April 9, 2018 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:  Are there any additions or corrections to the Agenda?

Rationale:  Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? If not they will be approved on the consent agenda.

Rationale:  E-mail and letter from LARM is attached.  Discussion and possible action regarding the District's response regarding this claim.  Jovan will be available for clarification and to answer questions.

Rationale:  Nothing new as of 3-28-18

Rationale:  The 2018 UNL Water Tour will visit the US Bureau of Reclamation's North Platte irrigation project in Wyoming - including Pathfinder and Seminoe reservoirs as well as points of interest in Colorado and Nebraska.  The tour dates have been set for June 26-29 and will likely begin and end in Holdrege. This tour fills up fast any Director interested should let staff know. 

Rationale:  Chairman Birkel, Director Saalfeld, Mountford and Gottschalk attended the annual NARD Washington D.C. conference.  Arriving early allowed the opportunity to meet with Water Strategies and the offices of Senator Fischer, Congressman Fortenberry and the NRCS National office.  These one on one meetings provide LPNNRD an excellent opportunity to present information on our current projects and provide feedback on federal programs that are benefiting our District and the importance of continued funding.
The NARD portion of the trip began Monday morning and over the next two days representatives from Water Strategies, NRCS, NACD, Army Corp. of Engineers and other Federal agencies updated the group on current issues.  Joe, Dave and Tom can provide further information on the trip.

Rationale:  Over the past few months, the LPWMA has had extensive discussion regarding reorganization of the group.  Papio NRD has administered the group in the past but the group's administration is being transitioned to Lancaster County.  The new contract is attached and has been reviewed by our attorney with no concerns.  Because of the new administrator, LPSNRD is questioning the need for NRD's to be contracted members.  Gottschalk will be in contact with LPSNRD and Papio NRD and work to come to an agreement so all NRD's will proceed in a similar manner.

Rationale:  Attached find a letter from John Mullarkey, LARM requesting our $1,000 deductible payment for coverage on the Ourada settlement.

Rationale:  In October 2015 the District made payment of $44,300 to the COE for excavation of material from Big Sandy Lake that was not covered under the COE contract.  The District requested payment from Big Sandy Homeowners Association to cover this cost.  On February 15, 2018 the District was notified by the COE that the final cost of excavation totaled $39,580, so a refund of $4,720 was sent to the NRD.  This amount needs to be returned to Big Sandy Homeowners Association. 

Rationale:  1)  Discussion and possible action to proceed with plans to construct education building on East side of the lake and to develop primitive camping sites on Pork Chop island.  
2)  Discussion and possible action to add Wanahoo Park Supervisor responsibilities to LPNNRD staff member Bret Schomer for the remainder of 2018 at a salary increase of $ 307.69 per pay period.  ($ 8,000 annually which is $ 6,000 for the balance of 2018)
3)  Discussion and possible action to hire Summer part-time Lake Wanahoo position, up to 30 hours per week.

Rationale:  Discussion and possible action to move forward with 2018 Lake Wanahoo Park equipment purchases as discussed:
-Boat 
-Utility vehicle
-mower
-handheld equipment (chain saw, weed eater, sprayer)

*Upon further investigation and bid requests, the staff recommends purchasing the following:
Lund Boat - predator 1760 for $ 13,541.00
Kawasaki Mule 4010 for $ 10,270.00
Grasshopper 725d (61")  $ 12,755
for a total $ 36,566.00

Rationale:  Grant was available for a conference call at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the Financial Statements.

Rationale:  Nothing on the table.

Rationale:  Nothing to report on either program.

Rationale:  Staff worked two 5' culvert gates on the Clear Creek Levee that drains Ditch 1. We managed a prescribe burn on the Wanahoo Recreation area on the east side. Continue to cut volunteer trees in many different areas and burn tree piles.

