January 28, 2021 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  At the beginning of each year, committee's appoint their chair and vice-chair. These appointments are for members who are not elected Board officers. Director Thompson is completing his 2 year consecutive term as Projects Chair and has also been selected as Board Secretary. Projects Committee Vice Chair Joe Birkel has moved to the Water Committee. Directors Olson, Sabatka, Bailey, Johnson and Yosten are eligible for section.  The selected Project Committee Chair will also be a member of the Executive Committee and the Vice Chairman filling in when needed. 

Rationale:  There is no unfinished business to address.

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  Diers Family Farm - at last month's Projects it was approved to pay the Diers family for a livestock well/pump/tank project, total cost $17,725.40.  This project is part of a cooperative easement along Rawhide Ditch; as part of the easement the NRD is to allow access to the ditch for livestock water, if the NRD relinquishes this access then the NRD is required to provide an alternative source.  
The initial plan was to have the state (DNR) reimburse Diers' for 75% of the project cost and then the NRD would cover the remaining 25%.  The original payment breakdown was:
$13,294.05 - DNR reimbursement
$4,431.36 - NRD local reimbursement
DNR's policy for the SWCP program allows for up to 75% cost reimbursement on certified practices at their approved cost-rate or constructed cost, whichever is less.  In breaking down the bill and applying to the State's payment schedule it became apparent that the percent breakdown wasn't going to be 75/25.  The current breakdown is:
$7,122.65 - DNR
$10,602.75 - NRD local

Dan Mensik - Terrace with tile outlet - $10,679.00
This project was approved under high priority status in 2017 as it is above one of our Sand/Duck Creek sites.  Construction started as planned in the fall of 2017, but due to a variety of factors wasn't completed by our established deadline.  The initial phase completion included the underground tile outlet and ~2/3 of the terrace construction.  
          

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  Attached is the proposed 2021 LPNNRD Lands for Conservation (LFC) payment.  Proposed changes requested by local NRCS is to open up the LFC program to the entire NRD, not just our high priority watersheds (Wahoo Creek, Shell Creek).  This program has been very beneficial to local field office staff by, in effect, lengthening the fall construction season through the summer.

Of note, the proposed 2021 LFC payment for high priority watersheds (Wahoo/Shell) is $205/acre.  The proposed 2021 LFC payment for all other areas is $165/acre.

While the Committee made a recommendation as shown on the $205 LFC payments in high priority watersheds Wahoo and Shell Creek, they requested that discussion and possible action occur at the February 8th Board meeting, regarding offering $165/acre for completion of summer conservation work in non-high priority watersheds. 

**2/5 - NRCS provided staff with their estimate for participants and acres they foresee for the 2021 LFC (table below).  Currently there are 105 acres contracted through EQIP that fall outside of the priority (NWQI) watershed.    
 

TOTAL ACRES	NWQI:200ac	OUTSIDE NWQI:252ac
NWQI @$205	$41,000.00
	Non-NWQI @$165	$41,580.00
	Non-NWQI @$205	$51,660.00

 

Rationale:  Last month, the Board approved a 75% cost share payment to Tom Sprunk for his completed Wetland/Bank Stabilization Project in the Shell Creek Watershed. At the time we were of the understanding that everything was included from Wemhoff Construction, but an additional $675  invoice from the Wemhoff"s subcontractor has since been submitted for loading and hauling waste material from the construction site.  Bill Bos has verified this expense with the contractor.  With Board approval, the landowner is eligible to receive 75% cost share on this expense ($506.25).  This payment will be reimbursable from our approved EPA 319 NDEE grant. 
 

Rationale:  We presently have used approximately $200,000 of our approved NDEE/EPA 319 Shell Creek grant that totaled $365,000.  In addition, there is about $23,000 remaining of our approved Nebraska Environmental Trust grant that totaled $104,688.  It is anticipated that the remaining grant funds will be expended by this spring/summer.  Mountford has requested NDEE to approve another $125,000 of 319 funds for use in 2021 and another $125,000 for use in 2022.

