July 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:  Andrew Phillips from Olsson Associates will update the Board on the relief wells at Lake Wanahoo.

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

Rationale:  The Annual ASDSO Dam Safety Conference is being held September 9-13, 2018 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, WA.  See attachment for Agenda and Registration form.

Rationale:  No Action taken.

Rationale:  The NARD Hall of Fame candidates were slated by the NARD Executive Committee.  Candidates names are attached. 

Rationale:  Staff will bring Wanahoo building bids with recommendation for moving forward with construction plans.

Rationale:  Attached find HBE360 Engagement letter.  This letter will confirm agreement and terms for their services.

Rationale:  The monthly Water Strategies Report will be attached prior to Board Meeting. 

Rationale:  Attached find a report from the NARD on actions of the June 11 NARD Risk Pool and NARD Board Meeting.

Rationale:  Tyler Havlovic was hired to fill the vacant Operation and Maintenance Technician position.  His first day of work was June 25th. 

Rationale:  Grant Nuttelmann will be available at 10:30 to go over the May Financial Statements. 

Rationale:  The Budget Workshop will be held August 8th at 5:00 p.m. at the NRD Office.

Rationale:  We normally hold our budget hearing one our prior to our August Board Meeting and our levy hearing prior to our September Board Meeting. 

Rationale:  Nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  Heimann has submitted expenses of $16,923.16 for the Czechland Grassland Renovation to Game & Parks through the Wild NE grant program.
Rob Gray, Pheasant Forever Biologist, inspected the Homestead Lake grassland renovation and was impressed with what he saw.

Rationale:  O & M staff have been busy going over the Districts watershed dams, keeping tabs on beaver activity in different locations, doing routine vehicle, building and grounds maintenance and assisting at Lake Wanahoo SRA.

Rationale:  The Lake Wanahoo SRA has been busy with campers and fishermen. There have been some issues with electrical breakers on the camper pads, some breakers keep tripping.  We are in the process of putting a layer crushed lime stone on the jetties. An extra garbage pick up and possibly a dumpster or two is needed around the holidays.
NRD staff met with Game & Parks personnel for the first time this season on Monday, June 25. There were no major issues or concerns this season thus far. Game & Parks reports income of $39,940.75 (permits, camping fees, showers) and expenses of $17,223.71 for a net of $22,717.04. These figures are Game & Parks only and does not include camping reservations via the internet. See Attachment

Rationale:  The lake level rose and spilled over the weir for the first time this Spring on Wednesday, June 20.  The Outlet gate was opened fully on Monday, June 25, lake level was at 1209.8. We'll continue to monitor the lake level until July 1.
Concrete joint repair in the principle spillway - Heimann has been communicating with different Engineers on the topic.  There doesn't seem to be a clear cut answer to what product may work the best.  It was suggested to use three different products, one in each tunnel. The products are - 1) Oakum which is recommended by Peerless Compaction, 2) Tremco  Dynomic 100 suggested by DNR and Performance Engineering, 3) Vulkem suggested by FYRA Engineering but joint width could be an issue with Vulkem.  Heimann is waiting on a response from Peerless as to whether they would do this.  After a period of time, we would know which product performs the best.
Attached is a letter that dealt with the previous repair.  It looks as though the initial sealant lasted 1 - 2 years.

Rationale:  All of the Amendment #3 Inter-local agreements from our partners have been signed.  Inglewood and Dodge County have reimbursed the District.
The COE hasn't given any update to the study. 

Rationale:  The COE sent a close out letter for the Western Sarpy Clear Creek Levee declaring construction complete. Going forward the non-federal partners now have sole responsibility of Operations & Maintenance for the project.
The O & M Manuals are being finalized and a copy will be provided within six months. The crediting was completed on May 18, 2018 in the amount of $4,766,818.23. After the O & M Manuals are distributed, the project financial closeout process will be initiated and completed.

Rationale:  Heimann submitted a Waste Reduction & Recycling Grant to DEQ for the purchase of crumb rubber last year.  The District was awarded $2,998 or 50% of the purchase cost of the crumb rubber which was installed last year.

Rationale:  We will review the budget for O & M, I & E and Rural Water.

Rationale:  Nothing to report this month.

Rationale:  The KTIC Radio Ad and Wahoo Newspaper eAd for June will continue to promote the importance of having valid permits to chemigate.  The ads are attached.
 

Rationale:  The Lower Platte North NRD will have exhibit booths at the following county fairs:

• Platte County Fair: July 11^th- 15^th
• Butler County Fair: July 17^th-22^nd
• Saunders County Fair: July 22^nd-29^th
• Dodge County Fair: August 2^nd-5^th

Rationale:  The Lower Platte North NRD will host a "Test Your Well Night" at the Saunders County and Butler County Fairs.  The water testing will take place at the LPNNRD exhibit booth.

