May 9, 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, 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:  Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? If not, they will be approved on the consent agenda.

Rationale:  The NARD in partnership with South Platte, North Platte and Upper Niobrara White NRDs will be hosting the 2022 NRD Basin Tour.  The tour will be based out of Scottsbluff on June 6-7 (see attachement).  Registration deadline is May 19th.  

Rationale:  Attached find absence requests from Director Williams for March, Directors Saalfeld and Thompson for February and Director Kavan for January. 

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:  As mentioned at the last meeting, there is an property adjacent to our Czechland emergency spillway in the process of being sold.  Gottschalk will update the committee as to the current status and a request from the current owner.

Rationale:  Discussion regarding Mike Sotak's e-mail reply regarding LPNNRD's request for reduction in FYRA's billing for the Wanahoo stilling basin repair project

Rationale:  Through our discussions with JEO and at the March board meeting, it is recommended a subcommittee be established to work with staff and JEO as we proceed through the approved planning phase.  This subcommittee, made up of board members and staff, will meet with JEO to ensure good communication and understanding of Lower Platte North's ideas and requirements for the new office and surrounding area.

Rationale:  Grant reviewed the Financial Statements with the Executive Committee and answered questions. 

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

Rationale:  Nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  Last July and September it was brought to the Boards attention that NE Game & Parks and NRD staff were communicating with Ducks Unlimited to pursue a NAWCA Grant for the renovation/development of the wetland on the Wanahoo property just west of the dirt burrow site on Co. Rd P. The NAWCA grant would cover 50% ($62,500), NRD 50% ($62,500) and G & P and additional $20,000 to expand the project scope by increasing depth of the wetland excavated area. The area covers approximately 16 acres (photo attached).
DU is finalizing the grant application and need a budgetary commitment from the District before they submit.

Rationale:  The O & M crew continues to cut and pile trees, move and place rip-rap to stabilize shoreline at Wanahoo that threatens the trail, and preparing for tree packaging and planting season.

Rationale:  Apron Floor Overlay
General Excavating was hired to clean, drill holes and place anchors for a pull test in the stilling basin apron floor. Their contract is for $18,565. The old floor debris was cleaned out, and a couple of holes were drilled. Strong winds caused water over the weir, flooding the floor. We are managing water to lower the lake and will pump water again to drill holes and epoxy anchors in the floor.
M.E. Collins was also contacted but could not give a firm start or completion date.
Terracon will do the pull test on the nine anchors.
Stilling Basin - Valley Corp
Attached is the final Valley Pay Application and Change Orders 1 & 2 Document.  Final payment amount is $188,310.12 which includes the retainage and change orders. On the Change Order Pay Application document which is $230,548.79 Valley states "Valley Corp will not request any additional payments for aggregates above original contract totals and Change Order 1 & 2 total quantity additions and estimated quantity totals will be paid in full. Full payment for work completed in payment application No. 6 & 7/ Final including retainage to be paid in full without deductions". The Committee recommends a motion from the Board.
FYRA Invoices
The previous invoice from FYRA worth $37,991.25 and current invoice of $2,835.00 are attached for review.

Rationale:  Rieschick Drilling Co. will be here in May to recondition the seven relief wells on the Wanahoo Dam.

Rationale:  Hay bids for our three recreation areas were due Wednesday, April 27th and will be reviewed by the committee. We received bids from five individuals.
Bid spreadsheet is attached.
High bid for Czechland is Dan Ourada at $79.00/ton.
Homestead - Dan Kadavy at 81.00/ton.
Wanahoo Area "A" - Ken Cejka $88.00/ton
Wanahoo Areas "B" & "C" - Meduna Family Farms $71.00/ton.
Dan Kadavy's bid came in the mail after the due date of April 27 at 4:00 p.m. but is post marked April 26th.

