March 8, 2021 at 1:30 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:  Tom and I traveled to Kearney yesterday to attend the NRC meeting to discuss our mediation agreement and our request to the commission.  I will update the committee on the outcome of the meeting and what our next steps will be.

Rationale:  Attached find absence requests from Director Birkel for the September meeting and Director Meduna fr the August and October meetings.

Rationale:  Bills pending for the March 8th board meeting will contain our payment to NRC totaling $ $ 44,293.50.  This amount represents our 60% reimbursement for dirt and hay sales from June 2018 through December 2020.  The breakdown is as follows:
$ 27,928.20 for our 60% of dirt sales and $ 16,365.30 for our 60% of hay sales.

Rationale:  Karen Amen, the Natural Resource Commission representative for our area has resigned her position due to health issues.  I have spoken with Paul Z. with Lower Platte South regarding the nomination for her replacement and will update the committee.  Kent Zimmerman with NRC will be scheduling a district caucus in early March to select Karen's replacement.

Rationale:  I am still in the process of contacting neighboring NRDs gathering information to present to the committee.  I plan to have a report prepared for the March committee meeting.

Rationale:  On the afternoon of February 15th (President's Day) Russell Oaklund entered the office around 4:30 pm and noticed a large amount of water had covered 3/4 of our office.  The water was caused by a frozen outside sillcock that burst a copper joint inside the closet in the board room.  I contacted two water abatement companies immediately and ServPro out of Omaha informed me they could be on site within two hours.  Our insurance company was notified and we have submitted a claim for the damage and clean-up.  I will update the committee as to the up-to-date status of the claim.

Rationale:  Last month the topic of director computers and iPads was discussed.
We currently have 6 Directors using their own computer and receiving a $20/per month stipend, 2 Directors using own devices with no stipend, 7 Directors using District owned iPads with no cell service and 2 directors using District owned iPads/tablet with cell service.  

Management recommendation is to reimburse all directors using their own computer/devise $20-$25 per month and supply any director who does not have a computer with one of our existing iPads or similar devises.  We also recommend eliminating any device requiring cell service.
Discussion is needed. 

Rationale:  Grant will be available to review the attached Financial Report with the Executive Committee.

Rationale:  We have no unfinished business to attend to.

Rationale:  Follow up to our Wanahoo Wildlife Areas meeting between NE Game & Parks, Pheasants Forever & LPNNRD.  Please see attached map for reference.
1) Since we haven't burned for two years, the goal is to burn the entire west half of Section 15 (CS-6 thru CS-11).
2) Priority areas for contracted tree clearing, these include selective tree clearing in WD-5 using basal treatment or other methods, tree removal around the fringes of the WT-1-3 wetlands, CS-1-3 boundaries and CS-9 east boundary. Luedtke will work on specifications and a draft cost-share agreement, similar to what we did at Homestead & Czechland Lakes.
3) Volunteer Day using Pheasant Forever Chapters to clear trees in CS 15, CR-1-3 and CS-14 lake shores. Sydney will possibly coordinate this with "Trail Days" June 5th.
4) Luedtke will redraft the 5-year plan for 2022-2026.

Rationale:  The O & M crew worked on equipment, vehicles & building. We worked on opening one of the Wanahoo gates to release water to lower the lake level.

Rationale:  The Corps of Engineers has received the final "As-Builts" and Survey from the contractor. They will finalize the close-out of the project soon.

Rationale:  Valley Corps was shut down during the cold spell. They restarted Thursday, February 18th installing the sheet pile and completed that Friday. They will be drilling through the basin floor on Thursday, Feb. 25th. The plan is to pump grout under the basin floor the next week. Until then they will remove rip-rap and mud that is obstructing the downstream channel. We have opened a gate to the dam to lower the lake level to try and prevent it from flowing over the weir. Please refer to FYRA's One Drive website portal that is email to you from Eric Suing for updates.

Attached is this months invoice from FYRA for the Wanahoo Basin. 

Rationale:  The District has a contract with Olsson to monitor the Wanahoo Dam. Here is information on what has been found regarding the pressure relief wells.