• Butler County Fair: David City FFA Chapter
  • Saturday, July 21^st 4:30-6:00 pm
• Saunders County Fair: Bishop Neumann FFA Chapter
  • Wednesday, July 25^th 5:00-7:00 pm

Rationale:  During Fiscal Year 2018, Lower Platte North NRD staff have interacted with over 1,400 youth.  Attached is a list of all activities, programs, events, presentations, and involvement.

Rationale:  Russ Oaklund inspected the meters for verification on July 3, 2018.

Daryl talked to Hammernik on June 27 at 8 am and they were on the way out to install the meters.  The hearing wil be postponed. 
A public hearing is still planned for 4 pm on Wednesday, June 27 on the installation of a water flow meter on a livestock well.  Dicke's has contacted the NRD office but no word if meter has been installed.  
A follow up from Dale Dicke on June 26 reports that 1 meter came in but not the other.  As per Dale's request, staff has been trying to contact Hamernik to get an update on the meter installation.  if staff can touch base with Hamernik the hearing will be postponed to August 1.

Rationale:  A public open house and workshop were conducted at Lincoln North Star on June 19.  This open house explained the purpose and direction of the group.  A representative from HDR should be at the Committee Meeting to talk more about this effort.  The next meeting is scheduled for July 17 at LPS to go over comments from the meeting and proceed onto the next steps. 

More information is available at the following websites.   
The Open House along with the Handouts have been posted on the Consortium website:  http://www.lpsnrd.org/Consortium/PlatteConsortium.htm
We’ve also set up a project email to collect public comments/questions:  droughtplanstudy@gmail.com
 

Rationale: 

Wells Permits Approved: 9

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Rainier Resource Holdings LLC	1	0	Irrigation (Replacement)	Saunders	Todd Valley
Mary Morrison	1	0	Irrigation (Replacement)	Saunders	Todd Valley
Jon J & Kimberly L Kobza	1	0	Livestock	Butler	Octavia

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total number of approved permits for 2018 is 15

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2018:  Correct as of 6/27/2018

County	Irrigation - New	Irrigation - Replacement	Stock	Commercial	Municipal	Other	Total
Butler	1	0	1	0	0	0	2
Colfax	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dodge	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Boone	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Madison	2	0	0	0	0	0	2
Platte	2	1	1	0	0	0	4
Saunders	1	3	0	0	0	1	5
Total	8	4	2	0	0	1	15

 

 

Rationale:  Gerald Osmera is requesting an irrigated acre expansion of 23 acres in the NW 1/4 of S15-T14N-R5E, Saunders County, Weston Subarea. He currently irrigates 98 acres with two pivots from well G-169045. The new acres will be in the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 (see attached map). For reference, if 27" over a three year period is the decided upon usage, it will average 7.3" over the entire system.

The variance for expansion of acres was scored after the Water Committee meeting.  This site is located in the white area with a score of 381.2.  The land classes for this tract were Class 2 - 78% and Class 4 - 22%.

Rationale:  A meeting for the technical group will be held July 16 at Lower Elkhorn NRD, Norfolk.  The meeting will be discussing data collection and reporting. 

Rationale:  The required order has been published in local newspapers for an effective date of July 15, 2018.

Rationale:  Two online test requests have been received in June; one passed test and a certification card was mailed.

Cert #	Cert date	Name	Re-cert	Comments
5612	5/31/2018	Roger Harders	Yes	for Chem permit
7131	5/30/2018	Jordan Emanuel	New	for Chem permit
7132	6/25/2018	Jeremy Ostransky	New	for Variance app.

 

Rationale: 

For 2018 we have 617 renewals and 53 new permit applications for a current total of 670 compared to 639 in 2017.  Inspections for 61 renewal and 14 new permits have been completed.

The breakdown by County for the Total Number of Renewals within the LPNNRD.

County	Number of Renewals
Boone	55
Butler	89
Colfax	42
Dodge	96
Madison	7
Platte	102
Saunders	226

The breakdown by county of the number of renewal inspections completed.

County	Number of Renewal Inspections Completed
Boone	5
Butler
Colfax	13
Dodge
Madison	5
Platte	11
Saunders	27

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

County	New Chemigation Applications
Boone	1
Butler
Colfax	2
Dodge	1
Madison
Platte	3
Saunders	7

 

Rationale:  For Committee Review

Rationale:  Staff is planning on submitting a Nebraska Environmental Grant for nitrogen management in the two current management areas in the District.  The grant is due September 4 and gets approved April 2019.  If grant is approved staff would proceed in the fall of 2019, so dollar amounts will not be included in this year's budget. 
This grant is being proposed in stages. 

