April 11, 2022 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:  Tyler with Water Strategies will give a brief update of current issues on Capitol Hill and what their firm is doing for us on a regular basis. This update has been rescheduled until May 9th.

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

Rationale:  The GMDA Summer meeting will be held June 20 - 22, 2022 at Element 29 Hotel at Copper Mountain Resort. (see attachment)

Rationale:  Tyler with Water Strategies has offered to give a brief update of current issues on Capital Hill and what their firm is doing for us on a regular basis

Rationale:  JEO's Corey Brodersen will be here to review our scope and deliverables and answer questions as we proceed to our initial phase of the new office planning.  I have had discussions with Corey to get us to this point but any requested changes can still be made.

Rationale:  Last week our office was made aware of a legal description mistake on property we own across the road south of Czechland Lake.  The current landowner of the property adjacent to ours is preparing their parcel for sale and discovered the mistake. We are working with Jovan, the current landowner's surveyor JEO and Dodge County Title to correct the issue.

Rationale:  Stilling Basin
Valley Corp has completed all the work except for final grading, seeding and a few punch list items. At this time, staff is recommending the execution of Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $77,266.69 which takes the total contract price to $1,682,618.06. This change order was negotiated with Valley Corp after they had provided rock tickets for another $300,000+ in additional filter material. After negotiations with FYRA and Valley Corp, Valley Corp could not produce where the material was used and never let anyone know they were running over until the project was complete. This change order (without additional filter material) was negotiated in exchange to complete the project with the understanding, upon Board approval, the District would not pursue liquidated damages from the time overruns. Valley Corp also installed the additional chain link protection for the gabion at no cost to the District.

Valley Corp is requesting payment for all work completed, including that added as part of Change Order #2 to be executed along with this progress payment and the release of retainage. That total amount at the Board meeting will be very near $846,879.22 (depending on if they have punch list items completed) so the only item remaining is seeding which totals $20,049.12.

Staff recommendation to Operations Committee was to approve payment of $678,618.22.  This amount will include Change Order #2 and Valley Corp's pay request minus 10% retainage of $168,261.00.

Apron Floor Overlay
FYRA is putting together a 2 phase plan for the repair of the stilling basin apron floor. Two contractors (General Excavating and ME Collins) were sent the attached diagram for the purpose of obtaining a bid to de-water the basin pool, re-route relief well water, clean the basin pool of debris, and place anchors in the floor for testing. Terracon, a sub-consultant to FYRA under their contract, will do the anchor pull testing.

Rationale:  I spoke with Ryan Chapman last week and he has officially notified his current  employer and is now ready for us to announce the decision of the personnel subcommittee as their choice to fill the position assistant manager.
As discussed during the interview and selection process, the plan is to have Ryan begin with LPN the first week of June.  This will give enough time for Tom and Ryan to work together to assist in creating the most seamless transition possible. 

Rationale:  I am currently in the interview phase of hiring part-time summer positions at our Lake Wanahoo Recreation Area.  In order to attract and hire the best possible candidates, I am planning to start these positions at $11.00 per hour which is a $1.00 per hour increase from last year.

Rationale:  Grant will be available to discuss the February Financial Statements.

Rationale:  Attached find Gottschalks time and expense sheets. 

Rationale:  There is nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  Standing C Excavating has finished tree removal on the Wanahoo property. The District approved a contract/agreement for Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program with Game & Parks in May 2021, the grant pays 75%. We approved a bid of $15,000 from Standing C Excavating in August 2021.
We will send payment of $15,000 to Standing C Excavating. We have submitted documentation to G & P for reimbursement of $11,250.

Rationale:  The O & M crew continues to clear trees and brush at Homestead and Czechland Lakes. They have hauled and placed rock on eroded areas and roads, also keep up with equipment maintenance.

Rationale:  Stilling Basin
Valley Corp has completed all the work except for final grading, seeding and a few punch list items. At this time, staff is recommending the execution of Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $77,266.69 which takes the total contract price to $1,682,618.06. This change order was negotiated with Valley Corp after they had provided rock tickets for another $300,000+ in additional filter material. After negotiations with FYRA and Valley Corp, Valley Corp could not produce where the material was used and never let anyone know they were running over until the project was complete. This change order (without additional filter material) was negotiated in exchange to complete the project with the understanding, upon Board approval, the District would not pursue liquidated damages from the time overruns. Valley Corp also installed the additional chain link protection for the gabion at no cost to the District.