Rationale:  The Intake structure (gates) on the Wanahoo dam were opened on March 21, as of March 26 it was .5' down.
The Northern Pike sampling by Game & Parks was successful, in 8 days they pulled 232 trap nets handled 683 Pike and tagged 195 of those fish. Volunteers put in 136 hours of work. Northern Pike are stocked in odd numbered years at a rate of 7 fish/acre (4,445 fish), that's up from 5 fish/acre (3,175 fish). Common Carp were found this year, they degrade water quality by uprooting vegetation & bottom sediments which is bad for sport fish. To manage the Carp we need a high density of Large Mouth Bass and Pike. Sampling of Bluegill and Large Mouth Bass will take place in May. Walleye stocking will be this Fall at 5 fish/acre.
On March 22 the District managed a prescribed burn on the East Recreation area from the breakwater to the dam with the assistance of Game & Parks and Pheasants Forever. (Picture attached) We would also like to burn areas of the west campgrounds and plan on burning some tracts on the Wildlife areas.
The campground roads are scheduled to be graded and will need rock and/or gravel.
The winter ice on the lake did some severe heaving of the east shoreline. A drainage area and a kayak launch will need to be re-opened and restructured. We also have some shoreline erosion that is threatening the trail, we may have to backfill and add rip-rap to protect this area or move the trail.
Game & Parks has informed the District that last year Superintendent, Cole Burmeister will be returning April 1.

Rationale:  The District has not heard from the Corps of Engineers.

Rationale:  Three bids for approximately 67 acres of hay around Lake Wanahoo were received, they are:
Mark Sullivan,  Brainard,  $14.25/ton
Meduna Family Farms, Colon,  $40/ton
John Vybiral, Wahoo,  $20/ton

Rationale:  To date, the District has ordered 11,375 trees, remaining inventory is 1,000. We have approximately 6,500 machine plants.
Bessey Nursery started lifting Monday, March 26 and distribution of the trees may be the week of April 9.

Rationale:  The District has one intern returning from last year. Gottschalk, Oaklund and Heimann are currently interviewing to fill two positions.

Rationale:  Inspections still have to be made on a couple of sites.

Rationale:  In April, the KTIC Radio Ad and Wahoo Newspaper eAd will promote the availability of park permits at the LPNNRD office.

Rationale:  We have received the exhibitor application/contract for the 2018 Platte County Fair (July 11^th-15^th).  The booth cost is $220.

In 2017, we had booths at Platte, Butler, Saunders, and Dodge County Fairs.

2018 Fair Dates:

• Boone County: July 8^th-12^th
• Madison County: July 10^th-15^th
• Platte County: July 11^th-15^th
• Butler County: July 17^th-22^nd
• Colfax County: July 18^th- 22^nd
• Saunders County: July 22^nd-29^th
• Dodge County: August 2^nd-5^th

Rationale:  We are continuing to work with Red Thread to develop the new LPNNRD website.  Planning and designing has begun for the LPNNRD promotional video.  Past directors, current directors, and relatives of staff will be featured during this video.
 

Rationale:  Spring Conservation Sensation will be held on Wednesday, May 2^nd from 9 am to 2 pm at Lake Wanahoo (east entrance- day use area).  There are 298 students registered from St. Wenceslaus (Wahoo), Logan View, East Butler, North Bend, St. John’s (Weston), Bellwood, St. Mary’s (David City), and Wahoo.

LPNNRD staff and guest speakers will present sessions covering a variety of topics including wildlife, soil, water, trees, and drones.  Wildlife Encounters will provide a presentation to all students at the end of the day with a variety of animals.  This special presentation is sponsored by JEO. 
 

Rationale:  Two Test Your Well Nights have been scheduled for April in partnership with the Mead and North Bend FFA Chapters. 

• Mead: April 18th: Time/Location- TBD
• North Bend: April 30^th: 6-8 pm, Tiger Arena- North Bend High School (This will take place during Mayfest.)

