March 28, 2019 at 8:00 AM - Operations Committee Meeting
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1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Rationale:
Nothing to consider this month.
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2. WILD NE AND OTHER PROGRAMS
Rationale:
Nothing to consider under Wildlife Contracts.
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3. OPERATION & MAINTENANCE & OTHER ITEMS
Rationale:
The O & M Crew spent time moving snow, burned a couple large tree piles, maintenance on equipment, checked on recreation areas and checked for flood damage.
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3.A. No-Till Grass Drills
Rationale:
We are waiting to hear from Rosendahl Feed & Seed in Platte County for their report on the second half of 2018. They were contacted again and will send their report soon.
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3.B. Conservation Tree Program
Rationale:
The District has ordered 12,100 trees. We will plant trees for 8 cooperators totaling 7,335 trees.
The nursery started digging and packing Monday, March 25. Trees will be delivered in the next week or two. |
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3.C. Haying of District Recreation Areas
Rationale:
Staff and Wildlife Biologist are recommending haying approximately 150 acres around Lake Wanahoo. We would also hay areas of Czechland and Homestead Lakes. The District would go through a bidding process and ask that the parcels be bid by the ton.
Recommended Motion(s):
To approve advertising and go to bid for the harvesting of hay at Lake Wanahoo, Czechland & Homestead Lake in which bids would be by the ton Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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3.D. Operation & Maintenance of Wetland Restoration of the Sand Creek Environmental Watershed Restoration Project
Rationale:
The subject of lowering Lake Wanahoo up to 4 feet has come up many times. In the O & M Manual under Section 9.2.3 -Wetlands Operations it states; The Lake Wanahoo restoration area will be operated & monitored to provide water levels for optimal wetland development while also meeting required Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements to offset depletions to the Platte River. Annually, a gradual draw down of 1 foot will be accomplished from ice out to June 30. Also, No less than every 7 years a draw down (up to 4 feet) should be accomplished to expose soil. This more extensive draw down should be developed in consultation with NGPC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
It's expected that water level management, as described above, will help establish & maintain a diverse wetland complex at elevations between 2 feet above to 6 feet below normal pool. Through coordination between appropriate environmental & engineering staff from LPNNRD, NGPC and USACE, adjustments to this water level management strategy may occur as needed in order to optimize diversity & wetland development so long as required ESA flow releases to offset depletions to the Platte River are met. At this time, does the District want to pursue this study?
Recommended Motion(s):
To send a letter of request to the Corps of Engineers and NE Game & Parks Commission asking for their assistance in doing a comprehensive wetland evaluation study as required in the O & M Manual to determine what needs to be done for optimal wetland development around Lake Wanahoo Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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3.E. Flooding District Wide
Rationale:
There has been substantial damages from flooding throughout the district. We have been inundated with questions about what kinds of assistance is available for cleanup and repairs to farms, homes and projects. LPNNRD staff has been very busy inspecting damaged areas and meeting with emergency managers, city & county personnel, federal and state agency representatives, dike & drainage district representatives, homeowner associations, and landowners on what kinds of assistance will be available and how it can be obtained. Agencies like FSA, NRCS and FEMA (NEMA) have emergency programs that can assist, but these groups are still in the process of working out details on how these programs will be administered to the public. LPNNRD is working with the USACE on coordinating funding and repair activities on our sponsored Clear Creek Levee Project that received substantial damage. While LPNNRD has some local funds for repairing our sponsored projects, the amount is very small compared to what will be required. We do not have emergency repair programs to handle the type of flood damages incurred district-wide. We will continue to work with all damaged parties and assist in directing damaged parties to the appropriate federal, state and local funding sources. Projects listed as we know;
Dan Wolf Platte River Bank stabilization Project 1994 near Richland is gone; Shell Creek Stabilization Projects near Schuyler have no substantial damage; Schuyler Levee - no damage; McGinn Lakes - the P. River created a new channel which threatens the North Bend Cut-off Ditch; North Bend Levee - uncertain about any breaches; Morse Bluff Levee breach threatened Hwy 79; Cotterell Levee - report of no damage; Ames Levee - breach on the west end which threatens the Central cut-off ditch; Fremont & lake developments estimates to repair $4.3 million; Rod & Gun Club Lake breach that went through Co. Rd 19; Rawhide Ditch 8 - East end - Elkhorn River overtopped and has not been inspected; Elkhorn Breakout - Unknown; Leshara Levee has breaches; Platte Valley Levee has breaches; Clear Creek Levee has breaches and the District is working with the COE on temporary measures; Camp Ashland may be a total loss; Guard Camp Fuse Plug washed out as designed; Lake Ventura has sustained damage on the north side of the lake and will focus their immediate attention on needed repairs there. |
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4. LAKE WANAHOO
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4.A. Lake Wanahoo Park Permit Report
Rationale:
As of 3/27/2019 the District has sold a total of 1665 Annual Lake Wanahoo Park Entry Permits totalling $28,559. March permit sales were down due to the season change, but staff expects sales to pick back up in April as we transition into camping and open water fishing season.