As part of this grant phase, we need to update our Shell Creek Water Quality Management Plan with NDEE/EPA to remain eligible for future grant funding in that watershed. As also discussed in the Wahoo Creek portion of the agenda, we also need to update our Wahoo Creek Water Quality Management Plan. Since we need to move forward very soon, there has been discussion with NDEE and JEO about remodeling the pollutant loads for Shell Creek and Wahoo Creek.  Attached is Elbert Traylor's, NDEE, concept of what is needed to revise both the Shell Creek and Wahoo Creek Water Quality Management plans at the same time. We have  grant funds in the Wahoo grant for that plan update and NDEE will add additional funds to Shell Creek grant to complete that plan update.  LPNNRD will have to do the contracting and be reimbursed by NDEE.  
 

Rationale:  Keith Runge - Livestock well w/ pump - $5,622.35
 

Rationale:  The Newman Grove Public School is requesting $515.20 for water testing supplies from Forest Suppliers (attached).These supplies are for the school's continued water testing efforts of Shell Creek.  After payment, this expense will be submitted to NDEE for grant reimbursement. 
 

Rationale:  Janel Kaufman, FYRA, reported that they are in the process of completing the final model runs on the Wahoo Creek Watershed economics.  They have the agricultural and urban benefit portions completed and are now focusing on the road and bridge benefits. The final assessment of the cost//benefit ratio should be ready for discussion by the February 25th Projects Committee meeting.  At this time, it appears that the final cost/benefit ratio outcome will be very close to the 1:1 ratio requirement needed for NRCS approval of the 13 Dam Watershed Plan. There is still the cultural resource issue at Dam Site 83 and questions about what effect it will have on the final plan outcome, should that structure need to be removed from plan.

FYRA's invoice totaling $17,986.25 is attached for review. After this payment, $42,347.50 will remain on our $95,469 contract addendum. NRCS will reimburse LPNNRD for this expense. 

Mountford talked with NRCS Nebraska Engineer Allen Gerhing who will join the February 25th Projects Committee Meeting to discuss the outlook for completing the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan.

Rationale:  We do not anticipate an invoice from Olsson, since they have been basically put on hold from completing any dam design activities until NRCS approves the Wahoo Creek  Watershed Plan.  We have also been informed that the designated Wahoo Creek Project engineer from Olsson, Mike Plake, has left to join JEO.  Andrew Philips is taking over as lead engineer and is our point of contact at Olsson on the Wahoo Creek dam designs.

Rationale:  We are continuing to look for eligible water quality conservation projects in the Wahoo Creek Watershed for use of our available NDEE/EPA 319 and NET grant  funds. 

As of this grant phase, we need to update our Wahoo Creek Water Quality Management Plan and with NDEE/EPA to remain eligible for future grant funding in that watershed. As also discussed in the Shell Creek portion of the agenda, we also need to update our Shell Creek Water Quality Management Plan. Since we need to move forward very soon, there has been discussion with NDEE and JEO about remodeling the pollutant loads for Wahoo Creek and Shell Creek.  JEO completed our original Wahoo Creek plan.  Attached is Elbert Traylor's, NDEE, concept of what is needed to revise both Management plans at the same time.  We have  grant funds in the Wahoo grant for that plan update and NDEE will add additional funds to Shell Creek grant to complete that plan update.  LPNNRD will have to do the contracting and be reimbursed by NDEE.  
 

Rationale:  Tom Smith, Dodge County Emergency Manager, joined the Projects Committee to give updates on current projects and discuss two new project requests as shown below. Dodge County's Mitigation Strategy is attached.

Rationale:  We have received two new project requests from Dodge County, found under the Joint Water Management Advisory Group agenda item.  We have been aware that these two project requests could come forward at some point if FEMA funding was approved.  The first, Elkhorn Township Drainage Project, (attachments) as described by Tom Smith, Dodge County Emergency Manager.  This effort is to look for a project to improve the estimated 40-50 mile drainage ditch system east of Fremont.  Improving this drainage system has been a major focus for decades and was one initial reason the JWMAG desired to come together to address this issue. The estimated $800,000 Phase I effort will receive $600,000 (75%) from FEMA, with an estimated $200,000 (25%) being proposed to be shared by Dodge County, City of Fremont, and LPNNRD, as attached and shown below.  After consideration and partner commitments, the next step will be to complete an Interlocal Agreement between the parties. 