Valley Corp is requesting payment for all work completed, including that added as part of Change Order #2 to be executed along with this progress payment and the release of retainage. That total amount at the Board meeting will be very near $846,879.22 (depending on if they have punch list items completed) so the only item remaining is seeding which totals $20,049.12.

Staff recommendation is to approve payment of $678,618.22.  This amount will include Change Order #2 and Valley Corp's pay request minus 10% retainage of $168,261.00.

Apron Floor Overlay
FYRA is putting together a 2 phase plan for the repair of the stilling basin apron floor. Two contractors (General Excavating and ME Collins) were sent the attached diagram for the purpose of obtaining a bid to de-water the basin pool, re-route relief well water, clean the basin pool of debris, and place anchors in the floor for testing. Terracon, a sub-consultant to FYRA under their contract, will do the anchor pull testing.

FYRA's most current invoice is $37,991.25 which gets the contract to 96.5% complete.

 

Rationale:  Rieschick Drilling of Falls City will start the well cleaning this Spring, date TBA.

Rationale:  The three products recommended by the Sika representative were forwarded to the State Dam Safety Engineer for his approval. The State inspector did not approve all the products for the cracks and wants a product that is flexible for expansion and contraction. The Sika rep. will get back to us with recommendation with approval from the State Dam Safety Engineer.
The contractor, Fisher Building Service has been notified of the change and doesn't think it will affect the bid much if at all. He stated that most of the cost is labor.

Rationale:  Areas for haying on our three recreation areas have been mapped. We have sent a public notice to the local newspaper. Packets will be developed and sent to interested parties. Bids are due Wednesday, April 27 and will be presented at Committee the next day.

Rationale:  To date we have ordered 16,750 trees & shrubs. Trees may be delivered the week of April 18.

Rationale:  There hasn't been any activity.

Rationale:  April marks the unofficial start to the recreation season at Lake Wanahoo. Our full time seasonal employee, Rich Mullen, has returned to park and campers are starting to visit at a higher rate. In the next few weeks we will be opening the shower building, deep cleaning vaults, and preparing equipment. 

Rationale:  The west end of the breakwater has been eroded and is in need of repair. Attached are pictures of the damage as well as quotes from M.E. Collins, Girmus Dirtworks, and Lierman Excavating.  Chris is checking with FEMA to see if this work can be cost shared through the 428 funds.

Rationale:  The warranty of the original Hustler mowers, purchased at the beginning of the 2019 season, has expired and staff would like to purchase two new mowers. Attached are two quotes for two Hustler Z Diesel's and 2 John Deere Z994R's. Ty's Outdoor Power currently has the Z Diesel's in stock while John Deere cannot provide an accurate delivery date for the Z994R's. 

Rationale:  Staff has begun work on the new non-electric camper pads that will be located south of the cabins in the primitive campground. These sites will be reservable for $15 per night through Reserve America and will be limited to 14' and under campers. Generators will be allowed.


Following our goal to provide expanded "Outdoor Recreation Opportunities" to our park-goers and due to the overwhelming success of our primitive cabins, Management has investigated purchasing two small, "Boondocking style" campers for rent within the park.  Campers would be paid from our Wanahoo Recreation account and all proceeds would be returned to this account.  The cost for two small, off-grid campers is
$ 22,085  and would be ordered and built from the Nebraska company "Outbound Trailer" located in Hastings.

Rationale:  For the month of March (as of 3/30), the District received $5,475.00 in annual park permit revenue. The year by year breakdown for annual permits sold during the month of March is listed below. 
 

Month	Monthly Total	YTD Total
March 2022	5,475.00	27,182.50
March 2021	9,980.00	34,917.50
March 2020	5,357.50	27,542.50
March 2019	4,455.00	29,090.00

Rationale:  For the month of March (as of 3/30), the District received $4,105.00 in camping revenue. For the 2022 camping season (December 1st, 2021 to January 31st, 2022), the District has received a total of $13,838.58.

Rationale:  Staff is looking into creating a procedure to handle future Wanahoo donations as we have recently received more inquiries regarding both private and public donations..  We have used the Wahoo Community Foundation in the past for our education building donations and will most likely, work out an agreement with them again.  This partnership allows all donations to be tax deductible and have the potential to earmark funds towards a particular project.