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4.B. Lake Wanahoo Campsite Reservation Revenue Report
Rationale:
Staff is still troubleshooting the Reserve America software. The park revenue report generated off of their site is reporting the District has received a total of $9088.33. That number is yet to be verified.
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4.C. Lake Wanahoo Flooding Damage
Rationale:
During the flooding event that began Thursday March 14th, Lake Wanahoo was inundated with flood waters. Due to the thickness of the ice, water was forced to shoreline. The massive amount of water created a pressure head on the breakwater causing water to rush over the top of the trail. Staff observed the flooding in real time, but the extent of the damage was not realized until the water level dropped. Substantial damage to the trail has forced staff to shut down public access until engineers from Olsson and Associates can assess the damage and recommend repairs. Photos are attached.
Attachments:
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4.D. Lake Wanahoo Part Time Staffing
Rationale:
Staff has put together a job description and announcement for part time/full time staffing positions needed to assist in the day to day operations of Lake Wanahoo. Staff plans to hire Richard Mullen as Lead Wanahoo Recreation Technician. The goal is to have the park fully staffed by mid May.
Attachments:
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4.E. Lake Wanahoo Mower Purchase
Rationale:
Staff received three bids for mowers from Ty's Outdoor Power & Service, Ted's Mower Sales & Service, and Platte Valley John Deere. The recommended bid is attached. The District budgeted $30000 for mower purchase
Recommended Motion(s):
To accept the bid from Ty's Outdoor Power & Service for two Hustler Z Diesel 60" mowers totaling $25000. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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4.F. Lake Wanahoo Improvement Updates
Rationale:
Education/Recreation Building progress has slowed due to the weather, but exterior construction will continue April 1st with the hopes of that portion of the project being completed mid April.
Pork Chop Island construction is continuing to move forward. Now that the ice has melted staff can begin installation of the compost toilets, fire rings, and other necessary materials. Staff intends to move forward with the installation of up to three new camper pads at Lake Wanahoo. They will be rocked and 30 amp service will be provided. These sites will to not be open for use by the general public, but rather used by the District for promotions and on site staff. |
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4.G. Lake Wanahoo Promotions
Rationale:
The LPNNRD offered rock-pad camping sites with electrical hook-up at Lake Wanahoo and Czechland Lake free of charge to displaced families in the district due to flooding. This opportunities was shared on Facebook and Twitter. As of 4/1/19, the Facebook post has reached 51,369 people (including 6,991 engagements) and has 546 shares.
On March 20th, the interview segment with KMTV's Metro Blend aired during the Pickler and Ben Show. The segment can be viewed on the LPNNRD YouTube and Facebook pages. As of 4/1/19, the Facebook post reached 3,240 people. |
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5. ROCK AND JETTY
Rationale:
We've had some inquiries to the program.
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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 April KTIC Radio Ad and Wahoo Newspaper eAd will continue to promote the opportunity to purchase trees from the LPNNRD Office. The ads are attached.
Attachments:
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6.A.2. 2019 County Fairs
Rationale:
We have received the exhibitor application/contract for the 2019 Platte County Fair ( July 10th-14th). The booth cost is $220.
In 2018, we had booths at the Platte, Butler, Saunders, and Dodge County Fairs. 2019 fair dates:
Recommended Motion(s):
To approve having LPNNRD exhibit booths at up to 6 county fairs in our district during summer 2019 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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6.B. Education
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6.B.1. March/April Education Programs
Rationale:
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6.B.2. Spring Conservation Sensation
Rationale:
Spring Conservation Sensation will be held on Wednesday, May 1st from 9 am-2 pm at Czechland Lake recreation Area. Currently, 165 students are registered from St. Wenceslaus (Wahoo), Logan View, North Bend, Bellwood, and St. Mary’s (David City).
LPNNRD staff and guest speakers will present sessions covering a wide variety of topics including wildlife, soil, water, and trees. Wildlife Encounters will provide a presentation to all students at the end of the day. This special presentation is sponsored by JEO. |
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7. RURAL WATER SYSTEMS
Rationale:
Elliott and Benal attended the 2019 Nebraska Rural Water Association Annual Meeting on 3/11-12. They provided break out sessions with CEUs available, both Elliott and Benal accrued enough credits for their respective Water Operator licenses that are due for renewal at the end of 2019.
Department of Health and Human Services released their 2018 Water Quality Reports for Colon and Bruno. Elliott is reviewing and will follow standard protocol in releasing/notifying customers of the results. |
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7.A. Colon System
Rationale:
At the end of 2018 Shad Hejhal notified RW dept. that he had suffered a serious work-related injury and his future income was in jeopardy. He was willing to pay a portion of the bill and assured the RWD that he would clear up remaining balance as soon as he resolved his situation. We have not heard from him or been in contact with him for a few months, his current balance is $533.92 and his service was shut-off 3/18.
Meters read and bills will go out 3/29. Monthly testing completed as normal. |
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7.B. Bruno System
Rationale:
Meters read and bills will go out 3/29.
Monthly testing completed as normal. |
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7.C. Other
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