Rationale:  The District is having Cottonwood 7-A (Czechland) and 21-A (above Malmo), both high hazard dams, assessed through an NRCS Dam Assessment Program. There will be nine dams assessed in eastern Nebraska for Lewis & Clark (3), LPSNRD (3), Norfolk & Lower Elkhorn (1) through this NRCS Program. We are cooperating with NARD as the lead. NARD asked for RFP's from engineering firms for these assessments. Five firms presented RFP's, NARD and the District's reviewed the RFP's and selected JEO to perform the nine assessments at a price of $139,500. JEO's must complete the assessments by the end of September. This is entirely funded by NRCS.
The assessment on Cottonwood 21-A will give us a second opinion whether we need to modify the emergency spillway and county road elevation. If the assessment agrees with DNR's evaluation, we would then pursue federal funding at 65% to modify the dam.

Rationale:  The Big Game Conservation Association (BGCA) would like to place a second elevated deer hunting blind on the Wanahoo property. The use of the hunting blinds is for youth mentor hunting and individuals must register online through the PATH Hunting Program (G & P) to hunt the area. Staff has met with Big Game Conservation Chairman Chris Edwards and have coordinated with NE Game & Parks. Attached are aerial photo's of the current blind location and potential locations for others.
The Wahoo Ducks Unlimited Chapter has three blinds on Lake Wanahoo. 

Rationale:  The District has ordered 17,875 trees. The majority of our trees, from Halsey, were delivered on Thursday, April 28th. This has set some districts back as much as 2 weeks. We will now package those for people to plant themselves and then start on the 14 plantings the District has scheduled.

Rationale:  Dave Medinger of Butler County let the District know he and his dad will continue to do bank stabilization along the Platte River this summer and will request cost-share assistance.

Rationale:  For the month of April (as of 4/27), the District received $8,790.00 in annual park permit revenue. The year by year breakdown for annual permits sold during the month of April is listed below. 
 

Month	Monthly Total	YTD Total
April 2022	8,790.00	35,912.50
April 2021	13,645.00	48,562.50
April 2020	10,390.00	37,932.50
April 2019	10,407.50	39,497.50

Rationale:  For the month of April, as of 4/27, the District has received $5,208.50 in camping revenue at Lake Wanahoo. The year by year comparison for the month of April is listed below.
 

Year	Revenue
April 2022	5,208.50
April 2021	11,282.38
April 2020	18,605.07
April 2019	7,495.40

Rationale:  During the month of April, the building was rented 21 times, with 3 NRD rentals/events. Revenue for the month was $1,560. There are 7 weekend openings between now and the end of the year, otherwise all Saturdays and Sundays are booked.

Rationale:  April’s KTIC Radio ad and Wahoo Newspaper e-ad featured the three NRD recreation areas.

Rationale: 

FACEBOOK	Total Reach	Engagements	Followers
April 1-25	14,428	653	1,360
March	18,460	1,770	1,346
February	4,253	345	1,330

 

TWITTER	Total impressions	Engagements	Followers
April 1-25	9,299	463	364
March	7,169	340	362
February	1,755	85	357

Top Posts on Facebook and Twitter:
• Fridays share the latest drought monitor map
• Rain barrel workshop
• Seeking summer interns
• Lawn care/greenhouse workshop
• Hay bids being accepted


 

WEBSITE	Users	Traffic Channel	Top Pages	Devices
April 1-25	1,221	Organic 63.8% Direct 21.6% Referral 12.5% Social 2.1%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Forestry Staff	Mobile 54.91% Desktop 43.29% Tablet 1.80%
March	1,899	Organic 48.9% Direct 36% Referral 10.8% Social 4.3%	Home Lake Wanahoo Czechland Forestry Downloads	Desktop 49.18% Mobile 47.81% Tablet 3%
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%

44 from NARD’s website.
26 clicks from Facebook to our website and 1 click from Twitter to our website.

Rationale:  The :30 Lake Wanahoo video has been running on News Channel Nebraska through April. We will switch to the Operations and Maintenance video for May.

Rationale:  A small celebration of the 100 millionth tree planting will take place East of David City on Tuesday, May 3rd at 10:00am.
Jed and Jeff Struck have purchased and planted hundreds of trees throughout the years from the LPNNRD. We have been working with NARD to make this event happen. Pure Nebraska and Market Journal have shown interest in attending to do a story on the NRDs and the successful tree program. 