Rationale:  During the month of March, the building was rented 20 times, with 5 NRD rentals/events. Revenue for the month was $620.

Rationale:  Radio and e-ads for March promoted trees and shrubs available for purchase. Ads are attached.

Rationale:   

FACEBOOK	Total Reach	Engagements	Followers
March 1-30	18,460	1,770	1,346
February	4,253	345	1,330
January	31,463	2,550	1,325

 

TWITTER	Total impressions	Engagements	Followers
March 1-30	6,523	289	362
February	1,755	85	357
January	5,527	333	353

Top Posts on Facebook and Twitter:
• Pictures of the geese at Lake Wanahoo
• Docks in at Lake Wanahoo
• Platte Center Test Your Well Event
• Upcoming Rain Barrel event flyer
• Science and Scenes event flyer
 

WEBSITE	Users	Traffic Channel	Top Pages	Devices
March 1-30	1,850	Organic 48.6% Direct 36.6% Referral 10.7% Social 4.4%	Home Lake Wanahoo Czechland Forestry Downloads	Desktop 49.08% Mobile 47.89% Tablet 3.03%
February	1,239	Organic 58.1% Direct 28% Referral 11.1% Social 2.8%	Home Lake Wanahoo Forestry Downloads Staff	Desktop 55.04% Mobile 41.97% 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%

55 from NARD’s website.
10 clicks from our ad on Wahoo-Ashland-Waverly newspaper website.
85 clicks from Facebook to our website and 1 clicks from Twitter to our website.
 

Rationale:  The :30 Lake Wanahoo video has been running on News Channel Nebraska through March.
 

Rationale:  We received 3 applications for the Shell Creek Scholarship:
Elyssa Cuevas, Newman Grove, plans to attend Wayne State College for Pre-Pharmacy, minor in Laboratory Technology.

Isaac Potmesil, Newman Grove, plans to attend Wayne State College for Science Education.

Emma Jedlicka, Schuyler, plans to attend Northeast Community College for nursing/transfer program to UNMC.

No applications from Columbus Lakeview. Last year we approved having 3 scholarships available since we have 3 schools involved in the Shell Creek testing. Will need a motion to proceed.

Rationale:  Survival club: didn't have anyone show up this last time. Talked with the middle school principal and he made the comment that this group of kids just doesn't show as much interest in the outdoors as the previous years' group. 
Pike Sampling was canceled for volunteers outside of NGPC because of weather.
Science and Scenes was a hit. See picture. The goal is to keep doing these randomly but using different techniques and new teachers.
Started developing some more activities and lesson plans for future classroom visits.
 

Rationale:  April 5th: Logan View Middle and High School Day: Geocaching, water quality, and recycling.
April 7th: Coffee Lakeside: Paula Hoppe will be coming to talk about shorebirds and how best to view them.
April 10th: Rain Barrel event: Still have some spots open. 
April 13: Lawncare, composting, and greenhouse event with UNL extension.
Pre-k and Schuyler classroom visits.
Preparing for the upcoming Spring Conservation Sensation.
Preparing for upcoming field trips.

Rationale:  Elliott attended the Nebraska Rural Water Conference in Kearney on March 17-18.  The conference offers continuing education credits for all operators as well as many opportunities for networking.
Governor Ricketts gave a presentation emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality drinking water throughout the state and prioritizing the aging rural infrastructure.
 

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, all meters read and bills to be mailed 3/31.

Rationale:  The new water rates (attached) for the Bruno RWD went into effect this billing cycle.
Routine monthly sampling completed, all meters read and bills to be mailed 3/31. 

Rationale:  Attached is a livestock well permit for Kyle Herchenbach.  A third well was drilled for his poultry operation in November, 2021, which no well permit was applied for from LPNNRD.  This is a late permit which requires a $250 late fee to be considered for approval. 
 

Rationale:  Jeffery Hanson has applied for a new well to irrigate 59.51 acres in th E 1/2 NE 1/4 S33-18N-7E, Dodge County. The acres are currently serviced by well G-179479. This new well will help supplement the 59.51 acres of gravity irrigation.