• Stage 1
  • Conduct vadose soil sampling. 
  • Development of a tool for staff to use in determining best locations for best management practices in curbing the rising nitrate levels. Items to include in this tools could include vadose sampling results, producers reports, water sampling results, AEM flights and well logs.
  • Look at Demonstration Sites with UNL assistance on BMPs.  
  • Conduct public meeting and survey for producers in determining BMPs that they are willing to implement.  
  • Practices to consider
    • Cover Crops
    • Split application of Nitrogen
    • Crop Rotations
    • Irrigation Systems
    • Other Ideas
• Stage 2
  • Implement BMPs that will benefit the District and the producer
    • Cost-share depended on benefit to the aquifer. 
    • Coordinate with NRCS practices with different incentives.
    • Determine a benefit cost for the practices implemented by producers.  
• Stage 3 
  • Determine if practices for reducing nitrates are working like they should for the District and producers. 

Rationale:  At last month's Committee meeting, Tom Christopherson made a presentation on decommissioning well G-040351 near Mead. Tom is asking for a letter of support for 'proper' well decommissioning with special circumstances.  It is realized that this procedure in theory is a better way of decommissioning a well.  Is the extra cost justified without more solid research information? Does the NRD want to support the concept?

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
Clay Jedlicka	Irrigation	$420.23	Colfax

 

Rationale:  AEM flights have begun in the LPN District with a scheduled media day set for July 2 from 9:30 to 11 am at the Wahoo Airport.  An invoice is attached for the second year of the contract for $375,000 in which $225,000 will be reimburse through the WSF grant obtained by ENWRA.

Rationale:  Test holes have been drilled with monitoring wells installed in Platte and Colfax County.  Both test holes were drilled to over 1000 feet and wells screened at 885 and 940 feet.  Staff will be collecting water samples from these wells yet this year for the purpose of determining the quality of the water for drinking or irrigating.  The third site has not been drilled until costs on the first two is determined.  They are now drilling at sites in Colfax County for Lower Elkhorn. 

A progress report is attached showing that $120,050 has been spent on the first two sites.  Last month a check was written to CSD for $136,700 leaving a balance of $16,650.  Utilizing the unused balance the test hole would require an additional $9,150 to $24,450 in next's year budget.   The difference will be if surface casing is needed.  If the monitoring well is installed another $21,900 will also be needed.  Also the cost for transducers, cords and sampling tubes will be needed for all the sites.    

Staff will need direction on this issue as drilling could be happening in July 2018. 

Rationale:  This week's beach Bacteria and Harmful Algal Bloom results are now posted on the NDEQ web page (http://deq.ne.gov).
GREAT NEWS!  
No lakes tested above 20 ppb for the Microcystin toxin. Therefore, Kirkman’s Cove will be removed from  "Health Alert"  status.  
3  beaches tested high for the E.coli bacteria this week. Rain in an area usually brings with it higher runoff which often times carries E. coli with it. So use your best judgement when visiting those beaches and others that may have recently received heavy rainfall.
 For further information about our BeachWatch Program, E.coli, HABs and the microcystin toxin please visit the links on our BeachWatch website. (http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/Beaches2018.xsp)

Harmful Algal Blooms

No Lakes will be on "Health Alert" this week. NDEQ in conjunction with numerous collaborators monitor public beaches and sample for microcystin, a toxin produced as a result of a Harmful Algal Bloom. A lake that exceeds 20 ppb of microcystin will be placed on "Health Alert". That lake will remain under  "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.

Bacteria
Lakes that tested high for E. coli bacteria this week are listed below. E. coli  bacteria 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.
 Lakes with High E. coli Bacteria Levels
 

Lake Name County Last Updated E.coli Bacteria Lewis and Clark Reservoir Knox 6/21/18 411   Louisville Lake No. 2 (SRA) Cass 6/21/18 1414   Valentine Mill Pond Cherry 6/21/18 1733

  This information is updated weekly on  http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/Beaches2018.xsp . 
 

Rationale:  Staff would like permission to authorize the Phoenix Work Group to proceed with the change order and the workflow contracts if approved at the July Board Meeting.  The approximate total costs would be $31,200 with $18,300 due at signing of the contracts.  The third contract is for online producer reporting contract for $65,600, which could be approved after reviewing the NRD budget. An invoice is attached.   

If time, staff will be making a presentation on what has been developed.

Rationale:  Committee Discussion

• Domestic Wells interference
  • Attached is a document from David Aiken on this issue
• Land Use Regulations

Rationale:  A report is attached on the GMDA conference.  The winter conference is planned for January 7 - 9 in Phoenix, AZ. 

Rationale:  No unfinished business items to address.

Rationale:  DNR notified all NRDs of a 4% reduction to the SWCP program; LPNNRD's allocation from DNR came in at $85,741.43 for FY2019.

