June 2, 2022 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  To date we have paid out $43,305.36 of our $85,024.81 state allocation.  

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  Aaron Bartek - 225 trees - Farmstead/Wildlife windbreak: $337.50

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  We will still be completing other Shell Creek projects until September 1st.  Colfax County has sent an invoice for the Shell Creek South Channel Improvement/Benching work completed by Pruss Ecavation totaling $208,285.02. We have already submitted this upcoming expense to NDEE for reimbursement. A committee recommendation to pay Colfax County $208,285.02 for this completed work is requested.. As a reminder, attached is our interlocal agreement with Colfax County where we have committed to funding the construction and the County contributes all engineering expenses.. 

Rationale:  Tom Sprunk is moving forward with his contractor to construct his grade stabilization structure along Shell Creek.  Attached is a newspaper article Lacey Sabatka wrote about Tom's grade stabilization/wetlands enhancement structure that was completed in 2021. 

Rationale:  We are wrapping up various Shell Creek projects to expend the remaining EPA 319 funds soon. As mentioned, the next step will be working with NDEE to obtain more EPA 319 funding for 2023 projects. JEO has submitted their completed work to Elbert Traylor, NDEE, who is working on the final Wahoo Creek Watershed Water Quality Plan update.

Rationale: 

CRAIG NELSON

$6,317.82

KURT STONE

$4,083.91

Rationale:  Diane Miller - Section 7-20-4W (Platte)      $6,500.00
 

Rationale:  With the heavy rains (up to 9 inches reported) in the 25,000  acre Elm Creek Watershed (tributary of Shell Creek)  that drains to Platte Center, renewed discussions have emerged on flood reduction for the area.  There is a 2011 study that Platte Center sponsored (completed by JEO as attached) that looked at potential solutions to reduce flooding in the 25,000 acre watershed above the Village. Unfortunately, at that time there wasn’t a feasible large flood reduction solution identified. There were three potential flood reduction dams sites around Tarnov and a levee system analyzed at that time.  We  have been in contact with JEO and Platte Center about a new study opportunity through NRCS to look for feasible solutions.  If there is local interest, maybe a future partnership with NRCS,  Platte Center, Platte County, the Union Pacific Railroad, the Shell Creek  Watershed Improvement Group and LPNNRD could be formed to investigate the area again.  LPNNRD has been assisting Platte Center for about three decades with channel improvement and stabilization projects to help reduce Elm Creek flood damage in the Village. While Platte Center hasn't indicated interest in pursuing a new watershed study, this might be something that could emerge in the future.

 

Rationale:  We are still waiting for notification that NRCS has formally signed off on our Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan.

Rationale:  Attached are a Wahoo Creek progress report and invoices. Olsson $29,332.29 invoice for Sites 26a, 26b & 27 and a $21,608.20 invoice for sites 55, 66, 77, 82, 84, 85, 86 is attached.  After these payments, $1,395,447.75 will remain under our existing contract for all ten sites.  Andrew Phillips gave an update on the present process and future planned actives to complete all 10 tens by the end of 2026.

Rationale:  Andrew Phillips, with Olsson, discussed a proposed contract update for completing the remaining work in Wahoo Creek.  In summary, taking into consideration the contract time delays as we worked with NRCS through the planning process and removing Dam Site 83 (cultural resource issues), there is a $6,050 contract reduction in services from the original contract. However, an amendment is needed to include tasks that were not included in the original agreement to include construction and project management services that were not anticipated at the time, since it was unknown when funding would be available for project construction. The agreement amendment services total $693,430.  Attached are the existing contract and the proposed amendment.

Rationale:  JEO has completed their portion of the Wahoo Creek Plan Update (invoice attached). This information is now in the hands of NDEE who is working on the final product for eventual EPA review. This $243.00 payment will complete our $31,630 contact with JEO for their contribution for the plan update.  The majority of this contract was reimbursed by NDEE (EPA 319 grant). 

We will be working with NDEE to receive new EPA grant funding for Wahoo Creek for 2023.

Rationale:  Another JWMAB project, Platte Township/West Fremont, has received approval for moving forward.  LPNNRD has committed up to $20,000 toward an evaluation of flood reduction projects west of Fremont.  

The interlocal has been reviewed by Dodge County Attorney, the City and LPNNRD Attorney.  Attached is the draft for review. After final changes, the document will be ready for approval and signature at our June 13th Board meeting.

The request for proposals was sent to engineering firms  and has been published in the Fremont Tribune paper.  (attached)

The proposed path forward over the next few weeks:
June 15:  Dodge County Board Meeting Agenda will include the review and signature for the project agreement and the review and signature for the Interlocal.
June 22:  Firm proposals are due.  The plan is to meet  June 23 to review the proposals to make the recommendation to the County Board.  
June 29:  County Board Meeting, recommendation from the JWMAB partners to the County Board.  Address any Board outstanding issues, Notice of Award, and then Firm Agreement Review.
July 13:  Agreement with selected Firm to the County Board.
July 20, 21, or 22:  Kick off meeting with firm and NEMA.
 

Rationale:  No new informtion was presented.

Rationale:  As has been discussed in the past, while LPNNRD has not been a member of the LPRCA for several years, we have been asked to attend biannual meetings with LPSNRD, PMRNRD and state agency representatives. Unlike when it was formed, there is no paid coordinator and joint projects are limited compared to how it was operated in the past. LPNNRD's project involvement is with the USGS Water Quality Gauge on the Platte River near Lashara (with several others), and the  NDEE Watershed Water Quality Plan that was completed with LPSNRD and PMRNRD. There is value on still attending these meetings twice a year, if just to keep up to date on Platte River topics with other NRD's and state agencies  Attached is the May 25th Meeting agenda and minutes, the October 2021 minutes and FY 22-23 budget that was presented for review. The committee discussed the value of LPNNRD continuing to attend meetings and the possibility of becoming a dues-paying member at the $1,000/year membership level. 

Rationale:  Attached is a draft summary of major project expenitures antcipated for FY2023 and beyond.

Rationale:  Platte Center has submitted a $7,705.50 invoice for additional channel cleaning on Ellm Creek on the north side of main street.  In November 2021, the Board approved 50% cost share on a proposed $30,000 total project, up to $15,000 maximum assistance. At the March Board meeting, a payment of $8,208 was approved for completed work. Upon approval of paying 50% of the additional work or $3,852.75, our total assistance will be $12,060.75.

Platte Center wants to so additional future channel improvements by sloping portions of the Elm Creek Bank as it comes through the village to reduce bank erosion. Attached is a project estimate totaling $8,250 for the new work. 

Rationale:  The Projects Committee adgorned at 9:33 a.m.