• In most cases, the largest decrease in flow is found in the bottom 10 feet of the wells. This flow comes from the lower aquifer. Flows at depths from 0 to 60 feet are generally similar to previous measurements.
• The camera shows minerals/bacteria buildup in the top 40 to 50 feet of each well. At depths greater than 50 feet the well casing clears up. At these depths, it is likely the filter pack has buildup slowing flow.
• The piezometers show slight increase in elevation at wells located around the old channel and existing outlet structure. These increase range from 0.3 to 1.5ft (one well) above previous measurements at comparable dates.
• Although the piezometric elevation has increase around the outlet, all piezometers are still below the yellow flag (caution) levels. In most cases, a foot or more below. This means the dam is not endanger of imminent failure.
• Even though the greatest reduction in relief well flow is in the lower aquifer, the piezometric elevations of the low aquifer have not changed. The clogging of the wells has not impacted the lower aquifer. It is likely that the low aquifer is not as influenced by the dam as was once believed.
• The constructed pressure relief well system likely exceeded the needed capacity of the dam, thus the minimal increase in groundwater elevations due to well clogging.
• Our cleaning plan is to focus on wells 22A, 34, and 35 as test wells. They are accessible and have nearby piezometers. Once initial cleaning is complete, the wells should have pump tests and velocity tests performed to measure effectiveness.  In addition the nearby piezometers will be measured before and after to measure effectiveness.

Sean Parks and Andrew Phillips met with Tim Gokie, Dam Safety and discussed the pressure relief wells. To summarize, the pressure relief wells flows are slower but the piezometers are showing safe groundwater pressures. The pressure relief wells will need to be cleaned to allow them to continue to operate as intended. Tim was happy with the meeting and our findings and agreed that they should be cleaned but understands the dam is safe. We reached out to Sargent Drilling and Williamson Drilling (original installer). Sargent said the wells were to small of diameter for them to clean but Williamson said they are interested. Still waiting on a fee estimate from Williamson (per well) that we can use to estimate a budget. I am wrapping up the instrumentation memo that will include our recommendations on the pressure relief well cleanout. I’ll reach back out to you once we get the pricing from Williamson

Rationale:  The O & M Manual for the Clear Creek Levee has not yet been distributed.

Find attached the 25 year Easement between the Dept. of the Army, Lower Platte North and Lower Platte South NRD's for the  Flood Control Levee Rights-of-Way located on Camp Ashland, need a motion to approve this easement and ratification of the signatures.

Also attached is the updated O & M Addendum Interlocal Agreement between the Army National Guard, Papio-Missouri, Lower Platte South, and Lower Platte North NRD's in which changes were made to locations and responsibilities. Need a motion to approve this updated addendum and ratification of the signatures. 
 

Rationale:  The District has received 75% or $224,769.35 from FEMA/NEMA for the repair cost of Rawhide Ditch 8 which was due to the March, 2019 flood event.

Rationale:  Currently the District has ordered 8,700 trees and of those 3,480 will be planted by the District. We will continue to take orders through the month of March.

Rationale:  We are still waiting on a favorable response from FEMA on a grant regarding ice monitoring cameras and water level sensor.
The existing camera on the Hwy 64 bridge is still not functioning. We were told the issue is with Verizon's cell service and a new camera was ordered to be placed on the bridge.
Our partners are as frustrated as we with the company "Metos" with their service and equipment. We are considering looking into different companies and different equipment.

Rationale:  Since an ice jam has occurred and is present south of Fremont, Dodge County has asked about the Ice Jam Removal Agreement. We had a virtual meeting led by Marlin Peterman with the Papio NRD in which he explained the history of the agreement, details and process involved,and the risk.
If Dodge County has a strong interest in joining the compact there would have to be much discussion between the partners and possibly the contractor on how to go forward.

Rationale:  During the frigid temperatures of the weekend of Feb. 12-15th the District office had a water line freeze and pull apart on the south wall in the Board Room. The break occurred sometime Sunday night into Monday as it was discovered Monday (Holiday) afternoon. The water break flooded 75% of the office. A company, ServPro, was called in immediately to clean and dry out the building. An insurance adjustor has looked at the damage and we are moving forward with clean up and repairs.

Rationale:  We haven't received any request.

Rationale:  Gottschalk is preparing reimbursement payment to NRC for their share (60%) on hay and dirt sales from the Wanahoo property from June 2018 through December 2020.  A check for $44,293.50 will be submitted for payment at our March 8th board meeting.

Rationale:  For the month of February, as of 2/24, the District has received $5,402.50 in annual permit revenue. The year by year comparison is below.
 

Calender Year	Permits Sold	Monthly Sales	YTD Toals
2021	285	$5,402	$22,031.00
2020	351	$6,070.00	$22,185.00
2019	500	$9,677.50	$24,635.00

Rationale:  For the month of February, as of 2/24, the District has received $4,418.89 in online camping revenue.