Rationale: 

Wells Permits Approved: 11

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Crucible Farms- John Wood	1	0	Irrigation	Butler	Octavia

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total number of approved permits for 2022 is #

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2022:  Correct as of 3/28/2022

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

 

Rationale:  Jovan reviewed the policy with his comments and edits attached.  The committee and staff discussed the policy and agreed to bring the policy forward with the edits.  The plan is to move it forward to the April 27 Water Committee for final approval at the May Board Meeting.  The Committee wanted clarification on approving the policy and what is required?  The staff understand that this is a policy procedure, and no hearing would be required.   

Rationale:  Some water use calculations for SQS #2 north of Columbus.

Total water use from 2019-2021 (3 year period)

• 59% of the fields used 14 inches or less.
• 88% of the fields used 18 inches or less.
• 12% of the fields used more than 18 inches, with a high of 25.5 total inches.
• The average over the 3 years was 12.7 inches/acre.

Some water use calculations for SQS #1 south of Bruno.

Total water use from 2019-2021 (3 year period)

• 96% of the fields used 14 inches or less.
• 100% of the fields used 18 inches or less.
• None of the fields used over 18 inches with a high of 15.2 inches.
• The average over the 3 years was 8.7 inches/acre.

Rationale:  The LPRBC Directors meeting will be Tuesday, April 19 at the NARD office in Lincoln, starting at 10 am.  The technical group met on February 28 with the management group meeting on March 3.  

Agenda items for the Directors will include

• FY 22-23 Budget
  • Proposing to include $10,000 from each partner
• Annual Reports
• Depletions Summary (see attachment)
• New Development Depletions (with same attachment as above)
  • LPN will have a 3725 Acre Feet allotment from 2022-2027.
  • LPN had a 2276 Acre Feet allotment from 2016-2021.
• Online Database Transfer from HDR to NeDNR for storing the depletion numbers on a yearly basis.
• Model Update Chart (see attachment)

Some minor changes are being proposed to the plan, including

1.  Allowing virtual meetings per state law,
2. Section 2 of the original plan, with the only change being the addition of Objective 4 under Goal 2, which discusses drought planning and assessment.
3. Likewise, Section 3 of the original plan was updated to reflect the new objective 4 under goal 2 in both the tabular summary, as well as the action item narrative.
4. Updated Tables 4.1 and 4.2 summarize the new allowable development allocations for each district.

 

Rationale:  The staff wants direction from the Committee on producers that have not met the requirement for the Nitrogen/Irrigation Certification Class, which is a Districtwide Rule.  By LPN records, 51 individual licenses expired on 4/1/2020 and 144 on 4/1/2021. Staff has not allowed individuals to obtain well permits, chemigation permits and variances along with not being eligible for cost-share.  LPN offers a lot of options, including take-home and online tests.  The Phoenix Database has allowed staff to obtain information quickly when producers contact staff about applications.  

The Committee directed staff to actively pursue producers that are in violation of required attendance at a Nitrogen/Irrigation Management Class or online testing option.  Staff will be sending letters to producers that have expiration dates of 4/1/2020, 2021 and 2022.       

2022 Nitrogen & Water Certification Summary
 

Date	Location	Re-Cert	New	Remarks
January 7th	David City	26	2	Table Top Exercise
January 12th	Fremont	11	2	Table Top Exercise
February 1st	Schuyler	30	6	Oak Ballroom - Workshop
February 3rd	Wanahoo	71	10	Table Top Exercise
February 7th	Lindsay	28	0	Table Top Exercise
February 15th	David City	31	14	Class - Butler County Agriculture Expo
February 24th	Columbus	37	8	Class
March 7th	Wanahoo	48	8	Table Top Exercise
March 15th	Coulmbus	23	1	Table Top Exercise (all had same Field info)
		305	51
	Online Testing	14	9
	Take Home Test	1	0
		320	60

Rationale:  The LPNNRD received 3 applications by March 15 that qualified to be reviewed by the Committee.  Attached are the 3 applications along with a map of the locations.  These sites could be beneficial for staff to provide real-time soil moisture this summer.  

Rationale:  Attached is the current approved flow meter list.

Meter maintenance cycle (4 years). Mechanical meter sites ($60). Electronic/battery powered sites ($75). The upfront battery cost is at the LPNNRD's expense and then in turn is billed to the producer for reimbursement.

Staff recommends removing any meter that requires a battery to either keep the meter running/collecting pumping data or to power the totalizer screen. Can we rely on batteries lasting 4 full years? We have had  talks with producers about replacing batteries after they have been installed for just 2 years. 