Rationale:  TePoel has several educational activities scheduled for March-May.  Attached are two photos from the North Bend presentation.

• March 13^th: North Bend Elementary (4^th grade)- 44 students (2 sessions)
• March 20^th-21^st: Earth Wellness Festival (Lower Platte South NRD)- 281 students (12 sessions- approximately 3,500 students attend this festival)
• April 13^th: Aquinas Middle School Mini-Courses- TBD (3-4 sessions)
• May 10^th: Schuyler Elementary (4^th grade)- 150 students (7 sessions)

Rationale:  RWD put in a request for contact information with this month's bills.  The contact info will be utilized by RWD to mass notify customers with any pertinent updates regarding water service.

A significant number of meters need to be replaced due to variety of factors; dead batteries, radio transmitter failures, e.g.  RWD has contacted multiple suppliers for bids.

RWD has been relying on Phoenix Web Group for (customer) meter readings and requested earlier reports (i.e. before last day of the month) and they have not been reliable with providing us timely readings.  RWD is looking at the potential for acquiring our own meter reading hardware/software.

Rationale:  Bills out this week, monthly testing completed.
Quarterly sewer reimbursement due.

Rationale:  Bills out this week, monthly testing completed.

Rationale:  The May OERW committee meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 1^st at 8:30 am.
 

Rationale:  Katie Cameron discussed with the Committee and staff the proposed flight lines that will be flown in June 2018. She said that the bids to fly the area are calculated at $500/km. If bids come in lower then expected, the committee will have an opportunity to adjust the lines at the next Committee meeting, otherwise lines can be adjusted by adding and subtracting. 

Rationale:  A draft copy of the Groundwater Rules and Regulations is attached.  Jovan Lausterer reviewed the proposed Rules and Regulations and sees no legal issues with the changes. NeDNR is still in the process of reviewing the document and indicated that if the hearing is held on May 2nd that would give them sufficient time. 

Staff has been contacted to allow expansion of acres in the SQS areas starting after the June Board Meeting, instead of December 15, 2018.  The current GW rules states that rules need to be changed by the December 15 date or the prior rules apply.  The Committee can include in its recommendations to allow the expansion of acres in June for the SQS areas. 

If there is no major changes in the Rules and Regulations, it is recommended that a hearing be set for May 2nd.  As this will be during planting season do you want the hearing prior or after the Committee meeting?  Notice for the hearing needs to published during the week of April 9, so notices need sent to the weekly papers before the April Board Meeting.  

Since the Water Committee Meeting on March 28 NeDNR has commented that they would like some changes corrected on the Rules and Regulations.  As the LPN is looking at managing water by consumption use NeDNR would like to reference the IMP and the statues that pertain to implementing an voluntary IMP.  Staff would to correct the wording and would like to postpone the hearing date to May 14 at 5 pm.  Water Committee will still get a chance to review the word changes at the next Committee meeting.

Rationale: 

Wells Permits Approved: 0

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Anthony Krafka	1	38.44	Irrigation (New)	Butler	Bellwood

 

 

The total number of approved permits for 2018 is 2

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2018:  Correct as of 3/27/2018

County	Irrigation - New	Irrigation - Replacement	Stock	Commercial	Municipal	Other	Total
Butler	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Colfax	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dodge	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Boone	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Madison	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Platte	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Saunders	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	2	0	0	0	0	0	2

 

Rationale:  Timothy Mueller has applied for a new livestock irrigation well in the NW1/4 SE1/4 20-18-1E, Platte County, Lower Shell Creek Subarea. This well will be used to supply water to approximately 2,880,000 broiler chickens annually. The expected water use will be 10,000,000 gallons. The peak season depletion will be 8.91 AF Equation: 30.93(gallons/325851) x .96 (SDF) x .3 (peak season). Total annual consumption 30.93 AF. In the surrounding sections there are 29 irrigation wells, 23 domestic wells, 3 livestock wells, and 1 commercial well (rural fire department). All wells are drilled to a similar depth (~150ft). The irrigation wells are registered to pump between 600 and 1600 gpm. Attached is a profile of the nearest AEM flight line (3/4mi north), as well as a map of the area surrounding the proposed location of the new well.