Rationale:  Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce is recognizing 150 years of Arbor Day. To honor this, they are providing each NRD with a commemorative tree planting in the Spring or Fall of 2022. LPNNRD plans to plant this tree at Lake Wanahoo.

In addition, they are proposing a partnership to gift a tree to every county in the state – The Gift of Trees: 1872-2022. Lacey will be reaching out to the chambers in Dodge, Colfax and Butler to help determine what species of tree to be planted and where. It is suggested to be planted in a high traffic area such as a park, school, etc. There will be a presentation of the history of Arbor Day and the NRD will present the importance of planting trees, with hopes of media coverage. The Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce will also be present at as many tree plantings as possible.
The tree for Saunders County will be planted at Lake Wanahoo.

Lacey reached out to Great Plains Nursery in Weston to get a quote on well established trees for this project. They have 15-gallon trees for $148. They have around 8 different species currently available. The choice of species for each county will depend on availability and any city guidelines. 

Rationale:  Logan View MS/HS Day
Coffee Lakeside
Rain Barrel Workshop
Richland Classroom Visit
Compost, Lawncare, Gardening Workshop
Wahoo 1st grade fieldtrip
 

Rationale:  Spring Conservation Sensation May 4th
St. Wenceslaus Pre-k Field Trip May 9th & 10th
East Butler Field Trip May 11th 
Wahoo 3rd grade Field Trip May 16th 
Nocturnal Night May 20th
 

Rationale:  Western Tiger Salamander to use for E&O classroom visits, events, etc. Free from UNL and Dr. Ferraro's lab. It's in its larval stage now but will be fully grown in the next month or two. Supplies needed: tank (free donated), sand (free, go collect it), water dish (free, donated), wax worms/crickets/night crawlers ($4.99/month and collect), eheim mini-flat aquarium filter ($30). 

Rationale:  Over the past month the RWD has responded to 13 811 requests.  All meters were visually inspected during the meter reading period as part of semi-annual maintenance.

Rationale:  RWD performed annual valve maintenance over the last month; this includes turning gate valves and flushing hydrants.
Routine monthly sampling completed, meters read and bills will be mailed 4/28.

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, meters read and bills will be mailed 4/28.

Rationale:  The draft transfer policy is attached with corrections on page 2, number 13, changing parcels to acres.  The Board passed the draft transfer policy at the April Board Meeting with final approval to be considered at the Water Committee and May Board Meeting.   

Rationale:  The committee and staff discussed the request and commented as Jamie Yinkrick requested the transfer on December 29, 2021, that the deadline of March 1st had been met.  Jamie will still need to complete all the paperwork necessary for approval.  

Jamie Yindrick requested to transfer irrigated acres at the December 29, 2021 Water Committee. His request is transferring irrigated acres to Section 2-16N-3E from Section 9-15N-4E (located just west of Bruno in SQS #1), which currently has 73.43 certified irrigated acres. The land receiving the acres does have 2 active irrigation wells but the acres were never certified with the NRD.  Jamie has submitted and drilled a replacement well for G-136646. The originally well hit rock and never got to full depth. 

Jamie assumed that this property had certified irrigated acres because of the existing wells.  He also commented that the owners were confused about what they needed to do to certify the acres.  

Information is attached with a scoring sheet.  The tract of land in Section 2 scored 295 points using LPN scoring system.  The two areas that scored low on the sheet were Saturated Thickness and Specific Yield.  Staff re-evaluated the saturated thickness utilizing the AEM data and found areas that were over 25 feet, which would give an extra 10 points or a 305 score.    

Section 2 is located in Octavia Groundwater Aquifer Subarea, with Section 9 located in Prague Aquifer Subarea. The Prague Aquifer Region is more restrictive than the Octaivia Aquifer Region.  

Optional conditions could be utilizing this as an LPN monitoring well and, if PVC tube is available, installing a datalogger.  At the Committee meeting, it was discovered that, as this is submersible well, the conditions could not be adopted.  