Rationale:  Attached is a proposed Tree Recognition Application Form. Staff has been in contact with an individual who would like to have a tree planted at Wanahoo in memory of a coworker's parent. With the anticipation of similar requests, staff felt it necessary to create a procedure on how we will process these in the future. Staff will work with the applicant on the preferred location, tree type, planting, and upkeep. Applicants will be responsible for design and purchase of the recognition plaque, as well as the purchase of the tree to be planted. District staff will plant the tree if the size allows and provide the post for the plaque to be mounted to. 

Rationale:  Staff has been gathering information on the cost of installing a fish cleaning station near the boat ramp at Lake Wanahoo. We've reached out to JEO to give us an estimate on the design cost of the entire system. JEO designed the exact set up we would like to install at Lower Loup NRD's Davis Creek Reservoir. In the upcoming weeks, staff will discuss options for cost savings with JEO and begin the grant application process.  Other NRD's have applied, and been approved, for funds through a federal fisheries improvement grant that is administered through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. 

Attached is the initial draft quote of services to be provided from JEO, the original quote from the company supplying the fish cleaning station (dated 12/7/18), and pictures from the Davis Creek Reservoir fish cleaning station. 

Rationale:  The February KTIC Radio ad and Wahoo Newspaper eAd are attached. These ads are promoting the availability of tree and shrub orders from the LPNNRD.
 

Rationale:  The 2020-21 winter issue of the Viaduct has been submitted for printing and distribution. And will be in newspapers this month. You can also view it on our website at https://lpnnrd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2020-2021-Winter-Viaduct-for-website.pdf
 

Rationale:  The Pheasants Forever Lower Platte Chapter has sent a donation request for their annual banquet on April 16^th. They are requesting a $250 sponsorship. This will be their 21^st annual banquet, held at Camp Carol Joy Holling outside of Ashland. The goal of the banquet is to raise funds for conservation projects, youth mentored hunts and other projects in Saunders County and Nebraska.

In 2020, $250 was donated to the banquet in recognition of the partnership with the Pheasants Forever Lower Platte Chapter. 

Rationale:  Wild edible foods presentation went really well--kids seemed to enjoy learning about wild foods. We are scheduling the next meeting with Kyle Arp EMS captain in Wahoo; he will be going over first aid. 

East Butler test your well night and classroom presentation. Taught the kids what nitrates are, why we test for them, and how we test for them and then had the test your well night at East Butler last night.

Coffee, Lakeside's first event will be April Gardening Activities with Kathleen Cue. April 1st, 9 am.

March events: 4th grade every kid outdoor; survival club.
April events: Coffee, Lakeside; Nebraska Envirothon, survival club.
May events: Conservation Sensation; outdoor recreation day; Coffee, Lakeside (Migratory birds)
June events: Agriculture Tour, kids summer institute, Coffee, Lakeside (Fishes of Nebraska); National Trails Day

CEO student Aaron Eickler will be joining us. 

Rationale:  RWD staff was contacted by a landowner within the village of Colon that is planning on developing several lots in the northwest portion of town.  Currently there is only water service available to the south and east portions of the proposed development.  In order to provide proper service new water mains along the west and north blocks will need to be installed.  Elliott has been in contact with Dave Henke of JEO, who has been contracted by developer, as to what we will need.  Once designs have been drafted DHHS will need to review and approve.  All costs are to be covered by developer.

On 2/16 Elliott responded to two calls for frozen pipes in Colon, both calls were in buildings under construction that lost heat, but it appears that no damage was incurred to our infrastructure.

Meters will be read 2/26 and bills will go out 3/1.  Normal monthly sampling completed.
 

Rationale:  Meters will be read 2/26 and bills will go out 3/1.  Normal monthly sampling completed.

Rationale:  To table flow meter discussion until February Water Committee, so Committee could know if grant funding would be available.

Update: January 22, 2021
The NET Grant submitted by LPN didn't score high enough for it to be on the recommended funding list for 2021.

Rationale:  Greg Reeves contacted staff about Variance LPN -V-014-0410 for Section 15-14N-6E. This variance scored 272.5 initially and a letter was sent out in 2019, after Board approved a minimum score of 300 points.  Greg claimed that he didn't received a letter which asked him to contact staff on requesting a re-evaluation.  Staff, with assistance from Katie Cameron, is re-evaluating with the AEM data.

