March 14, 2022 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:  Attached find Chris Yosten's absence requests from the October, November, December, January and February Board Meeting due to COVID.

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to approve the signed absence request from Director Yosten from the the October, November, December, January and February Board Meetings. 

Rationale:  The committee will review and select a firm from the RFQ's submitted for the new office project and planning.

The Executive Committee will be interviewing JEO and Prochaska & Associates on Tuesday, March 8th and a motion could be forthcoming at Board Meeting.  

Rationale:  Attached find a listing of candidates and have filed for election in the Lower Platte North NRD.

Rationale:  Glatfelter is willing to add Lake Wanahoo for failure coverage on the primary only. Meaning, there will only be $1M in structural liability failure. This was due to the size, hazard class of the dam and the remaining recommendations that need to be complied with.  They’ll add the dam with failure coverage in the primary, but will exclude failure coverage from the excess. Once repairs are complete and we  have an updated inspection, we can refer it back to Glatfelter and add failure coverage to the excess.

The additional premium is $1,810 or $2,715 annualized.

Discussion needed and possible recommendation.

Rationale:  The committee will be updated on the current status of the new hire for our Assistant Manager position. 

Rationale:  Grant reviewed the January Financial Statements 

Rationale:  Attached find Gottschalk's time and expense sheets.

Rationale:  Nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  The tree removal contractor, Standing C Excavating, is putting the finishing touches on the Wanahoo wildlife areas and may be finished by Committee meeting.
The Big Game Conservation group would like to place another elevated deer stand on the Wanahoo wildlife area. Staff is working with them on a location and updating an agreement.

Rationale:  The O & M crew removed trees from the back property of Sand/Duck Dam 2 east of Prague, finished at Bellwood Ditch 4 and continue to do the same at Homestead. Perform maintenance on vehicles and equipment.

Rationale:  Valley Corp has moved out since the project is substantially complete. The final walk through was Monday, February 28th. Here's a list of items Valley must complete 1) east access gate was damaged (has been fixed), 2) access just east of the gate needs rock (has been completed), 3) kids swimming pool w/ excess concrete needs to be removed from parking lot (complete) 4) Excess rock needs to be removed on both sides in the work areas because it's used as hay, 5) There are some undulations in the disturbed area that need to be leveled out 6) the cap to inclinometer #6 was broken off from the PVC casing, this needs to be located and repaired. 
Valley will be back to work and level the area for seeding before May 15.
We've noticed that since the dewatering wells have been shut down, one relief well on the dam has not started to flow, and others seem slower. Olsson and FYRA are going to monitor this.

Rationale:  Bids from Well Drilling Companies were due Tuesday, March 1 for the reconditioning of 3-7 relief wells on the Wanahoo Dam.
We received two bids for cleaning 7 wells (attached) from, Rieschick Drilling Co., Falls City, $63,600 and Griffin Dewatering, $56,000. Their bids to do 3 wells are $32,400 and $25,000 respectfully, that is if it is not successful, and we have to find another solution.
Griffen's bid sheet was misinterpreted, their bid for reconditioning 7 wells is actually $81,000. A motion was made with the wrong bid quoted, and will not be on the consent agenda, leaving it open to approve either bid by the Board. 

Rationale:  Bids were due Tuesday, March 1 from concrete repair specialist for repairing cracks in the RCC auxiliary spillway.
We received three bids (attached) from, McGill Restoration $122,450, Western Specialty Contractors $71,950, Fisher Building Services $46,490.
Fisher would start the work in September and estimates 6-8 weeks.
All three companies were asked to use the same products recommended by Brandon Carter of Sika Corporation. They could also contact Brandon in regard to other products if they felt there was something better they have used in the past. We need a motion to proceed.

Rationale:  RFP/RFQ's from Engineering Consultants were due Friday, February 18 for the engineering cost to repair the stilling basin apron floor. We received  proposals from FYRA Engineering and Olsson Associates.
Proposals were emailed to the Board for review, light discussion took place at the Directors Retreat. Each firm will be interviewed after the Operations Committee meeting starting at 9:30, second interview is at 10:15. After the interviews the Operation Committee and other directors made a recommendation.