Rationale: 

Wells Permits Approved: #

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Terry Papa	1	0	Irrigation	Butler	Octavia

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total number of approved permits for 2022 is #

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2022:  Correct as of ####

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

 

Rationale:  Myron (Brent) Behlen's well permit is attached for a new well in SQS#2.  The well permit is for the NW SW S19-19N-1E in Platte County.  

Attached is the well permit and letter from the producer on why they are asking for a new well.  Water use was 13.03 total inches for 3 years or 4.34 inches/year on 256.39 acres. (2019-2021) 

Information from AEM data, Water Use and Hydrogeologic Boundaries attached.  

Optional conditions on the permit could include a PVC tube being installed so LPN could install a datalogger for remote reads.  If the pumping level drops below a certain level, the well will then have pumping restrictions. 

Staff showed the Committee the AEM data and explained the location of potentially more plentiful water.  From AEM flight information, it showed better water on the east side of the property.  Staff will contact the  Behlen's and discuss the data presented.  It is recommended that a test hole is dug before installing the well to verify water availability.  

Discussion about conditions for this well was a datalogger, potential drawdown triggers and pumping restrictions.  Staff will discuss these issues with the Behlen's before approving the well permit.

Rationale:  Staff is continuing to compile names and options for producers whose Nitrogen/Irrigation Certification has expired.  The options that will be sent to these producers are:

• Online testing
• Take home tests
• An in-person class on July 19 with UNL called the 4Rs.   

All of the letters will point out if compliance can't be met, the Board will potentially issue a Cease and Desist Order.  

In the last month, an additional 9 people have taken the online test and passed.  
 

Rationale:  The annual meeting was held on April 19 to approve partner's IMP reports, allowable depletions for the next 5 years and the budget.  The directors of the coalition approved all of these items, which include $10,000 membership dues.  An interlocal agreement will be distributed to each participating partner's Board for approval, to continue with the Coalition.  

The group discussed below normal precipitation and how each NRD is handling land development, if it occurs.  NeDNR made a presentation on the Lower Platte dashboard and was asked about the news release from the Consortium.  NeDNR also updated the group on the Perkin Canal project.  

To view the dashboard, visit the Department of Natural Resources’ site at  dnr.nebraska.gov/water-planning/lower-platte-river-basin

Information is attached on the depletions, plan updates and budget.  

Rationale: 

For 2022, we have 320 renewals and 9 new permit applications for a current total of 329.  No Inspections have been completed. The renewal deadline is June 1st and must be postmarked or turned in on that day. If the active permit lapses, a new permit must be applied for, purchased, and inspected prior to use this season. 
 

Rationale:  Maps were created from Spring 2022 water levels with a summary from Spring 2021 to 2022.  

59% of wells measured have decreased from 2021 water levels with 22% increasing.  (19% unchanged)

Rationale:  Staff went through a couple of examples for the Committee and discussed the recommended reasonable rates and cap limits. 

Reasonable rates:

Pump and Obstruction removal: Currently $125.00; Suggested Rate $145.00

Chlorine/per lb: Currently $13.90; Suggested Rate $15.00

Chlorine/per gallon: Currently $4.25; Suggested Rate $5.00

Bentonite/per 50 lb bag: Currently $13.00; Suggested Rate $16.00

Gravel/per ton: Currently $31.50; Suggested Rate $36.00

Concrete cap/prefab cap: Currently $40.00; Suggested Rate $45.00

Backhoe/per hour: Currently $95.00; Suggested Rate $110.00

Labor per hour: Currently $60.00; Suggested Rate $75.00

Mileage: Currently $2.25; Suggested Rate $2.45


Sales tax: up to 7.5%

Miscellaneous- Mobilization etc. - 75% of that cost with a cap of $250

 

Rationale: 

# new wells has been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

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
Walter Bohaty	Irrigation	$1,000.00	Butler
Barbara Vanek	Irrigation	$965.75	Saunders

 

Rationale:  Potential Projects with other partners:

• Age Dating of Groundwater with Lower Loup NRD and USGS from Columbus to Fremont.  
• Groundwater Modeling with Papio and Lower Platte South
  • A meeting was held with NeDNR and other NRDs on this project.  Suggested cost could be between $600,000 to $1,000,000.
  • The project could start within 1 year.
  • Plan to meet with the other NRDs about submitting a grant to WSF (60-40).
  • NeDNR will contribute to this effort.
  • If the grant is unsuccessful, this model will still need to be completed to determine 10/50 lines and stream depletion factors. 
• Missouri River Trib Model with NeDNR
  • The model completed above would be a regional model that would be put into the larger model. 

