January 31, 2018 at 8:30 AM - Operations & Education Committee Meeting
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1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Rationale:
Nothing to take action.
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2. WILD NE/CREP REPORT
Rationale:
Nothing to report on either program.
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3. OPERATION & MAINTENANCE & OTHER ITEMS
Rationale:
The O & M crew has been burning tree piles, removing snow, keeping up with the restrooms at the recreation areas, servicing vehicles and equipment and completed tree removal on the Clear Creek Levee at Thomas Lakes.
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3.A. Lake Wanahoo Lake Level Panel
Rationale:
At LPNNRD’s January 8, 2017, Board Meeting, a motion was passed to discontinue regularly scheduled Panel meetings until a future need arises. Future Lake Wanahoo business, including discussions with USACE and NGPC regarding Operation and Maintenance of Wanahoo lake levels will continue to be handled primarily through regular scheduled LPNNRD Operation, Education and Rural Water Committee meetings. The previous Lake Level Panel minutes are attached.
Attachments:
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3.B. Lake Wanahoo SRA
Rationale:
NRD staff is assisting G & P in keeping the restrooms clean and supplied. At times there may be a hundred vehicles and more people than vehicles at Lake Wanahoo ice fishing.
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3.C. Platte River Floodplain Mapping
Rationale:
On Tuesday, January 16, 2018 FYRA Engineering organized and held a Platte River Flood Plain Mapping update meeting held in Fremont. Invitees were Dept. of Natural Resources (NeDNR) Katie Ringland and Jamie Reinke, Dodge County, City of Fremont, Inglewood and Lower Platte North NRD. (2) Hire a private consultant such as FYRA Engineering to do the Hydrology and Hydraulics Studies on the Platte River plus tributaries from Columbus to Hwy 75 at a price estimated at $877,000. FEMA would also have to approve methods in these studies. Then the mapping may be an additional cost if we have the consultant do that phase. Or have NeDNR do the mapping at no cost as part of the watershed project mentioned above. At this point there is no guarantee the mapping would be expedited. We may gain 2-3 years but that is unknown as federal funding also plays a role each year in all the processes. We would have to designate a sponsor, in which they would have to organize all entities (Cities, Counties, NRD’s) for the entire river stretch and have them agree to cost and inter-local agreements, figure percentages of cost to each entity, etc. or have the consultant do the organization at an additional cost.
Recommended Motion(s):
To support Option 1 as requested by the City of Fremont & Dodge County to follow NeDNR proposed watershed business plan for the mapping of the Platte River Floodplain from Columbus to Ashland and to coordinate a letter of request/support in requesting funding through the Nebraska Silver Jackets to do the Hydraulic Study Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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3.D. Advertise for Haying
Rationale:
Staff would like to start advertising in February or March the recommended NRD properties for haying. We would accept bids on a per ton basis. The bid winner would have the opportunity to fertilize any cool season grasses (if available) during the Spring or early Summer. We would advertise locally and send out notices to past interested parties.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To advertise taking bids for the haying of NRD properties on any of our recreation areas at a per ton basis Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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3.E. Recreation Area Revenues
Rationale:
The Committee had discussion on how the District could utilize revenues such as hay, dirt sales and camping fees (Czechland). The Committee suggest taking hay, dirt & camping revenues and putting it into an earmarked sinking fund for future maintenance/improvements on our recreation areas. The sinking fund could come in handy for future improvements/maintenance required on the Wanahoo Wetlands and any other areas in need of improvement.
This past year the revenues were; Czechland hay $4,556, Wanahoo hay $6,810, Czechland RV camping $7,800 and dirt $9,008, which totals $28,174. A portion of the Wanahoo hay revenue is reimbursed or credited to Nebraska Dept. of Natural Resources.