One of the advantages to a sensor flow meter such as Seametrics or a propeller style meter such as Senninger is that the installation requires fewer upstream/downstream distances from any obstructions that might jet the flow and cause it to be non-laminar. Water quality is also a concern for mag flow meters in some areas of the LPN District with high iron/manganese content that is naturally occurring. This may cause build up to occur on the magnetic sensor. If a producer is using chemigation and injecting upstream from a magnetic meter and it is located a short distance from the injection point, the totalizer could miscalculate.

For installation on McCrometer flow meters, they recommend 5-10 upstream pipe diameters from any obstructions and 1-2 downstream from any obstruction. With a straightening vane installed, it reduces those installs to 1.5 upstream and 1 downstream of any obstruction.

Would the battery powered meters that are currently already installed throughout the district be grandfathered in? And then would we continue to change those batteries for as long as the meter lasts? Or if their battery dies, do we cost-share to pay for a new meter with the new updated approved meter list? This upcoming Fall/Winter will be year 3 of the current 4 year meter maintenance cycle. Here is a list of the current number of meters that have a battery installed:

Battery changes only list:

Valley-1 (Mag meter)
Lindsay Growsmart-9 (Mag meter)
Seametrics- 20 (Mag meter)
Sparling-1 (Mag meter)
Senninger-62 (Propeller meter)
-These meters actually have a propeller but the totalizer screen is powered by lithium batteries. Routine preventative maintenance cannot occur on these meters. Producers also have had a hard time reading the meter screen as well due to the environmental cover not being rated for the sun's rays shining down on it.
 

Rationale: 

For 2022, so far, we have a current total of 215 permits. The renewal deadline is June 1st.
 

Rationale:  Staff have been doing Spring Water Levels. 

Rationale:  The staff plans to do extensive water sampling for Summer 2022 from Platte Center to NW of Newman Grove.  Staff will also collect water samples in the Phase Areas for Quality Checks and help in determining why some areas within these Areas have lower nitrates.  
Other areas?  

Rationale:  Jon Beckstead, lieutenant for the Nebraska State Patrol, took the time to answer some questions about the hauling of livestock waste.  His answers are shown in red, with a link to the trucking guidebook.   

1. Can a livestock truck hauling manure cross state highways?  Can they travel down a state highway?  County Roads have different requirements?

A vehicle hauling manure can cross a state highway and they can travel down a highway (not to include interstate system).  County roads will have the same requirements as state highways.  I have attached state statue 60-6,383 for your review at the end of this e-mail.
 

2. CDL requirements for farm plates or commercial plates?

CDL’s are not required for covered farm vehicles see attached link to truck guidebook page 45.  Then on page 7 there is a chart that tells you if a commercial plated vehicle would need a CDL.
 

3. Does it depend on who owns the manure?

As far as ownership of manure it really doesn’t matter unless the vehicle is plated farm and they are hauling for hire then it would be a violation of farm plates usage. 

4. Do they have to cover the manure with a tarp?

They do not need to be covered however the driver is responsible to keep all contents from spill out of such vehicles (so if it is over the sides the general rule would probably be yes).  Special note it is $100 fine and a point off your license if found guilty.

5. How far can they travel?

There is no restriction on mileage they can travel within the state of Nebraska.

6. Trucks need to meet other requirements?  Like airbrakes?

If they are registered they will need to run taxed fuel in these vehicles.  There is no requirements for airbrakes on these types of vehicles.
 

7. Weights limits?  Like in the fall isn’t there a waiver for over loaded trucks during harvest?

These type of vehicles are exempt from weights unless they cross a culvert or bridge with a span of more the 60 inches (see statue).  Manure is not considered a seasonable product.  There is no seasonal permit for manure. They are still responsible for damage to roadways and bridges culvert excreta.