Rationale:  Staff has cleared the trees from Bellwood Ditch 4. We now have an estimate to repair a breach on the west bank (see picture attached). Also see Krivanek Constructions estimate of $4,700.
Staff repaired the pipe flared end problem so $200 can be deducted from the bid making it $4,500.

Rationale:  We received grass drill revenue of $706.25 from Schuyler Coop. Ten cooperators used the grass drill.

Rationale:  There has been any active.

Rationale:  A poor ice fishing season due to unstable ice conditions has lead to slow permit sales. For the month of February, the District received $3,825.00 in annual park permit revenue. The year by year breakdown for annual permits sold during the month of February is listed below. 
 

Month	Monthly Total	YTD Total
February 2022	3,825.00	21,707.50
February 2021	7,935.00	24,937.50
February 2020	6,070.00	22,185.00
February 2019	9,677.50	24,635.00

Rationale:  The annual meeting of the Friends of Lake Wanahoo group was held Wednesday, March 2nd. The group discussed the new additions in 2021 and planned upgrades for 2022. New ideas brought forth include.

• May is Migratory Bird Month. On the first Saturday of May, the Wahoo Bird Club will be meeting at Lake Wanahoo and walking the trails. We will assist them in advertising their bird walk via our Facebook and Twitter.
• The trails that run through the PATH hunting areas are great for runners and walkers all times of the year. It was discussed how we can satisfy both the hunters and those that would like to use the trails during the hunting season.
• Military Recognition days happen once a month from May through September. Dave Ruder from Live Well Go Fish will be planning events for Korean War Veterans Day on July 27th and on September 11th. He will be using the Clint Johannes Education Building, giving pontoon rides, and is looking to involve local high school bands and potentially bringing in a caterer. 
• It was suggested to hold a nocturnal education night. Families will come out to the lake to have a nature walk at night to see what they can find, and use the fire pit by the building, with the goal of helping to make kids more comfortable with being outside at night.

Rationale:  During the month of February, the building was rented 12 times, with 4 NRD events. Revenue for the month was $500. February 13-19 the building was closed for the floor to be refinished.

Rationale:  February’s KTIC Radio ad featured the remaining Nitrogen certification classes. The Wahoo Newspaper e-ad also shared the remaining Nitrogen certification classes and to visit our website for full details.

Rationale: 

FACEBOOK	Total Reach	Engagements	Followers
February	4,253	345	1,330
January	31,463	2,550	1,325
December	2,159	95	1,299

 

TWITTER	Total impressions	Engagements	Followers
February	1,755	85	357
January	5,527	333	353
December	2,024	114	348

Top Posts on Facebook and Twitter:
• Progress pictures on the Lake Wanahoo stilling basin
• Thank you and pictures from Nitrogen and Water Management Workshop in Schuyler
• Accepting tree and shrub orders
• February’s Coffee Lakeside flyer
• Pictures from East Butler "Test Your Well" event
 

WEBSITE	Users	Traffic Channel	Top Pages	Devices
February	1,239	Organic 58.1% Direct 28% Referral 11.1% Social 2.8%	Home Lake Wanahoo Forestry Downloads Staff	Desktop 55.04% Mobile 4197% Tablet 2.99%
January	1,598	Organic 57% Direct 27.1% Referral 13.1% Social 2.9%	Home Lake Wanahoo Downloads Forestry Staff	Desktop 55.63% Mobile 41.30% Tablet 3.07%
December	954	Organic 53% Direct 33% Referral 10.7% Social 3.3%	Home Lake Wanahoo Downloads Staff Contact	Desktop 59.75% Mobile 38.36% Tablet 1.89%

50 from NARD’s website.
14 clicks from our ad on Wahoo-Ashland-Waverly newspaper website.
34 clicks from Facebook to our website and 2 clicks from Twitter to our website.
 