Projects that are currently being conducted within LPN

• Recharge project with ENWRA
• Updating 1995 Groundwater Level Map with UNL/CSD and ENWRA
• Modeling SQS#2 area with UNL/CSD, NeDNR and ENWRA
• Denitrification Study with UNL Water Center
• Stream Sampling of Wahoo and Shell Creek
• Water Sampling around Platte Center and further west with analysis of the extent of nitrate contamination.

Rationale:  Potential Best Management Practices for a grant.

• Buffer Strips - eligible for the Nebraska Buffer Strip Program
• Iron Chlorisis products for high Ph soil to encourage crop rotations.  Cost-share $15/acre (Total $36,000)
  • 1200 acres a year over a 2-year period
• Cover crops - Add an additional $5/acre with NRCS contract (Total $24,000)
  • 2400 acres a year over a 2-year period
• Fertigation - $500 per site (Total $5,000)
  • 10 new sites
• Variable rate Nitrogen - additional $10/acre over NRCS contract (Total $20,000)
  • 1000 acres per year over a 2-year period
• RO units for households - $500 per household (Total $20,000)
  • 40 households. 
• Gravity to pivot or SDI - additional $10,000 per conversion over NRCS contract (Total $50,000)
  • 5 conversions over a 2-year period
• Soil Sampling - $10/acre over a NRCS contract ($20,000)
  • 1000 acres per year over a 2-year period.
• Soil Moisture Sensors with advanced technology - $750 per site ($7,500)
  • 10 sites 
• Water Flow Meters $1,000 per meter ($170,000)
  • 170 meters with one per site.
  • 130 total wells in Bellwood Area with 15 with installed meters.
  • 436 total wells in Richland-Schuyler Area with 56 with installed meters.  
  • Voluntary installation 
  • Coordinate with NRCS flow meter cost-share (irrigation management)

The total cost for the Best Management Grant would be $352,500 and with a 60-40 split, LPN match would be $141,000.   

WSF - July 31
NET - September 6

Rationale:  LRE is providing a proposal to complete a Hydrogeologic Assessment with an option for an electronic, or GIS-based deliverable (rather than a hard-copy map book). This project would create consistency with both the 3D AEM Framework and Hydrogeologic Assessments that have been completed for LENRD and PMRNRD, and what LPSNRD will have completed by mid-2023. The proposal assumes that LPNNRD would incorporate this effort into a Water Sustainability Fund (WSF) application. 
 

Rationale:  Attached is a couple of documents from UNL/CSD.  This agreement was originally signed in 2015.  The amended agreement would go to June 30, 2025.  The purpose of this agreement is to allow CSD to assist LPN in drilling test holes.  This allows LPN and UNL/CSD to continue the cooperative agreement without developing a new agreement as projects arise in the next few years.   There is no cost in extending this agreement.   

Rationale:  The Consortium released a news release describing the purpose of the group and to make the public aware of water use.  This group meets monthly and more frequently, if needed, to discuss the situation on the flow of the Platte River and any other drought-related concerns.   

A News Release and Drought Map are attached.  

Rationale:  Staff sent letters out to well drillers to determine their interest in drilling a new monitoring well north of Richland.  Staff is planning on sending out full packets to drillers who are interested in submitting a quote for this project the week of April 25.

Rationale:  A quote from Phoenix Webgroup for $12,050 +/-10% is attached for converting the current spreadsheet to a required spreadsheet for UNL clearinghouse, which NeDEE then makes an annual report to the Legislature. If the contract is approved, a 50% deposit is required ($6,025).  The 2021-22 budget had $15,000 with $5612.48 remaining. 