State Statue
60-6,383.
Implement of husbandry; weight and load limitations; operation restrictions.
(1) An implement of husbandry being operated on any highway of this state, except the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, shall be exempt from the weight and load limitations of subsections (2), (3), and (4) of section 60-6,294 but shall be subject to any ordinances or resolutions enacted by local authorities pursuant to section 60-681.
(2) An implement of husbandry being operated on any highway of this state shall not cross any culvert with a span of more than sixty inches or any bridge if the vehicle axle, axle groupings, or gross weight exceeds the limits established in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of section 60-6,294 or weight limits established by bridge postings.
(3) For purposes of this section, an implement of husbandry includes (a) a farm tractor with or without a towed farm implement, (b) a self-propelled farm implement, (c) self-propelled equipment designed and used exclusively to carry and apply fertilizer, chemicals, or related products to agricultural soil or crops, (d) an agricultural floater-spreader implement as defined in section 60-303, (e) a fertilizer spreader, nurse tank, or truck permanently mounted with a spreader used for spreading or injecting water, dust, or liquid fertilizers or agricultural chemicals, (f) a truck mounted with a spreader used or manufactured to spread or inject animal manure, and (g) a mixer-feed truck owned and used by a livestock-raising operation designed for and used for the feeding of livestock.

Truck guidebook
https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/2021-2022tgb.pdf

 

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:  Grants for Best Management Practices.

Staff and Committee discussed best management practices at the retreat and directed staff to continue to pursue a grant.  The practices that are being considered:

• Buffer Strips
• Iron Chlorisis products for high Ph soil to encourage crop rotations.  
• Cover crops
• Fertigation
• Variable rate irrigation 
• RO units for households
• Gravity to pivot conversions
• Soil Sampling

RCPP deadline - April 13
USGS deadline - May 3
WSF - July 31
NET - September 6

The Water Resources Research Institutes National Competitive Grants program (104G) is now accepting proposals

   

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources, requests proposals for research projects to improve and enhance the nation’s water supply and availability and promote the exploration of new ideas that address or expand our understanding of water problems. For the 2022 National Competitive Grants Program (104G), proposals must address one of four priority areas: Proposals are sought on the topic of improving and enhancing the nation's water supply and availability, and promoting the exploration of new ideas that address or expand our understanding of water problems, including the following specific areas of inquiry (levels of priority or not assigned, and the order of listing does not indicate the level of priority):   Abundance, location and persistence of legacy nutrients; and Trends of integrated processes, and Water Conflict

Rationale:  The Consortium met on March 11 to give an update on drought conditions.  Members of this group are PMRNRD, LPS, LPN, MUD, LWS and NeDNR.  This group developed a drought plan (2017-19) to assist in supplying water into the Lower Platte River System.  (Plan is attached)
Updates from the meeting:

• LWS reported that all wells are now operating, which has not happened since 2019.
• Missouri River Levels are low.
• Upper Platte Basin is considering allocations for irrigation canals.
• DNR reports that they are not expecting Platte River Water to go beyond Duncan this summer.
• As of March 8, the snowpack is at 90% normal.

The group had a brainstorming session on inter-and intra-agency communication, responsibilities and types.  The objective is to have a consistent message to present to the public.  A monthly update is sent with 13 attachments that discuss snowpack, reservoir capacities, water and climate updates.  If anyone is interested in receiving these updates, just let the water staff know.  There will be monthly phone calls during the summer with the group. 

Drought Dashboard link on NeDNR webite
https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=c0b751c512a24b83a6ad1c3214941ea8

These are some of the criteria for the Lower Platte North if water levels decline.  There is also a Level Three.   Complete rules are on the LPNNRD website.   

Groundwater Quantity Management Area - Level Two

Rule 1    Level Two Criteria

Rule 1.1     Unconfined Aquifer Criteria
Unconfined aquifer management subareas are to be designated within the District when conditions indicate a 10% drop in the saturated thickness of the aquifer. Assessment of percentage drop will be calculated utilizing the spring readings of District monitoring wells over a consecutive three (3) year period assessed against the 1987 baseline groundwater levels or a more recent baseline year groundwater level, adopted by the Board of Directors and revised in the Groundwater Management Rules and Regulations. When greater than 50% of the area within a subarea has reached, or exceeded the trigger level, then a Level Two management area can be established.  Assessment of the percentage of a sub-area will be determined by applying an area-weighting method to District GWEL wells. As more information becomes available subareas shall be further defined. Due to hydrologic considerations for point source groundwater users, a sub-area can be defined as the cone of influence created from commercial/industrial, public water supply, and/or recovery well(s) that seek to collectively supply groundwater equal to or greater than 300 acre feet per year to a single facility or operation. The cone of influence will be determined by the use of groundwater modeling software, such as MODFLOW, or a similar modeling program approved by Lower Platte North NRD. District GWEL network monitoring wells are not to be located on municipal well field property. After the establishment of a Level Two Area, if groundwater levels should recover, two consecutive spring readings below the trigger levels are needed before the Groundwater Quantity Management Area could be placed as a Level One management area.