Rationale:  Scott Cassels has applied to drill a new pond well in the NW1/4 SE1/4 33-16-9E, Saunders County, Leshara Platte Valley Subarea. The well will only be used between September 1st and May 31st and will only pump enough to keep the water open on the 2.5 acre lake (see attached map). Total water pumped will be below the 9 acre inch requirement.

Rationale:  A technical/management meeting was held at LPSNRD on March 26.  Each participating NRD and DNR reported on the activities that was part of the annual report that was due March 1st.  A synopsis of these reports will be given at the annual meeting on April 20.  A copy of the 2018 report submitted by LPN is attached showing water activities in the second half of 2016 and all of 2017.  The financial report was given to the group showing a surplus of $324,018.29 in the account.  The management group is going to recommend that dues not be assessed to each participating NRD in FY 2019.  The group reviewed a proposal on developing a database platform for submitting the Annual Report.  The database will be developed utilizing a Water Smart Grant from USGS.  

Friday, April 20 is Lower Platte River Basin Annual Meeting starting at 1:30 pm at the LLNRD in Ord.  Items that will be discussed are the NRD annual basin reports, database proposal and budget. Dean Eisenhauer will be making a presentation on water consumption within a Basin and John Engel on the Consortium Drought Plan. 

Rationale:  Tri-City Meters has started the yearly maintenance of meters in the SQS areas.  They have found a few meters without boot covers but are replacing them as they find them.  The covers will help in extending the life of the meter. 

Rationale: 

Staff has contacted producers that did show some initial interest, with the plan to get the WSF grant wrapped up before the end of the fiscal year. We have 1 meter to receive cost-share for this month.

Attached is a waiver agreement received on installing water flow meters from Dicke Feed Yards.  Dicke is requesting that if they install the required flow meters, that LPNNRD sign the waiver stating that their wells will never be taxed on gallons of water consumed.  The committee discussed that we would not authority to sign such a waiver. Our taxing authority is based on property tax (and potentially occupation tax). No such irrigation tax authority exists now and any such proposal would need to come to the State Legislature. A representative from Dicke Feed Yards may be present to address the Board about this topic on April 9th. 
 
At the June 28, 2017 Water Committee, motion (1) offer cost-share for flow meters to producers within 2 miles of the SQS #2 Boundary with-in LPNNRD and (2)to offer cost-share within the SQS #2 area to convert gallons reading registers to acre-inches. Cost-share for registers conversion will be $225 with producer paying the labor cost. Deadline for invoices will be by March 1.

At the November 30, 2016 Water Committee, motion was made to fund GWEL cooperator wells at $1,000 per 8 inch meters ($770 from WSF and $230 from LPNNRD = $1,000) and at $749 per 6 inch meters ($577 from WSF and $172 from LPNNRD = $749)

 

Water Sustainability Fund (WSF)
8 inch meters	1 x 8" meters or XX x $770 = $770
6 inch meters	XX x 6" meters or XX x $577 = $0
WSF Total	$0
	So Running Total WSF Grant = $80,229 of $200,000 grant
	So Remaining Total of WSF Grant = $119,771

 

 

LPNNRD For GWEL Cooperators
8 inch meter	0 x 8" meters or 1 x $230 = $0
6 inch meter	0 x 6" meters or 0 x $172 = $0
Carry over (8 inch meter)	0 x 8" meter or 0 x $230= $0
LPNNRD Total	$0

 

Total For Flow Meter Cost Share Program
WSF & LPNNRD	For approval at September 9, 2017 Board Meeting = $770

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

 

Rationale: 

2018 is the sixteenth year for this Phase 2 Area.  Phase 2 information packets with order were mailed to producers in June, before the start of irrigation.