This quote will also allow some changes to online reporting.  The changes will be sorting the reports and calculation of organic matter.    

As NDEE is involved in the clearinghouse, it appears they are willing to fund $5,000 for this project. 

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  We've received one application for summer SWCP cost-share.  The farm is outside of our priority areas so qualifies for a maximum cost-share amount of $10,000:

S-1-22

RUTH WIDMAN

$                  10,000.00

TERRACE/TILE OUTLET

Rationale:  The following applications have been received for our Lands for Conservation (LFC) program.  One application (Hartman) is located outside of our grant areas so will be paid out of the local SWCP fund.  As a reminder, the approved 2022 LFC payment rate is $192/acre:

PARTICIPANT	ACRES	PAYMENT	LOCATION	WATERSHED
HARTMAN FAMILY TRUST	5	$      960.00	31-16N-5E SAUNDERS	SKULL
CARL & DOROTHY PETERSON TRUST	95	$ 18,240.00	35-15N-6E SAUNDERS	WAHOO
AUSTIN & AMY VERMELINE	50	$   9,600.00	9-15N-6E SAUNDERS	COTTONWOOD (21-A)
TOTAL	150	$28,800.00

Rationale:  We are working to close out various Shell Creek Projects and use available funding by September 2022.  We will be working with NDEE to complete a new Project Implementation Plan for future 319 grant assistance over the next five years.

Rationale:  As mentioned previously, Tom Sprunk has been working with Bill Bos, contractor Jim Wimhoff and NRCS for another grade stabilization project along Shell Creek. Tom Sprunks  Rock Chute project is moving along well.  Healing a headcut on Shell Creek.  Bill Bos met with the contractor and Tom and the proposed start time is Mid May. 
Engineers cost is 45,262.00
75% cost share  33,945.00
Contractors estimate is within the engineers estimated cost.

Bill will be at the projects committee on April 28th to discuss this project and potential approval.. 
 

Rationale:  We have $226,289 of available grant funds plus an additional $95,000 of LPNNRD funds are budgeted for various projects. Colfax County informed us that the contractor (Pruss) submitted an invoice for $208,285 for the remaining work on the Shell Creek South Branch Project. We plan to receive an invoice from Colfax County for this expense in May. 
The following are project expenses estimated for the grant period ending September, 2022.
Shell Creek Channel Improvement/Benching Project: $208,285
Tom Sprunk Shell Crekk Grade Stabilization Project: $33,945
Various Landowner & Septic System Projects: $50,000
Colfax County Shell Creek Stabilization Project: ????

Estimated Remaining Minimum Match Requirement ($176,364.16) :
Colfax County Engineering (Channel Project): $40,000
Colfax County Landright Value (Channel Project): $50,000
Landowner Project Match: $20,000
LPNNRD Estimated Match: $66,000
Other Colfax County Stabilization Project Match: ?????

Of the estimated $291,945 that could be LPNNRD's project expenditures by September, 2022,  it is estimated $66,000 would be from LPNNRD local budgeted funds. 

In addition to the above, Colfax County will be requesting assistance with reinforcing a rock stabilization project along Shell Creek. The estimated total cost is $100,000.

 

Rationale:  Colfax County has requested assistance for a project to stabilize a Shell Creek channel. The estimated cost is $100,000. Since it appears our Shell Creek grant funding will be used on other projects, LPNNRD commitment would be entirely from local budgeted funds. It is anticipated more detail will be available by the committee meeting.  

Rationale:  An approved livestock water system has been completed and submitted for cost-share within our Shell Creek Environmental Enhancement Plan area:

LOUIS LUTJELUSCHE

$   9,198.00

LIVESTOCK - PUMP, WELL, TANKS,

SEC: 18-18N-2E

Rationale:  We have returned our signed Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan Agreement to NRCS and are awaiting their official signed approval,

Rationale:  On April 23, we had a meeting with Olsson to discuss USACE 404 permitting and mitigation requirements for Wahoo Creek dams (minutes attached).  It is estimated that 15,300 feet (2.9 miles) of stream channel will need to be improved for mitigation purposes. Staff will continue to work with Olsson on selecting the best areas and approach. 