Rule 1.2     Confined Aquifer Criteria
Confined aquifer management subareas are to be designated within the District when conditions, indicate a 7% drop in potentiometric-aquifer thickness. Assessment of percentage drop will be calculated utilizing the spring readings of District monitoring wells over a consecutive three (3) year period assessed against the 1987 baseline groundwater levels or a more recent baseline year groundwater level, adopted by the Board of Directors and revised in the Groundwater Management Rules and Regulations. When greater than 50% of the area within a subarea has reached, or exceeded the trigger level, then a Level Two management area can be established.  Assessment of the percentage of a sub-area will be determined by applying an area-weighting method to District GWEL wells. As more information becomes available subareas shall be further defined. Due to hydrologic considerations for point source groundwater users, a sub-area can be defined as the cone of influence created from commercial/industrial, public water supply, and/or recovery well(s) that seek to collectively supply groundwater equal to or greater than 300 acre feet per year to a single facility or operation. The cone of influence will be determined by the use of groundwater modeling software, such as MODFLOW, or a similar modeling program approved by Lower Platte North NRD. District GWEL network monitoring wells are not to be located on municipal well field property. After the establishment of a Level Two Area, if groundwater levels should recover, two consecutive spring readings below the trigger levels are needed before the Groundwater Quantity Management Area could be placed as a Level One management area.

Rule 2    Continuation of Level One Rules
Rule 3    Well Metering
Rule 4    Acre-Inch Allocations
Rule 5    Reduction of Irrigated Acres
Rule 6    Water Use Report
Rule 7    Best Management Practices Encouraged

The LPN Groundwater Rules and Regulations do not talk about drought directly.  The Committee directed staff to keep track of individuals who contact us on issues with their wells.  

 
 

Rationale:  Staff from LPN along with LENRD and UENRD met with representatives from NDEE to help in communication and discuss issues. NDEE is going around the whole state and meeting with all NRDs.  Part of the discussion centered around point and non-point contamination and who should be the lead agency.  Some of the issues fell in gray areas with more discussion needed.  Livestock facilities and applications were discussed extensively with NDEE following Title 130 as the guidance.    

Rationale:  Attached is the Support Plan options from the Phoenix Webgroup.  The past 2 years, the LPN has contracted for the Silver Plan for $2,500.  This plan has worked well for the staff.  

Rationale:  The Committee voted to change the meeting date from Wednesday to Tuesday until the April Committee Meeting.  Is the next Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 27, or is it going to stay on Tuesday nights?

The Committee decided to move the Water Committee Meeting back to Wednesday, starting at 6 pm.  The next meeting will be Wednesday, April 27, at 6 pm.  

Attached is Will's Monthly Report.

Rationale:  GMDA Summer Conference will be held June 20 - 22 at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado.  

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  We currently have $54,540.06 of state allocated SWCP funds remaining for FY22 of the original $85,024.81 allotment.  We have until 7/31/22 to disburse them or they will be rolled over to next year's allocation.  

Attached is the 2022 SWCP policy for official approval.  Bob Heimann will be present to discuss a proposed change to our Tree Cost-Share program to allow cost share in some instances when trees are planted by the cooperator.  Attached is the proposed tree cost share list. The first 4 will be planted by the District. Chromy is doing his own with our rental tree planter. Bob thought maybe cost share on hand plants 600 or greater at 50%.
 Ex: 600 x $2= 1,200 if we plant them, their cost 25% = $300.  If they hand plant, 600 x $1 =600 at 50% = $300.  So it’s no more or less.
The only other update to the policy is our 2022 Lands For Conservation program.

Rationale:  Heimann submitted the applications he's received for this year's tree plantings.  They are listed below:

NAME	COUNTY	TREE #	TOTAL COST	NRD COST-SHARE
MIKE REZAC	SAUNDERS	250	$      500.00	$                375.00
AARON BARTEK	SAUNDERS	225	$      450.00	$                337.50
LEE SEEMAN	SAUNDERS	570	$   1,140.00	$                855.00
SETH MCGINN	DODGE	1335	$   2,670.00	$             2,002.50
BILLY CHROMY	BUTLER	1325	$   1,325.00	$               662.50
TOTAL		3705	$   6,085.00	$             4,232.50

Waiting for our summer applications from NRCS.  