Rationale:  We have been sharing the 60-second I&E video through January and February with News Channel Nebraska. The video was shared 28 times. You can view the times of day it was shared in the attached.

Rationale:  With the threat of nitrates in drinking water, the LPNNRD continues to encourage well water testing. Since last fall, we have been working with FFA chapters across the district to conduct "Test Your Well" events. The events are usually held in conjunction with a school event to help bring in more samples. FFA students have tested over 130 samples. The EPA's standard for safe drinking water is 10 parts per million (ppm). The results from the events held so far range from 0 ppm to over 35 ppm. We have 2 more events in March and will provide an update after those events.

Rationale: 

• March 2nd: Friends of Lake Wanahoo Meeting - discuss the park - current and future projects - suggestions - etc.
• Potential Burn Day Thursday or Friday.
• March 8th: Northern Pike Sampling with NGPC.
• March 10th: Coffee, Lakeside: Trees - ID, common diseases, rusts, blights, etc.
• March 14th: Test your well night event with Mead.
• March 23rd: Science and Scenes with Thori Nelson - Learn about pollination and paint a landscape scene.
• March 25th: Test your well night in Platte Center.
• March 29th-30th: I & E Meeting in Holdredge. 

Seth Anderson is a Environmental Studies Major and Psych minor that is job shadowing with us for 30 hours this semester.

TBD: Survival club, St. Wenceslaus Pre-K, other classroom visits.

 

Rationale:  The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIWHAP) "went live" on 3/1.  This program is administered through DHHS and provides one-time direct payments to utilities to keep delinquent, or disconnected, accounts active.  The RWD has submitted all requisite paperwork to qualify to receive direct payments if any customers apply.  

Elliott completed, and submitted to NDEE, required updates to our Sample Site Plans and Emergency Action Plan for both Colon and Bruno RWDs.
Elliott participated in Wellhead Development Area discussion with both David City and Wahoo as both RWDs purchase water from the respective municpalities.  

Rationale:  The Colon RWD completed its biennial sanitary survey w/ NDEE.  No deficiencies or violations were noted.  Attached is the write up from the state.
Routine monthly sampling completed, meters read and bills mailed 3/1.
 

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, meters read and bills mailed 3/1.

Rationale:  Katie Cameron, coordinator for ENWRA, made a presentation to the Water Committee.  She explained the GeoCloud and GeoScene Viewer utilizing the AEM data.  Some of the projects that are planned in the next 5 years are updated water level maps ( currently 1995),  CSD WalkTem along with test holes planning, recharge stations and maps, and specific focus areas.  The complete presentation is attached.  

The group would like to continue with a 5-year contract with LPN contribution of $30,000 per year.  

Advantages of continuing with ENWRA

• More leverage for grants
• Individual to help in interpreting geologic conditions
• Develop other projects to help NRD management decisions
• Coordination of NRDs in the Eastern part of the state to collaborate on ideas and projects.  

Rationale: 

Wells Permits Approved: #

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Zak Farms	1	0	Replacement	Platte	Middle Shell Creek

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total number of approved permits for 2021 is #

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2021:  Correct as of ####

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

 

Rationale:  Attached is an updated draft version of the transfer policy. If the Committee feels the basic concepts are OK, staff could have Jovan review it.   

The committee gave staff suggestions on keeping the wording consistent, like irrigated ground should be irrigated parcel.  

Rationale:  Staff has received another request for a supplemental well in SQS #2.  The legals are the SE and SW quarters of Section 19-19N-1E, which one well, at the present time, irrigates 256.39 acres.   

The Committee will review when a request is received.  

Rationale:  The Water Committee in 2018 gave staff permission to offer cost-share on Advance Soil Moisture Technology.  This year, staff received requests from some producers for this equipment.  In 2018, the discussion was between 500 -750 dollars up to 50%, with the attached form showing $750.  This would be part of the soil moisture sensor program developed with the Nebraska Ag Network Moisture Sensors.  The District has budgeted cost-share for numerous years on soil moisture sensors.  The past few years, not many producers have taken advantage of this program.   