Recommended Motion(s):
To put hay, dirt and camping fee (Czechland) revenues into its own improvements/maintenance sinking fund for the purpose of future improvements/maintenance on our recreation areas Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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3.F. Tractor Rental (Seasonal)
Rationale:
For the past two years we have rented a John Deere tractor from Platte Valley for $3,500/year.The tractors are large, JD 8235R and 8245R, which are 235-245 horsepower tractors. This past season we had to change how we hook it to our shredder, a shredder we purchased from Platte Valley. We had problems with breaking the clevis in which we had to purchase. Heimann has asked Platte Valley for a smaller tractor and not to have to change how we originally hook up to our shredder. We are told that we cannot get a smaller tractor.
Heimann contacted Dinkel Implement of Norfolk, of which, use to have the State Contract. The District used that State Contract from 2010 -2014. They will rent the District a smaller tractor, 125-150 PTO HP at $25/hr at a minimum of 125 hours which equals $3,125.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To rent a tractor from Dinkel Implement for the 2018 season at a $25/hr rate and a minimum of 125 hours Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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3.G. Wanahoo Dirt/Sand Sales
Rationale:
To date the District has received $220,153 from M.E. Collins for dirt and sand sold from the Wanahoo property off of County Road P. This contract dates back to June, 2012. M.E. Collns would like to continue using the borrow site and renew a contract for a certain number of years. Jerry Kabourek of M.E. Collins was present to explain their request.
Attached are photo's of the site, a Google Earth aerial, proposed agreement by M.E. Collins and a edited agreement by legal counsel.
Recommended Motion(s):
To have staff work with District legal counsel in reviewing a new Lake Wanahoo Soil Borrow Agreement between LPNNRD and M.E. Collins Contracting for a 2 year term with the possibility to renew it for another 2 years Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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3.H. Grass Drill Rental
Rationale:
The District received $1,948.08 from Rezac Seed for grass drill rental from July to December, 2017. There was $11.08 taken out for repairs.
We have not received information from the Schuyler Coop or Rosendahl Seed and Feed in Platte County. |
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3.I. Trailers to Sell
Rationale:
The District has received the new triple axle dump trailer. We now have our 2012 14' dump trailer to sell, the District purchased it for $6,900. A sale price range has not been determined. See attached photo.
We also have a 2014, 24' enclosed cargo trailer we could sell, that the District purchased in late 2013 for $8,800. The trailer was designated as a safety trailer. It was storing 20' siphoning pipe and some other equipment. It has always been stored in the shed and never pulled down the road. Staff would recommend selling this trailer for the lack of use. See attached photo.
Recommended Motion(s):
To sell the 2012 Dump trailer in the range of $4,500 to $4,000 and also the 2014 Cargo trailer starting at $8,800 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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3.J. New Vehicle Purchase
Rationale:
The District has $28,000 budgeted for the purchase of a new vehicle. We have purchased vehicles off of the State of Nebraska Contracts in past years. We generally sell our oldest or highest mileage vehicle after we receive the new vehicle. The vehicle to be replaced is predominately use by the Water Department. Find attached an inventory list of the District's current vehicles and a list of current vehicles listed on the State Contract.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To proceed with the purchase of a new vehicle from the list of four through the State of Nebraska Contracts Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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4. ROCK AND JETTY
Rationale:
The North Bend Levee work has not been inspected because of weather.
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5. EROSION & SEDIMENT RULES & REGULATIONS
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6. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
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6.A. Information
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6.A.1. Radio & eAds
Rationale:
The February KTIC Radio Ad and Wahoo Newspaper eAd will promote the lawn care workshops, "Five Steps to a Beautiful Lawn". The LPNNRD Water Department and Nebraska Extension will host a workshop on March 1st at the Dodge Extension Office at 6:30 pm and a second workshop on March 13th at Union Bank at 6:30 pm.
Attachments:
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6.A.2. Viaduct
Rationale:
The 2018 winter edition of the Viaduct has been sent to Suburban Newspapers for printing and distribution. It will be sent to area newspapers in the district for distribution in mid-February. Distribution is planned for the following newspapers: Fremont Tribune/Shopper, David City Banner Press, Schuyler Sun, Columbus Telegram/Area Choice, Albion News, Newman Grove Reporter, Humphrey Democrat, Wahoo Newspaper, North Bend Eagle, and the Ashland Gazette.