The attached SWCP spreadsheet details how we ended FY2018.

Rationale:  CARL SOUSEK - Terrace w/ underground tile outlets                 $12,500.00 - Cottonwood Creek WS - Site 6-B.  This application came in late as they had hoped to secure EQIP funding, but did not rank out.

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  The Shell Creek Atrazine de-listing celebration held on June 15 was very successful with over 200 people in attendance which included Governor Ricketts and the EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.  The Board previously approved contributing up to $1,000 to help with expenses.   Attached are invoices from Awards and Engraving ($72), Penne Screen Printing  ($218) for name badges and polo shirts for the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group. There is also a $350 invoice from Schieffer Signs for work on watershed signs at Lindsay and Newman Grove. These expenses will be reimbursed to us from NDEQ from our 319 grant. 

Rationale:  We have received payment No. 4 request of $5,457.54  on the Kramer (Hamata) Shell Creek Bank Stabilization Project. The Hamata portion of the project, totaling $66,404, was an approved contract change order on the Kramer Bank Stabilization Project.  After this payment, there will only remain 2% retainage which is $1,319.90.  Since this work was completed under an approved contract, no Board motion is required. 

Rationale:  Work is being done to move forward on change order No. 2 to the Kramer Shell Creek Bank Stabilization Project (Vavrecek) .  While the Board previously authorized Chair Birkel to sign the change order when ready, it appears that it will be August before Kohl Construction will be ready to complete the project.  No new permits will be needed and we hope to bring this change order to the next Projects Committee for review details before work begins. The project plans are attached for your review. 

Rationale:  Ken Kotera has completed the project design and Mr. Sprunk is working with the USACE on obtaining a 404 permit.  Project Cost estimates are forthcoming. 

Rationale:  Matt Bailey reported on Shell Creek flooding that occurred from recent rainstorms in the Schuyler area.

Rationale:  1. Wahoo Creek Agency and Public Scoping Meeting Update
Agency and public scoping meetings on Wahoo Creek Watershed structure planning were held on June 12th.  While there was some discussion on dam sites 26a., 26b. and 27, which have approved federal and state funding to assist through construction, the main focus of these meetings was to present FYRA's preliminary analysis on the most cost effective and feasible structure plan. This analysis suggests an additional eight priority sites to be included in the final plan which could move into the design phase next year.  The highest priority site of the additional suggested 8 sites is Site 77, which was one of the original dam locations. It appears that this site may not need to include recreation to achieve a positive cost benefit ratio for the final project plan.  After design, the hope would be to receive federal and state construction funding for construction sometime in the future. 
2. Follow-up Landowner Letters/Meeting
While many landowners were in attendance at the public scoping meeting,  many either couldn't attend or were not aware of the meeting.  A follow-up letter was promptly sent to several landowners/tenants updating them on the Wahoo Creek planning process and preliminary dam sites.   Several landowners have since called or stopped in our office to discuss the plan.  We plan to have another landowner meeting in July to give others the opportunity to learn more about the proposed plan (presentation attached) and give comments. 
3. Eric and Elaine Alm Discussion Request on Dam Site 85
Eric and Elaine Alm, two of the landowners involved with proposed dam site 85 will be present to address this topic with the committee. 
4. Planning Scope Discussion
As mentioned, FYRA's proposed structure plan include 11 priority sites and 8 alternative sites.  Through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), three of the sites 26a., 26b. and 27 that have federal and state funds approved to help complete these through construction by August 2022.  Besides the suggested additional high priority 8 sites, another 8 alternate sites have been evaluated . There has been discussion with NRCS about the possibility of expanding the planning scope to include one or more of the alternate sites in the final plan.  While there would be advantages to have more dam sites included in the plan, work to include more sites would increase the planning scope and would reduce available NRCS funding assistance earmarked for the upcoming design phase.  Committee discussion on this topic is suggested. 
5. FYRA Invoice
Attached is a $37,694.56 invoice from FYRA for work completed on Wahoo Creek Watershed Planning.  Since this work falls under a Board approved contract, no Board motion to pay is required. After this payment, $477,266.86 will remain under the planning contract.

 

Rationale:  It was reported that a meeting with Saunders County and JEO representative was scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 28th following the Projects & Executive committee meetings.  This meeting was to discuss using our available NET and NDEQ grant funding to help stabilize channel erosion where county road bridges are in need of repair or replacement. County Road Superintendent Steve Mika and County Supervisor Larry Mach were present and will present a list of potential grade stabilization projects we might partner on to reduce reduce channel erosion, improve water quality and protect county infrastructure. We have approximately $300,000 of grant funds that could potentially assist toward grade stabilization projects. 

Rationale:  No new updates.

Rationale:  No new updates.

Rationale:  The preliminary FY 2019 Projects Budget was presented for early review and input.

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.