The Committee will review applications at the next Water Committee Meeting for potential approval.  

Rationale:  Attached is the approved flow meter list.  

This item will be discussed at the Water Committee retreat and also as an agenda item for the next Water Committee to update the approved meter list.  

Rationale:  Attached is the V-IMP report for 2022.

Rationale:  Attached is 2021 State Wide Network Wells sampling results.  

Rationale: 

The current list of applications that have been approved for cost-share within the last 5 months. Waiting for completion and copy of paid invoices before reimbursement can occur. 

 

Rationale: 

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

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County
Charles Emanuel & Sons Inc	Irrigation	$613.87	Dodge
Charles Emanuel & Sons Inc	Irrigation	$569.96	Dodge

 

Rationale:  Information from the Phase Areas nitrogen reports.   

Rationale:  The committee will be having a retreat on Tuesday, March 29, starting at 3:30 pm, followed by a Committee meeting at 6.

Agenda Topics

• SQS #2 - Boundaries and future management
  • Jesse Korus - UNL will be at the retreat to explain the study that has been conducted in the area.  
• Nitrogen Management Areas
  • Cost-share items and dollar amounts
• Flow Meter Discussion
• Variance Scoring Sheet
• Other suggestions

Rationale:  At the October 11, 2021 Board Meeting, a motion was passed to accept the quote from Dvorak Well Inc.  Part of the agreement was a deadline of January 15, 2022 for construction of the monitoring well.  As the deadline was not met, the agreement should be voided and allow staff to send out new RFPs to potential firms.   

Attached is the original bid from Dvorak Well inc. showing the January 15, 2022 deadline.

Rationale:  The Committee discussed LB806 - Change provisions relating to drainage of land by the landowner.  This item is now on General File, which came out of the Natural Resources Committee with 6 AYE and 1 present not voting.  

Rationale:  No unfinished business to address.

Rationale: 

21-B-5	SEC. 36-16-4 (SKULL)*	CARL SOUSEK	$                  12,500.00	WASCB TO
21-B-4	SEC. 36-16-4 (SKULL)*	DAVID HANIS	$                     2,909.94	WASCB TO

Rationale:  NRCS submitted the proposed 2022 Lands for Conservation (LFC) for the LPNNRD to approve.  There are no requested changes to the existing LFC policy.  The 2022 per acre payment rate is $192.00/acre.  The rate is based on the average non-irrigated cropland cash rent submitted by USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Rationale:  Attached is JEO's final $1,142 invoice for work completed on our Shell Creek Watershed Water Quality Plan update. The total amount under contract that will be paid is $31,630. This amount will be submitted to NDEE for grant reimbursement. 

Rationale:  No new information from last month.

Rationale: 

RIVER ROAD INC

$ $10,470.24

SOLAR PUMP/WELL

Rationale:  The Shell Creek Research Group (led by the Newman Grove Science Club) has made their annual request for water testing supplies and equipment for 2022. Attached is a summary of their request. The final equipment expense will be submitted to NDEE for grant assistance. 

Rationale:  An ongoing topic over the years has been the design of the Wahoo Creek Watershed dams.  Traditionally, flood reduction dams are designed to store permanent water up to the principal spillway inlets. While dry dams were evaluated as a possible option, the preferred economic alternative selected for the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan were dams with permanent pools (wet dams). The plan has gone through NRCS final review and is expected to get final signatures this month.  Several landowners/tenants involved with Dam site 77 attended the Projects Committee meeting to discuss this topic and give input.  There were also landowners present who farm downstream from the dams. Andrew Phillips, Olsson, Janel Kaufman FYRA, Allen Gerhing & Rich Vaughn (NRCS) gave input on structure design and the NRCS plan review process. Allen and Rich explained that to change from the preferred alternative at this point, would require reworking the plan and go through the NRCS review process again with agencies, SHIPO and Indian tribes which would take at least another year, with no guarantee that the restructured plan would receive approval. We are also dealing with funding partner deadlines, which another delay would be problematic.  While landowner interest was expressed that site 77 be designed as a dry dam, this is not unanimous with all landowners involved with this site.