Staff explained to the Committee that this variance request was within Village of Weston Wellhead Protection Area.  The AEM flights did show that the saturated thickness has the potential to be thicker than what was on the initial evaluation. Staff has contacted Greg Reeves.   

Attachments included

Rationale:  The LWS (Lincoln Water System) well permit was submitted to the LPN in February 2020.  The Committee recommendation was "To approve LWS well permit if documentation is received on a recently ran model per Class 4 well permit requirement."

LWS has supplied the needed information which showed a 2 foot decline at the higher pumping rate.  Staff will approve the well permit for LWS, if the Committee has no issue.    


Committee asked staff for a verification document on the Well Decommissioning procedure on the well that was compromise during the flood,  The well abandonment was completed by Layne Christensen Company and the documentation is attached.  As the Committee asked for additional documentation, a motion would be appropriate.

Rationale:  The invoice from Tri City Meter's is attached. They serviced 246 mechanical meters and 25 battery/electronic powered meters for a total of 271 meters. The invoice is $17,563.00 (2020-2021). The LPNNRD should get $928.00 of that back by billing out the 25 battery changes to those producers.

Rationale:  A certification meeting is planned for Wednesday, March 10 at Lake Wanahoo.  The morning session will be testing only and in the afternoon in-person presentations will be given.
A couple of more meetings have been scheduled for March 19 in Columbus and a Zoom meeting on March 25.  

Rationale:  A management meeting was held on February 3, which the main discussion centered on the 2nd increment implementation.  Below shows the technical recommendation and since that meeting NeDNR felt that their staff would not be able to complete the evaluation without outside assistance.   Bob Hilger and Dave Saalfeld are the LPN representatives on this group.  Attached are draft minutes from this meeting.   A followup Technical meeting is planned for March 4 and the Management Group will be meeting on March 23.  The Directors will meet in April with date to be determined.  

From Minutes:
Naprstek outlined the technical committee recommendation for proceeding with analysis prior to the 2^nd increment:

The Technical Committee recommends proceeding with the updated basin analysis in preparation for approval of the 2^nd increment of the Basin Wide Water Management Plan.  The committee recommends using the updated datasets being collected and prepared by TFG and NeDNR and running those through an analysis utilizing the same methodology used for the 1^st increment. 
While this includes utilizing older analytical methods in a portion of the basin, the committee recognizes that efforts to incorporate AEM data and improve numerical models in the lower portion of the basin are not ready for implementation and need more time for review and revisions. The intent is that NeDNR will continue work with Coalition members during the next increment to update models that will then use the best available science to complete an updated analysis at the end of the next 5-year increment.  The committee recognizes that these updates could lead to future changes to the hydrologically connected area (HCA), and ratios may change with new modeling efforts and as new water supplies and depletions are incorporated. The next increment could have new depletion ratios for the entire basin and, as portrayed by the spreadsheet tool provided by NeDNR, may cause adjustments to allowable depletion percentages.  Understanding the risks of these potential changes, the committee recommends only working forward and not working backwards to correct any past allocations. 

Following review of the technical committee recommendation, discussion followed.  Schellpeper noted that since the technical committee last met in October and adopted the recommendation, there has been some staffing changes at DNR.  She outlined how those changes, in addition to exiting workload will limit the ability for NeDNR to complete the analysis within a timeline that would align with the expiration of the current increment.  It was discussed that to complete the analysis within a reasonable timeline, contracting with a consultant would be required.  It was noted that preliminary discussions put those cost estimates at around $130K.  

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

 

Rationale:  An invoice is attached from UNL for $871.20 from the project in the Phase Areas.

Update from NRCS Workgroup Meeting. Bob H. discussed some of the Best Management Practices offered by the NRCS.  It was suggested manure and nitrate managment should be priority BMPs for the LPN.

Other Discussion?

Rationale:  The group met on February 12 to discuss when to conduct the desktop evaluations on projects, with NeDNR working on a time schedule.  An agenda is shown on items discussed.  

Rationale:  An invoice is attached from the METOS Company for the yearly subscription cost of $5,390 for 77 remote sites that the Board approved through a WaterSmart Grant.  The invoice this year is part of the LPN match for this grant.  

Staff did give a demonstration on the information from some of the sites.   

Rationale:  Staff would like to start the process for the District to consider test holes and dedicated monitoring wells.  The areas that are of interest is east of Fremont, Schuyler-Richland Phase Area and NW of Columbus. 