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  The earth work on South Shell Creek Channel Improvement/Benching Project has been completed.  Colfax County is working with the contractor and will invoice us for the completed work. We will be reimbursed for the majority of this expense from approved grant funds.  The county is also working on a couple of smaller channel stabilization projects that might be completed by July 1, 2022. Bill Bos continues to work on landowner conservation projects and septic system upgrades. 

Rationale:  Tom Sprunk continues to work with NRCS and a local contractor on preliminary design and costs for one or two additional stabilization projects on his property on Shell Creek tributaries. These proposals are anticipated soon. 

Rationale:   We will be using up to approximately $290,000 of grant funding  to help  complete various Shell Creek projects by July 1, 2022.  We also have budgeted $100,000 of local LPNNRD funds to assist as well. Mountford met with Bill Bos, our Shell Creek Watershed Technician, to estimate the various projects that could occur: 
Completion of the Shell Creek Channel Improvement/Benching Project ($150,000 - $200,000); Tom Sprunk Grade Stabilization Project $50,000, Various landowner projects ($50,000). Colfax County Stabilization projects ($100,000).  While these are rough estimates, it appears we would have enough total funding to participate in these projects if everything falls into place. 

Rationale:  We received an application for a septic system upgrade within the Shell Creek Environmental Enhancement plan watershed, estimated 60% cost-share rate:
 

KEVIN VEEDER

$6,000.00

Rationale:  We are still awaiting final NRCS approval of our Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan, but anticipate that approval soon. The final draft plan can be viewed at:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ne/technical/engineering/?cid=nrcseprd1492259
We have received a $3,870 invoice from FYRA for their work with NRCS and involvement with our public meeting. During this invoice period, they reviewed agency comments and developed reply letters, updated the Plan-EA with information from those comments, attended the projects committee meeting, and reviewed comments from Headquarters. After this payment, $2,187.75 will remain unpaid on the $740,763 FYRA contract.
We will report on the outcome of the Wahoo Creek Public information meeting held Monday, March 28th (Agenda attached). There was a good turnout for the meeting with approximately fifty people in attendance, the majority being landowners and tenants affected by the dam sites. 

Rationale:  Attached is the March 22, 2022, progress report and invoice from Olsson totaling $75,985.19. This invoice is for geo-tech activities at Wahoo Creek dam sites 55, 66, 77, 82, 84, 85 and 86. After this payment, $1,482,124.02 will remain under contract.  

As mentioned under the Wahoo Creek Planning agenda item above, an update was given about the outcome of our March 28th public meeting on LPNNRD moving forward with the process to complete our ten watershed reduction dams by December, 2026.  Andrew Phillips, Olsson, said that hydraulics and hydrology have been started on sites 26a, 26b & 27.  Olsson has also had an initial meeting with the USACE on 404 permitting for the dams.

Rationale:  As we start looking ahead to completing 10 dams by the end of 2026, there will be an accelerated workload that will require additional internal or external assistance. Besides coordination with our engineer firm and the construction contractor, there will be a lot of involvement with landowners, particularly securing project land rights. We anticipate over 70 landowners who we will be negotiating easements and this could be a very time-consuming process.  Besides adding an additional staff member, there would be an opportunity to hire outside land rights assistance during the appraisal process. The committee started this discussion which will continue at future meetings. 

Rationale:  A report will be given on the outcome of a March 28th partner meeting with JEO to review project options for drainage improvement east of Fremont. Attached is the Agenda along with options that were discussed at that meeting. While everything is still in the very early planning phase, it appears the best path going forward will be to combine alternatives as presented on Agenda No. 6. showing flood reduction within Fremont and on agricultural land east of the city (refer to Working Alterative - 5 Year Storm Map).

Rationale:  An update will be given on the Rawhide Creek Planning effort.  Attached is the agenda and the first three chapters of the draft Rawhide Creek Watershed Plan sections for your review.

Rationale:  No new information to discuss.

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  Kurt Stone           Septic Upgrade                          $6,000


A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to approve Kurt Stone, Septic Upgrade - $6,000

Rationale:  The Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan is complete and attached 

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting - To approve NRCS Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan agreement and authorize General Manager to sign the agreement as attached. .  

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.