Soil sample results were not included with David Nicolas’ corn reports - Oaklund spoke with Chris Nicolas (son) yesterday.  He will find out about these soil samples.
 

Rationale: 

2018 is the third year of this Phase 2 Area.  There are 45 registered active irrigation wells in the ten sections of this new area.

2017 reports have not been received from Brian Goff.  Oaklund called him again yesterday and left message on both his cell phone and home phone.

Rationale:  Eight online test requests have been received so far in March.  Seven have passed the test and a certification card was mailed to each. 

Cert #	Cert date	Name	Re-cert	Comments
7103	2/28/2018	Carl Williamson	New
5855	2/28/2018	Marty Reznicek	Yes
6278	3/13/2018	James Jelinek	Yes
5947	3/13/2018	David Sklenar	Yes
6130	3/13/2018	Anthony Stepanek	Yes
7127	3/27/2018	Kody Karloff	New
6110	3/26/2018	Mark Ostry	Yes

Rationale: 

Class	Date & time	Location	Attendees
# 1	Thursday, January 4th @ 3:30 p.m.                (after Corn Expo)	Fremont - Extension Office	41 / 0
# 2	Wednesday, January 17th @ 7:00 p.m.         [Dryland focus/emphasis]	ENREC (formerly known as ARDC)	102 / 15
# 3	Tuesday, January 30th @ 9:30 a.m.   *Special class at 1:00 p.m. AEM	Columbus - Ag Park	26 / 0
# 4	Tuesday, January 30th @ 1:00 p.m. *Special class on AEM	Columbus - Ag Park	92 / 11
# 5	Thursday, February 5th @ 1:00 p.m.         [Dryland focus/emphasis]	Butler County Events Center	36 / 6
# 6	Thursday, February 8th @ 9:30 a.m.	Lindsay - Village Office	8 / 0
# 7	Tuesday, February 27th @ 9:30 p.m.	Columbus - Pinnacle Bank	14 / 0
# 8	Wednesday, March 7th @ 9:00 a.m.	Fremont - Extension Office	24 / 4
# 9	Tuesday, March 13th @ 9:30 a.m.	Butler County Events Center	21 / 3
# 10	Tuesday, March 20th @ 7:00 p.m.	ENREC (ARDC)	31 / 5
# 11	Thursday, March 22nd @ 3:00 p.m. *Special class afternoon. AEM	Columbus - Ag Park	37 / 9
# 12	Thursday, March 22nd @ 7:00 p.m.	Columbus - Ag Park	11 / 2
		Totals	443 / 55

         *Three AEM classes for SQS producers, with AEM experts

• There were approximately 107 at the 1/30/2018 AEM class at Ag Park [one LPNNRD Director - Terry Sobota].  Only 92 of these attendees turned in their sign-in sheet.  Some who didn’t return their sign-in sheet were from outside LPNNRD. 
• There were 31 at the 3/13/2018 AEM class at the Butler County Events Center.
• There were approximately 44 at the 3/22/2018 AEM class at Ag Park [one LPNNRD Director - John Hannah].  Only 37 of these attendees turned in their sign-in sheet.  Some who didn’t return their sign-in sheet were from outside LPNNRD.

In mid-December 2017 letters and class schedule were mailed to 670:

• 56 whose certification expired in 2015 
  • Three of these are retired / 53 no response
• 46 whose certification expired in 2016
  • Two of these attended / 44 no response
• 79 whose certification expired in 2017
  • Nine attended; two retired / 68 no response
• 489 whose certification will expire 4/1/2018 
  • 361 of these attended / six are retired                   

Rationale: 

For 2018 we have 180 renewals and 3 new permit applications for a current total of 183.  No inspections for permits have been completed.

Attached is the monthly report.