1.  Wells East of Fremont would help in identifying if there would a possibility of installing wells to assist the Platte River Flow during a drought.  Papio NRD would be assisting on this part of the project. 
2. Well within Schuyler-Richland area would allow staff to do water tests year around and do controlled specialize water sampling if needed.  
3.  Well NW of Columbus will fill in a gap within the SQS #2 area for management decisions. 

The Board budgeted $75,000 for additional test holes and monitoring wells.  Staff would start the process by sending out RFPs to qualified companies that could drill test holes and install monitoring wells.   

Committee gave staff permission to proceed in contacting qualifying companies.

Rationale:  No unfinished business to address.

Rationale:  Attached is the proposed 2021 SWCP policy for your review.  We will plan on approving this at our April 12 Board meeting.  As per usual, bring any questions/comments/clarification points to the March Projects committee.  Main change for this year is the LFC program going district wide.

Rationale:  None

Rationale: 

20-S-7	PAID	Robert & Linda Fickes	$                  10,000.00	TOT/WASCOB w/TO
20-S-4	PAID	Elaine Kaspar	$                     6,218.65	WASCOB/TO

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  An update was given on the SCWIG meeting held on February 22, 2021.  Attached are the January 12, 2021, SCWIG meeting minutes and the February 22nd minutes will be attached when received. . Much discussion was on proceeding with the Shell Creek South Channel Improvement/Benching Project, proceeding with the Shell Creek Watershed Survey, anticipated upcoming landowner conservation projects and additional 319 grant assistance. Details on specific agenda items and needs are outlined below. 

Rationale:  As discussed last month, we need to update our Shell Creek Water Quality Management Plan with NDEE/EPA to remain eligible for future 319 grant funding in that watershed.  Since we need to move forward very soon, the Board moved to contact JEO about remodeling the pollutant loads for Shell Creek (and Wahoo Creek).  Elbert Traylor's, NDEE, put together what is needed to revise both the Shell Creek Water Quality Management plan and attached is JEO's service agreement proposal to compete those tasks. We have  grant funds in the Wahoo grant for that plan update and will be reimbursed by NDEE for at least 60% of the costs. The committee is asked for a recommendation to approve JEO's Agreement. 

Adam Rupe, JEO, and Elbert Traylor, NDEE, joined the Projects committee meeting to discuss the proposal. 

Rationale:  At the SCWIG Meeting, it was brought up that Colfax County has been negotiating with Pruss Excavating on proceeding with completing the Shell Creek South Channel Improvement/Benching project south of the U.P. Railroad Bridge Replacement Project located near County road 15. Pruss Excavating completed the Shell Creek North Channel Improvement/ Benching Project in 2020 and they have agreed to complete the South Channel Work at the same unit prices.  A follow-up meeting with SCWIG members and Pruss estaimates a maximum project cost of $240,000. This proposal will be brought forward for a committee recommendation to proceed with the south project. LPNNRD has committed to reimbursing Colfax County for all the construction costs, while the county is providing all engineering services. We have been working with NDEE for additional grant assistance to help cover a share of the additional costs.

Rationale:  At the last several SCWIG meetings, the group has been working with UNL about conducting a watershed survey (attachments) to approximately 1000 producers to help direct future priorities and projects. UNL has been working with a group to conduct the work at approximately $22,000. This survey is strongly supported by NDEE and since the survey falls under the Shell Creek Plan Update process and will be eligible for EPA 319 grant assistance from NDEE.

Rationale: 

20-P-3

PAID

Allan Zimmerman*

$                     9,288.39

Livestock well/solar pump

Rationale:  As previously reported, we 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. With that in mind, Mountford has requested NDEE to allocate another $225,000 of EPA 319 grant funds for use in 2021-2022. NDEE has said that they will start putting together an amendment for our existing funding agreement for our future approval. 

Elbert Traylor, NDEE, also has mentioned that there is a great opportunity to "wave our flag" again when we get the Shell Creek Channel Improvement/Benching Project (At UP Railroad Bridge Replacement site) completed.  This would involve a possible press conference at the bridge and tour of the site with agency leaders, SCWIG, County officials, UP officials and maybe Governor.  It’s a good example of cooperation among agencies that don’t normally interact.  If this happens next fall when things have greened up, we might be positioned to announce the launch of the new Shell Creek Watershed Water  Quality Management Plan. 
 