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6.B. Education
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6.B.1. John Hannah Instruction
Rationale:
John did a great job with the 4th and 5th grade class at District 24. Insects were the topic of interest for an hour. John even bought his collection for the kids to admire as shown in the picture. Great job John!!!
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6.B.2. Shell Creek Watershed Monitoring Program Scholarship
Rationale:
The first semester transcripts have been received from the 2017 scholarship winner, Hannah Haase. Hannah has met all scholarship requirements, and the $1,000 scholarship award has been mailed to her.
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6.B.3. Envirothon 2020
Rationale:
LPNNRD has received and paid the invoice from NARD for the first-year sponsorship of the 2020 National Envirothon for $4,245.
Attachments:
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6.C. Computer
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7. RURAL WATER SYSTEMS
Discussion:
Elliott updated the rural water system's Emergency Response Plan (ERP) with new personnel info and contact numbers. ERP was distributed to required personnel and Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Attachments:
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7.A. Colon System
Discussion:
On 1/22/18 at approximately 9:45 the NRD was notified of a significant leak at the Colon waste lift station. Elliott and Gottschalk inspected the leak that night and determined that nothing could be done at that point. The flow of water and hole created indicated a possible main break, therefore, M.E. Collins was contacted first thing 1/23/18 to repair the line and mobilized there 1/24/18.
Unfortunately RW staff and Collins crew were unable to locate enough shut-offs in Colon to isolate the leak and were forced to shut water off to the town for several hours. The water line failed at a PVC "T" and was replaced with a metal fixture "T". Water supply was restored to Colon at approximately 2:15pm On Tuesday, 1/23/18, the Saunders County Sheriff notified Elliott of another leak on the Colon line north of the intersection of road O & 17. This leak didn't appear as severe as the lift station, but was significant enough to warrant mobilizing Collins to that site immediately following the repair at the lift station. The failure at this site was on a flushing hydrant off the main and was temporarily resolved by replacing pressure fittings and removing ruptured copper line. In closer observation of this site it appears as though this could be the cause of unexplained water loss on Colon line; there was significant amount of moss and green vegetation in this area indicating a presence of saturated soil. This area is within the Wanahoo sediment trap area that is densely vegetated and blends in with surrounding area during growing season. After repair was completed Elliott observed zero usage at Wanahoo Meter house. Hopefully this indicates that the water loss has been resolved. According to DHHS contact per email (Andy Kahle) since the line maintained greater than 20psi there is no required chlorination of system. M.E. Collins crew should be commended on efficient and quality work in repairing both of these leaks. Mike Couch filed a complaint with the Nebraska Attorney General about "bogus water bill" his abandoned property in Colon had been receiving for 7+ months. Previous RW manager Gottschalk had advised Mr. Couch of the fact that he was NOT being charged for water usage but the minimal charges for being connected to RW system: $36.00 sewer fee (reimbursed quarterly to Colon) $28.52 meter fee Gottschalk had also advised Mr. Couch that the only way to not receive bill was to get approval from Village of Colon board to shut off completely. Mr. Couch had been approved by the board at their December meeting, but the NRD was not notified of this development and sent him another bill. Elliott contacted Doug Novotny (mayor of Colon) and he confirmed that the village had agreed to Mr. Couch's request. NRD immediately made Mr. Couch's account inactive so he will not be billed anymore. Colifert testing and meters were read week of 1/16. Bills will go out this week. |
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7.B. Bruno System
Discussion:
Colifert and meters read week of 1/16.
Bills go out this week. |
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7.C. Other
Discussion:
In simultaneously dealing with multiple leaks of considerable volume and having to shut off supply to Colon it became apparent that the RW dept. lacks a means of immediately communicating with customers. Prior to shutting off supply and fixing the first leak (Colon lift station) Elliott contacted Doug Novotny (Colon mayor), posted announcements at Colon post office, contacted Wahoo Newspaper, and then posted announcements on NRD Facebook page. Still, NRD staff fielded a large number of phone calls from customers who were unaware of issue. Elliott and NRD staff are investigating more efficient means of mass communication for any potential emergencies in the future.
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8. Adjournment
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