Rationale: 

The LPNNRD has received # 1 livestock permit applications from DEQ since the last Water Committee meeting.  Staff visited the proposed site on March 22 and saw no issues on the location.  Majority of the application sites are located in neighboring NRDs. 

Name	Livestock	Type of Permit	Legal Description	County
Kyle Herchenbach Poultry Operation	Broilers	Major Modification	NW SW 23-20N-03W	Platte

 

 

 Description of permit application

 

Rationale: 

# new wells has been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

Rationale: 

# wells have been plugged, reviewed, and ready for cost share payment approval this month.

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County
Kirk Strong	Domestic	$451.22	Saunders
Cara Ahrens-Emerson	Hand-dug	$530.25	Colfax

 

Rationale:  This is the total water usage that was reported from towns throughout the district. The only towns that we did not receive a report from was Weston and Ithaca. 

Rationale:  A meeting was held on March 30 at 1:30 pm at LPS to discuss the upcoming workshop and public opne house.  A draft Lower Platte River Drought Contingency Plan was presented to the group by HDR.  The group gave feedback on the vulnerability assessment and drought monitoring sections  of the plan.  The group will meet one more time on May 9 to finalize the workshop and public open house.  

The workshop is being planned for the week of June 18 at LPS.  Invitees to the workshop will be state agencies, communities' utilities managers, industry and farmers to name a few.  After the workshop, a public open house will be held for all citizens on the progress of the Consortium.  Another workshop and public open house will be held in the fall of the year.

Rationale:  Staff gave a presentation to the Committee on the progress of the Phoenix database and demonstrated its capabilities.  

Rationale:  Project ideas to start the discussion
-Software - Modeling or Analyzing data
-Vadose Sampling 
-Cover Crops
-Split Applications of Nitrogen
-Other

If Committee feels a project could be developed that would be a benefit to the District, staff could submit a NET or WSF grant to offset some of the costs.   
Staff has been visiting with Engineering firms and UNL personnel to generate ideas on presenting an innovative project. 

 

Rationale:  Staff began collection of the Spring measurements last week.  The wet weather has hindered progress.
 

Rationale:  A tour is being planned for May 16 from 4 to 7 pm.

Rationale:  In the latter part of 2017 we were contacted by Rezaul Mahmood to help assist in finding 10 weather station sites in both Butler and Saunders counties.  Rezaul is professor at Western Kentucky University and the assistant director at the Western Kentucky Climate Center. The Western Kentucky Climate Center, Western Kentucky University, and several other Universities are partnering along for this study. The weather station sites are being constructed by students at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. These sites are solar powered and will collect data for approximately 4 months; mid-May through mid-August, 2018. The landowner has no responsibility on any destruction of equipment if something would occur.

They plan on sharing the data with producers throughout Eastern Nebraska. The overall goal of the study is to have a better understanding on how natural and human modified landscapes impact weather which will then help assist in predicting potential weather forecasts. The sites have been selected and landowners were met with in person. The contact information for the landowners has been forwarded to Rezaul Mahmood.

Below is Rezaul's contact information along with his credentials and links that show other various studies he has done. Attached is a PowerPoint describing the study. A Google imagery map of the sites is also attached.

Rezaul Mahmood PhD.
Professor
Dept. of Geography and Geology
Associate Director, Kentucky Climate Center
Associate Director, KY-Mesonet
Co-Director, WKU-High Performance Computing Center 

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY 42101
 
Editor-in-Chief, Earth Interactions
 
http://people.wku.edu/rezaul.mahmood/rezaul-vitae-geog.pdf
http://www.kyclimate.org/
http://www.kymesonet.org/
http://earthinteractions.org/

Phone: (270) 745-5979
Fax: (270) 745-6410

 

Rationale:  We sent trailer bids to trailer dealers earlier this month. The deadline for the trailer bids was 3-26-2018. We received bids from 4 different dealers.

