewals
Boone	50
Butler	64
Colfax	23
Dodge	86
Madison	6
Platte	81
Saunders	168

 

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

Name	Livestock	Type of Permit	Legal Description	County
Sobota Farms LLC 493 Road L Schuyler NE 68661	Swine 4,800  to 5,000 head or (2,000 A.U.)	Expansion on existing DEQ permit	NE1/4, SE1/4, Section 10, T18N, R2E NW1/4, NE1/4, Section 10, T18N, R2E	Colfax
Mead Cattle Company 1344 County Road 10 Mead NE 68041	Cattle  30,000 head 30,000 A.U.	Modification of construction and operating permit Modification of NPDES permit coverage	S1/2, Section 12, T14N, R8E N1/2, Section 13, T14N, R8E	Saunders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sobota Farms LLC is expanding on an existing DEQ swine livestock permit from 4,800 head operation with an additional 200 head for a total of 5,000 head or 2,000 A.U. (June 13, 2016)

Mead Cattle Company is proposing to build two additional earthen waste storage lagoons to provide additional storage of liquid manure (see attached sheet) (June 10, 2016).

 

Rationale: 

No new wells have been reviewed and approved by Gottschalk for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

Rationale: 

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

Rationale: 

No new updates.

 

Rationale: 

ENWRA is currently working on AEM flights, installation of monitoring wells, test hole drilling, and summer sampling of monitoring wells for several NRD's.

 

Rationale: 

Of the eight (older) loggers from 2006 and 2007, three have now been replaced.  These loggers were expected to function for 7-8 years and have exceeded this time.  Both MUD and UNL have had to likewise start replacing their older loggers.  

Downey Drilling has been working on drilling and installation of three new monitoring wells.  Weather-permitting they should complete the work at both sites:  Dodge County, east of Ames (NB-1) – shallow well 25’ depth and deeper well 240’ depth;  Saunders County, west of Malmo (P-3) 495’ depth.    We hope to put the cost of drilling and installing these monitoring wells on the current fiscal year budget for FY15-16.  New loggers have been ordered for the new monitoring wells, but cables will not be ordered until the wells are completed.

Rationale: 

E.   AURORA COOPERATIVE Fertilizer/Herbicide Spill, 052316-BG-1849

On May 23, 2016, an Aurora Fertilizer semi-truck and trailer upset at the corner of county roads 31 and P in Saunders County (approximately four miles east of Bruno).  The Saunders County Sheriff contacted the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality [NDEQ].  NDEQ personnel involved in the investigation:  Brian Gorman, Dave Schumacher, Greg Michl, Jeremy Hammen, Kirk Morrow, and Ryan Chapman.  Schumacher made contact with area landowners who had wells down-gradient from the spill site.  Tim Creger of Nebraska Department of Agriculture was also consulted. 

Aurora Cooperative provided the following information regarding this event:

• 250-gallon tote of Aatrex (Atrazine) – 15 gallons spilled
• 250-gallon tote of Acuron (Atrazine, Metolachlor, Bicyclopyron, Mesotrione) – 0 gallons spilled
• 250-gallon tote of Durango (Glyphosate) – 150 gallons spilled
• Two 250-gallon totes of Instinct Nitrogen Stabilizer – 28 gallons spilled
• Two 2,500-gallon tanks of 32-0-0 liquid nitrogen fertilizer – 2,916 gallons spilled

Aurora Cooperative hauled the contaminated soil to the Butler County Landfill.

Oaklund met with two landowners, Galen Jambor and Jim Kubik, to collect water samples from their wells.  The nitrate-nitrogen level in these samples was low:  Jambor’s domestic well (house) 0.23 ppm; Jambor stock well 0.42 ppm; Kubik domestic (G-175517) 0.28 ppm.  As per discussions with Jambor and Kubik, Oaklund will contact them for follow-up water sample from their wells in mid-July.

 

Rationale: 

Week of June 20^th, 2016

Bacteria

THREE 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 we want people to be aware and use their own judgment on their use.

• Cub Creek Lake #12A in Jefferson County
•  Lewis and Clark Reservoir in Knox County
•  Valentine Mill Pond in Cherry County

 

Rationale: 

Week of June 20th, 2016

Toxic Algae

ONE LAKE is 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.  

• Harlan Lake in Harlan County

 

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Husker Harvest Days

NARD is looking for volunteers during Husker Harvest Days on September 13^th-15^th.  The deadline to sign up is Friday, July 29^th.  The shifts are 3 hours and the roles are tree give-a-ways, greeters, floaters (answer questions and retrieve trees from cooler), and Native Prairie Outreach Display.  The current sign-up sheet is attached.  Please let Desirae know if you are interested in signing up to volunteer.

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Review of Water Programs budget for FY16-17.

 

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GMDA has two websites: one on the LPNNRD server maintained by Angle and the other on GoDaddy.com which is the wikiGMDA site.  The person maintaining the wikiGMDA site will be leaving, so this information should be transferred to the LPNNRD site or placed on another commercial site.

 

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The three summer interns passed the Natural Resources Ground Water Technician [NRGWT] test and have received their license.

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Staff members Karen Rezac and Cassi Deerson also attended the Water Committee meeting.

 

With no further business the Committee adjourned at 6:40 pm.