Federal Share HMGP:		$          600,000.00	75%
Non-Federal:	Dodge County	$            67,000.00	9%
Non-Federal:	City of Fremont	$            66,500.00	8%
Non-Federal:	Lower Platte North Natural Resource District	$            66,500.00	8%

Committee discussion on a potential recommendation was requested.
 

Rationale:  This is the second new project request from Dodge County (attachments).  This effort focuses on potential flood reduction/drainage improvement in the Platte Township and West Fremont. The estimated Phase I effort totaling $200,000, will receive $187,500 (75%) assistance from FEMA/NEMA, with a total estimated $62,500 (25%) being proposed to be shared by Dodge County, City of Fremont, and LPNNRD, as shown below and attached.  After partner commitments, the next step will be to complete an Interlocal Agreement between the parties.

Federal Share HMGP:		$          187,500.00	75%
Non-Federal:	Dodge County	$            22,500.00	9%
Non-Federal:	City of Fremont	$            20,000.00	8%
Non-Federal:	Lower Platte North Natural Resource District	$            20,000.00	8%

Committee discussion on a potential recommendation was requested.
 

Rationale:  On  January 21st, JEO held a TEAM meeting with representatives from Fremont, Dodge County, Fremont Rod & Gun Club and LPNNRD (meeting notes attached).  LPNNRD Board members, who are also our appointed Joint Water Management Advisory Board members, included Frank Pollard, Bill Saeger and Kelly Thompson.  The meeting was to discuss and give input to project design, cost estimates, bidding, and construction (see attachments).  Many things were discussed, but one thing that is being considered is looking at a mid summer construction period opposed to spring.  This may help obtain more competitive contractor bids.  

LPNNRD has approved up to $50,000 toward this portion of project which includes building berm repairs and berm toe protection. 
 

Rationale:  As you recall, the North Bend Drainage District Project has been broken into two phases.  The first phase is to provide preliminary project engineering, assessment and cost benefit analysis. As attached, the first phase cost totals $150,000 with LPNNRD portion being $9,000 (6%). By taking a phased approach, it allows the local partners to obtain 75% cost share toward the first phase expenses, regardless if the project is determined feasible by FEMA to move into the project construction phase.  FYRA Engineering is the hired project. consultant. LPNNRD has committed up to $100,000 toward the entire project, estimated at a total cost of just under $1.7 million.  

Rationale:  Tom Smith, Dodge County Emergency Manager, reported that the  NRCS grant agreement documentation has been signed and returned to Alan Gehring, USDA_NRCS State Conservation Engineer. Attached is the project’s scope of work.  Next milestone is to have the project kick-off meeting in March-April.

The NRCS grant is for completing a Watershed Plan/Environmental Assessment for the Rawhide Creek Watershed.  The hope is that additional feasible flood reduction measures are identified through this assessment.  The Merlin England Flood Control Project operated and maintained by LPNNRD (Includes the Trouble Creek Floodwater Reduction Dam & an 8 mile Ditch System) was completed in the 1980's -1990's. Dodge County is the lead administrative entity for completing the watershed assessment.  All the assessment costs will be reimbursed to Dodge County from NRCS. LPNNRD has no financial commitment toward the assessment.  

Rationale:  No new information. JEO continues to recieve adopted resolutions from participating entities.

Rationale:  No new information. 

Rationale:  While LPNNRD no longer a participating member with the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance (LPRCA), we continue to be invited to join in meetings to give updates on joint projects that we are involved with LPSNRD and PMRNRD.  Attached are the December 3, 2020, quarterly meeting minutes and participating spreadsheet for your information about what Platte River topics werer discussed.

Rationale:  As a reminder, NRCS will be holding its annual Local Work Group (LWG) meeting at the Lake Wanahoo Education Center (w/ Zoom option) on February 18th, 1:00-4:00 p.m..  This meeting will act as a guidance for local NRCS as to how they should focus their efforts in local resource conservation.  Director's are encouraged to attend.

Rationale:  Chair Sabatka adjourned the Projects Committee Meeting at 9:23 p.m.