Aluminum Trailer Bids:

Stuart Cromwell Trailer Sales Columbus: 
--2018 Aluma 6310 Utility Trailer; $2,063.50 (allow 6-8 weeks for delivery)
--2018 Aluma 7712HTilt Utility Trailer; $2,742.75 (allow 6-8 weeks for delivery)

All Star Trailers Norfolk: 
--2018 Aluma 7712H Tilt; $2,995.00
--2018 Aluma 7712H Bi-fold gate; $2,995.00
--2018 Aluma 7712 H Standard gate; $2,795.00
--H & H 76" x 12' aluminum utility trailer; allow 5 weeks for build time; additional options available $2,095.00-$3,250.00

P & R Sales North Bend:
-- Aluminum trailer; fold up ramp; $1,750.00


Steel Trailer/Wood Deck Bids:

All Star Trailers Norfolk:
--2017 H & H 76" x 12' Rail Side; $1,550.00
--2017 H & H 76" x 12' Rail Side; spare tire mount; spring assist on gate; $1,650.00
--2018 H & H 76" x 12' Solid Side; $1,800.00

Tractor Supply Fremont:
--5.5' x 10' Wood floor pipe top trailer; $1,399.99

Larry's Trailer Sales and Rental David City:
--2018 H & H 82" x 14' ; $2,695.00 Delivered
--ATV Utility trailer 76" x 12' ; $1,820.00 (without upgrades) Delivered; can order
--2018 H & H 76" x 12' Solid Side; $1,700 delivered to Wahoo; Spare wheel & tire $130
--2017 H & H 76" x 12' Rail Side; $1,625 delivered to Wahoo
 

Rationale:  Attached is the copy of the final V-IMP draft.  A public informational meeting was held on Wednesday, March 28 starting at 7:30 pm.  DNR and LPN staff made a presentation to Committee, Staff and one person from the public. 

If there is no major changes in the plan, it is recommended that a hearing be set for May 2nd.  As this will be during planting season do you want the hearing prior or after the Committee meeting?  Notice for the hearing needs to published during the week of April 9, so notices need sent to the weekly papers before the April Board Meeting.  
  

Rationale:  Summer conference is scheduled for May 30 - June 1 in Savannah, Georgia.  Bret and Daryl are the Water Department Staff Members that are planning to attend. 

Rationale:  No unfinished business to address.

Rationale:  Sean Elliot reviewed the 2018 SWCP policy with the committee. This policy was reviewed with NRCS with no major changes proposed.

Rationale:  Summer SWCP applications:

18-S-1   Hartman Family Trust - Skull Creek Sec. 31-16N-5E
              TOT/WASCB - $12,500

18-S-2   Iron Court LLC - Cottonwood Creek Sec. 12-15N-5E
             WASCB - $10,000

18-S-3   Jon Swanson - Cottonwood Creek Sec. 22-15N-6E
             TOT/WASCB - $10,000 (EQIP contract - NSWCP payment UP TO 25% total cost)

18-S-4  Eric Nelson - Clear Creek (7-A/Hollst) Sec.13-15N-8E
            TOT - $12,500

18-S-5  Bruce Hageman - Spring Creek Sec 5-13N-8E
            TOT - $9376.50

18-B-1  William Kozisek - Bone Creek Sec 8-15N-3E
            TOT/WASCB - $10,000

18-C-1  Randall Brabec - Taylor Creek Sec. 22-19N-2E
            Grass waterway - $4093.55
    

Rationale:  None.

Rationale:  None.

Rationale:  None.

Rationale:  NRD was notified 3/27 that the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement sign west of Lindsay is damaged and needs repaired/replaced. Staff will work with SCWIG on this issue.

Rationale:  Ken Kotera gave an update on the proposed Tom Sprunk Grade Stabilization/Wetland Enhancement Project. No new developments are known with progress on the Hamata Project.