 

Rationale:  None

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15-S-2     Don Anderson     Terraces/Tile     $ 8,258.28

 

                                         TOTAL:                     $ 8,258.28

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  Edward Sladky      Septic System Inspection & Replacement            $ 3,300.00

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Tom Sprunk    Platte Co.          2.1 acres     10 year contract      $ 225.00/acre     $ 472.50 annual payment

                                                                                                     TOTAL CONTRACT:  $ 4,725.00

Rationale:  Mountford reported that the designs on four Shell Creek grade stabilization structures have been completed and are ready for construction upon receiving any needed permits and final grant approval from NDEQ.

Rationale:  Director Bailey reported that Mr. Waak has decided to complete his dam repair project on his own and not request cost share assistance from LPNNRD.

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A long discussion took place for budgeting additional funding for placement in our established Wahoo Creek and Shell Creek sinking funds for future flood water damage reduction projects. Further discussion took place that we should pay off our existing Sand Creek Enviromental Project debt (Approximately $1.2 million) before building up our sinking funds for future projects.

Rationale:  Meghan Sittler was present to review current Alliance activities.

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Just prior to the June 13th Board Meeting, former Nebraska Congressional Representative Doug Bereuter was present to discuss his views on the value of the the LPRCA on how this structure helped secure project funding. He also mentioned that by having a local body overseeing activities on the Lower Platte River this helps avoid having a federal designation and related requirements established.  At the meeting, the Board took no action as it was mentioned that we should wait until absent Board Members were present before any motion was considered.  At the April 28th Projects Committee Meeting the following recommendation was brought to the full Board with no action being taken:" 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 the May Board Meeting, a motion that LPNNRD "not approve the LPRCA FY 2017 budget and not be a member in the LPRCA"  was tabled. At that meeting, the Board requested dollar figures on what has been spent and received through the LPRCA which are attached.  These attachments include an e-mail Mountford send out 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. As outlined in Mountford's attached e-mail, 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. Attached in a spreadsheet that 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.  Also attached is the Alliance proposed FY 16-17 Budget and LPSNRD and PMRNRD support letters. The committee had a lengthy discussion about whether or not LPNNRD should remain a member in the LPRCA.

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At the June 13th Board meeting we approved our annual assistance payment to Schuyler for the completed Shell Creek Levee Project.  Upon reviewing past payment records last fall, it appeared that Schuyler owned half of a $50,000 payment we made to the Army COE for completing Schuyler's 205 Study in 2011.  With this belief, we deducted $25,000 from this year's budgeted $125,000 annual assistance and approved a $100,000 payment.

As 2011 information was gathered  to accompany with our $100,000 check, we discovered that while Schuyler did not write us a $25,000 check to reimburse us half of the subject 2011 expense , they did send a check for $5,513.07.   Looking deeper, the Army COE reimbursed LPNNRD $38,973.85 at that time for pre-paid local study funds not used.  Since half of this money was Schuyler’s, we simply deduced $19,486.93 from the $25,000 the City owed, and they paid us the remainder.  

With this new information the committee is asked to recommend paying the remaining $25,000 that is in our current FY 2017 budget for this project assistance.

After this payment, we will have contributed a total of $375,000 toward the construction of the Shell Creek Levee.  The Board has previously approved that our intent is to provide up to $600,000 toward Shell Creek Project construction efforts.   

 

Rationale:  Director Bailey reported that a "no-rise" certificate has been obtained for the proposed project.

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A draft projects budget was passed out for additional committee input by our next meeting.

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As discussed last month, we have been thinking about completing a bathymetric survey and sediment analysis of Lake Wanahoo and its wetlands.   The information and data collected from these surveys can serve multiple purposes including: • Estimating watershed erosion rates • Water quality modeling • Estimating future reservoir sediment maintenance requirements (increasing lost capacity) • Projecting reservoir longevity • Informing the public on general reservoir conditions • Fishery management.  Mountford has contacted NDEQ and will provide  $7,500 grant assistance to complete this work.  During discussion, the committee asked that the wetland area directly above road "O" be included with the proposal.  Lake Tech has indicated that this could be added for an additional $500 which raises the total proposed cost to $11,277. This means $3,777 will be required from LPNNRD.

Paul Brakhage and Jon Mohr with Lake Tech will be present to discuss their proposal. Committee review and possible recommendation is requested.

Rationale:  A signup sheet is attached for Director's who wish to volunteer some time at the NARD Booth at Husker Harvest Days.  We need to let them know this week if anyone can assist.

Rationale:  All project construction components have been completed and we are now waiting for the Army COE's operation and maintenance manual.  Murren reported that he and our summer interns removed scattered project rock on the Thomas Lake property that the contractor failed to clean up.   

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Attached find the Second Amended Interlocal Agreement for the Lower Platte River Phragmites (Invasive Vegetation) Management Program.  This amendment will add:

Willows and cottonwoods as invasive vegetation that can be removed to clear sandbars/islands where young woody vegetation is just starting to take over

Addition of mechanical removal as a cost-sharable method in the agreement   

Change of annual cost-share from $20,000 to $30,000 from each NRD

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The final payment for the Fremont GI study has been requested from the Corps of Engineers for $75,000.

Rationale:  Hay bids were opened on July 8th see attachment for details.

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