 

Rationale:  Andrew Phillips, Olsson, to give a project progress report on Wahoo Creek geotech soil borings and other related work. Most of the geotech activities are complete and they are ready to move into full design on all ten dams.  Attached is their February 16, 2022, $89,978.40 invoice for contract work accomplished. After this payment, $1,558.109.21 will remain under our $1,999,978 contract. 

The Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan has gone through the public review process and is now going through NRCS final review and eventual approval.  As previously reported, we have been approved for receiving $22 million from LB 406 funding that will accelerate building the ten planned structures.   We are ready to hold a public information meeting on our plans to move forward with completing ten floodwater reduction dams by the end of 2026, as outlined in the Wahoo Creeek Watershed Plan.  We are suggesting that this public meeting be held in late March. 

With the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan being through public review, NRCS has given us permission to move forward with completing designs and permitting for all ten Wahoo Creek Dam sites (26a, 26b, 27, 55, 66, 77, 82, 84, 85 and 86) as outlined in the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan. Attached are minutes of our February 17th meeting with NRCS.  NRCS representatives Allen Gerhing and Rich Vaughn and Janel Kaufman, FYRA, joined the Projects Committee meeting (Zoom) for discussion. As advertised by Public Notice, NRCS has placed the final draft of the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan for review on the following website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ne/technical/engineering/?cid=nrcseprd1492259

As reported at the last meeting and the Director's Retreat, Andrew Phillips is working on a proposed contract revision to reflect project delays/changes and to move forward with an accelerated schedule to complete all ten dams by the end of 2026. 
 

Rationale:  As mentioned, the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan is though the public review and is presently going though NRCS final review.

Rationale:  Attached is JEO's $1,142 invoice for work completed on our Wahoo Creek Watershed Water Quality Plan update.  After this payment, $243 will remain under our $31,630 contract. This amount will be submitted to NDEE for grant reimbursement. 

Rationale: 

KENNETH SOUSEK

$5,499.00

Rationale:  As has been reported, USGS has placed four Platte River cameras that are functioning on HWs 64, 77, 79 and 15.  There are also two additional gauges placed on HW 77 and 15 bridges as well.  USGS has been worked  with the Loup Power Canal to place a final camera on their property.  The USGS link for viewing the cameras/gauges is  https://apps.usgs.gov/hivis/ .  

At discussed last month, we have been working with Dodge County to find a way that FEMA can apply their grant funding for this project.  A partner Zoom meeting with FEMA was held on February 7, where they indicated to receive their assistance, we need to replace our existing agreement with USGS with two separate agreements. The two agreements are for the same total amounts in the previous agreement, but separate the equipment from the three-year operation and maintenance costs.  We anticipate FEMA will now reimburse the partners 75% ($29,160) of the $38,880 equipment cost. Attached is our  original USGS agreement and the two new replacements, 

Rationale:  The monthly Rawhide Creek WFPO meeting was held with JEO on February 28 at the Dodge County Emergency Management Office, Fremont (agenda attached). JEO is working on hydrology/hydrolics modeling and economic analysis for the Rawhide Creek Watershed which is also impacted by Shell Creek and Platte River flows.  The next step will be holding a public meeting tentatively scheduled 6-8 p.m., April 14 in North Bend. Identified  flood reduction alternatives will be discussed with additional public meetings held throughout the spring and summer.  

Rationale:  No new infomration was reported.

Rationale:  The City of Platte Center has finished clearing the trees near Elm Creek and are requesting their cost-share payment.  At the November 2021 Board Meeting, the NRD approved cost-share 50% up to a maximum of $15,000.

A motion will be needed to pay City of Platte Center $8,208 for clearing of trees near Elm Creek. 

Rationale:  Dayle Alswager     Septic Upgrade      $6,000

A motion will be needed at the Board Meeting to approve the Septic Upgrade application for Dayle Alswager - $6,000.

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.