Rationale:  Matt Bailey will give a Board update on his March 29th meeting with several Wahoo Creek landowners to discuss the possibility or forming a watershed improvement group.

Rationale:  2018 Lands for Conservation applications:
Darrell Kubik - 28ac - $5544.00
Darrell Kubik - 67ac - $13,266.00
Kellner Bros - 100ac - $19,800.00
Mark Olson - 62ac - $12,276.00
Marvin Ptacek - 28.7ac - $5,682.60
Jerome Urban - 8.8ac - $1,742.40
Mary Jo Lierman - 124ac - $24,552.00
James Smaus - 30ac - $5,940.00
Patrick Bartek - 20ac - $3,960.00
Gregg Fujan - 15ac - $2,970.00
George Cejka - 5ac - $990.00
Ray Urban - 57.6ac - $11,404.80

TOTAL      546.1ac    $108,127.80

Rationale:  On March 27th, Mountford met with FYRA and NRCS State officials on coordinating required activities for the Wahoo Creek flood reduction dam planning.  At the meeting, the pros and cons to complete the required cultural resource investigations in April and May before planting activities begin were discussed (see attached e-mail from Mike Sotak, FYRA).  Elisha Mackling (NRCS Cultural resources specialist) agreed to conduct investigations for Wahoo dam sits 26 & 27, but would not have time to investigate other sites this spring. This means that we will need to hire a firm to complete cultural resources for other selected dam sites. Considering both pros and cons, the committee and staff agreed it best to not rush the process and wait until next fall to hire a firm to complete other needed investigations after the additional dam sites locations are determined. 

Rationale:  After the Projects Committee met, we received the attached $4,817.50 invoice from FYRA Engineering for work completed on Wahoo Creek sites 26 & 27 planning. Since this is under a Board approved contract, no motion for payment is required. After this payment, there will be $23,554.07 remaining on our initial $135,790 contract. 

Rationale:  Attached is the first FYRA invoice received April 2nd, totaling $27,128.75, for work completed under contract to complete a watershed plan for other potential Wahoo Creek floodwater reduction dams. During this invoice period, FYRA developed and calibrated the hydrologic model, coordinated with NRCS/USACE, planned for and attended our scoping meeting, and worked with NRCS and NeSHPO to develop language for the archeological survey RFP.  Since this is under an approved contract, no Board motion is required.  After this payment, $547,861.25 will remain on our $574,990 contract with FYRA.  NRCS will reimburse us for this expense.  A planning meeting with LPNNRD, FYRA & team,  Saunders County, & NRCS was held on April 5th to discuss the schedule for moving forward with Wahoo Creek planning to discuss location feasible dam sites. An update can be given at the Board Meeting.
 

Rationale:  While we are no longer alliance members, we are involved with LPSNRD and PMRNRD to complete two or three commitments over the next one or two years.  Chair Birkel talked with LPSNRD Assistant Manager Dave Potter, who said that the Alliance has no plans to disband, but will continue in a diminished capacity for the time being.
 

Rationale:  No new information was presented. 

Rationale:  It was mentioned that any future new capital improvement items at the Lake will be brought to the Projects Committee for discussion. 

Rationale:  Mountford and NRCS representatives, Mark Walkenhorst, Brach Johnson, and Bryan Euse, conducted interviews on April 3,  2018, to fill NRD/NRCS Field Office Assistant positions located at the NRCS offices in Schuyler and David City . Susie Leu retired March 30^th and Patty Holmburg will retire in May.   While we have selected an excellent individual for the Schuyler office, we were not able to secure a person for David City.  The candidate we selected for the Schuyler position is Kristin Miller (resume attached).  Kristin has excellent experience and comes highly recommended.   She will be a great office representative and addition to our employee team.  
 
Since we were not able to secure a candidate for the David City Office, we will be re-advertising on April 12 and 19 and looking at all other avenues to seek out potential candidates.
 

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.