Rationale:  FYRA has been in the process of completing the final model runs on the Wahoo Creek Watershed economics and their email report is attached. The required cost/benefit ratio needs to be 1:1  for NRCS approval of the 13 Dam Watershed Plan and at this point things look encouraging. There is the pending 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 $17,597.50 is attached for review. After this payment, $24,750 will remain on our $95,469 contract addendum. NRCS will reimburse LPNNRD for this expense. 

NRCS Nebraska Engineer Allen Gerhing and Missy Baier, NRCS Archeologist, joined the Projects Committee Meeting (Zoom) to discuss the outlook for completing the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan. FYRA and NRCS representatives plan to be available for the March 8th Board Meeting. 

Rationale:  As reported every month, Our hired engineering firm, Olsson, has been put on hold with further dam design work until NRCS approves the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan. No invoice is anticipated until that time.

Rationale:  On February 23 Elliott and Director Sabatka met with NRCS personnel to develop a plan for moving forward with the landowner outreach portion of our Wahoo Creek Water Quality Phase 2.  
Renee Hancock, Water Quality Specialist with NRCS, is in charge of assessing the watershed's water quality concerns from an NRCS point of view.  She plans on completing her field assessment by the end of April.  Once completed she will have a better idea as to where focus needs to be placed.
Director Sabatka is in charge of coordinating the landowner group that will tasked with "spreading the word" to masses.  A list has been developed and will be finalized this summer once our plan has been finalized.  We will plan to meet with the group towards the end of summer.
Currently NRCS' new NWQI funds are frozen and they don't expect to start allocating any funds to the NWQI Phase 2 projects until FY23.
 

Rationale:  As discussed last month, we need to update our Wahoo Creek Water Quality Management Plan with NDEE/EPA to remain eligible for future 319 grant funding in that watershed.  Since we need to move forward very soon, the Board moved to contact JEO about remodeling the pollutant loads for Wahoo Creek (and Shell Creek).  Elbert Traylor's, NDEE, put together what is needed to revise both the Wahoo Creek Water Quality Management plan and attached is JEO's service agreement proposal to compete those tasks. We have  grant funds in the Wahoo grant for that plan update and will be reimbursed by NDEE for at least 60% of the costs. 

Adam Rupe, JEO, and Elbert Traylor, NDEE, will join the Projects committee to discuss the proposal. (NOTE: A similar need is required to update the Shell Creek Watershed Water Quality Plan, so that item will be discussed as well.)

Rationale:  An update was given on Dodge County Projects at the February 23, 2021, JWMAB Meeting.  Attached is the meeting agenda including Dodge County's Project Summary that was discussed. 

Rationale:  No new information. JEO continues to work with entities provide their approved Hazard Mitigation Plan resolutions.

Rationale:  No new issues to report. 

Rationale:  On February 18 the NRD hosted NRCS' annual Local Work Group (LWG) meeting.  The meeting is open to any interested party learning how NRCS allocates it's local funds.  The NRD benefits from participating with the LWG by providing input as to our goals and resources, as well as, getting a potential "heads-up" as to any policy shifts that may be on the horizon.
This years LWG was held at the Wanhoo Education Building with 8 participants in person and ~25 particpants on Zoom.  Mark Walkenhorst, District Conservationist with NRCS, gave a presentation detailing NRCS programs and funding policies.  Throughout the meeting feedback was given as to potential areas the programs could benefit local landowners, the NRD, or possible changes to incentive payments.
The presentation provides a large amount of material to process at one time, so all participants are encouraged to follow-up their responses with NRCS/NRD staff.

Rationale:  The District has notified Saunders County about this problem in past years and this was also mentioned to the Board as a future project for budgetary purposes.

There’s severe shoreline erosion at Czechland Lake along County Road Railroad Ave. which is threatening the shoulder and road for approximately 1,500’. Mainelli Wagner has developed plans and an estimate for Saunders County.  The design is to use Class B rip-rap to stabilize the shoreline at an estimate cost of $299,103.00.

Mountford has been in touch with DEE and Elbert Traylor to use 319 funding at 60% and possibly NET funding. Depending on who does the work or bids, the Districts cost is estimated at $80,000 - $120,000.  Saunders County may do some of the work along with the current engineering, which would be in-kind.

We need a motion to proceed sooner than later so Mainelli can obtain any necessary permitting from the Corps of Engineers.

A motion is needed - 
To support and proceed working with Saunders County Highway Dept. to complete the Czechland-Railroad Ave shoreline stabilization project.
 

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.