Attached is a Wahoo Creek progress report. Also attached are Olsson invoices for Sites 26a, 26b & 27 ($1,531.23) and for sites 55, 66, 77, 82, 84, 85, 86 ($32,614.25). These sites are billed separately because of being reimbursed in part of fully from different sources. After these payments, $1,446,388.24 will remain under our existing contract for all ten sites.  As mentioned in the past, at the next Project Committee meeting, Olsson is planning to discuss a contract update needed for completing the remaining work in Wahoo Creek. 

Rationale:  Sean Elliott will give updates on the JWMAB Meeting held on April 13th, the Elkhorn Township/East Fremont Project and the Rawhide Creek Public Meeting held on April 14th. 

Rationale:  Attached is USGS's second invoice totaling $24,180 for the Platte River Camera/Gauge Equipment along the river. FEMA will pay 75% grant assistance toward the $38,880 total equipment costs. We have  previously paid USGS $14,700.  Attached are our equipment and maintenance agreements with USGS. 

After the Dodge County receives the FEMA grant payment, each partner (LPNNRD, PMRNRD, Fremong & Dodge County) will each be contributing $2,430 toward the equipment. 

Rationale:  On April 13th the JWMAB convened for a formal meeting to update members on status of related projects.  JEO updated the Board on the status of the Rawhide Creek Watershed Flood Reduction Plan.  They have completed enough of the hydrology/hydraulics within the watershed to begin narrowing down on project alternatives.  They plan to have project alternatives highlighted by our May meeting.  Initial observations: detention cell(s) feasibility will be challenging due to size.  The Fremont Cut-off will most likely be an important piece.

On April 14th a public informational meeting was held in North Bend to discuss the Rawhide Creek Flood Risk Reduction Plan.  JEO presented the scope of the project and a planned progress timeline.  The purpose of the meeting was to engage with the public within the watershed and discuss potential project alternatives.

Rationale:  On April 13 JEO presented to the JWMAB on the FEMA Advanced Assistance study in the E. Fremont/Elkhorn Township watershed.  The attachments that accompanied the presentation are attached, and are the same as was presented to Projects last month.  There will be a meeting on May 3 involving JEO, JWMAB, NDOT, UPRR regarding multiple chokepoints within East Fremont that will have a big impact on the future path of this project.

Rationale:  No new information

Rationale:  Jake Miriovsky, JEO, will joined by Zoom at 8:00 a.m. to give a progress report on the completed work.
As attached, Sanitary Improvement District No. 8 is requesting payment  of LPNNRD's approved $40,000 toward the completed Bank Stabilization near the Woodcliff's lagoons. The project involves 9 weirs and about 900 feet of stone toe protection along their riverfront property. Jake suggested waiting to approve our assistance payment until all outside assistance funding is received from FEMA/NEMA. The $510,000 project total cost is expected to receive 95% cost share reimbursement, which would leave $25,500. LPNNRD's policy has been to pay no more than 50% of the total local share. In this case it appears our final approved payment is estimated to be $12,750, not $40,000. The committee will wait to make a final payment recommendation.

Also attached is their $35,000 project assistance request for the first of three payments on the substantially completed Bank Stabilization Project near Lots 1142 - 1134. This project placed 6 weirs and approximately 500 feet of stone toe protection along Woodcliff riverfront property. LPNNRD approved $105,000 to be paid $35,000/year over three fiscal years. Since this request and approval came after our FY 22 Budget was approved, the first $35,000 payment can be budgeted and paid after July 1, 2022 (FY 23). A $35,000 payment will be budgeted for and paid in FY 24 and in FY 25. 
 

Rationale:  Septic System Upgrade - Dale Alswager - $6,422.42

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to approve payment to Dale Alswager $6,422.42 for septic system upgrade. This will be submitted to NDEE for 100% reimbursement. 

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.