April 27, 2023 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  The NRD was contacted by Jay Wemhoff of Platte county about assistance with renovating his windbreak.  The current NRD policy allows for up to $1000 cost-share for removal/site prep of the area.  He plans to remove and prep the area this year and re-plant next spring.

Rationale:  Our last SCWIG meeting was on 4/3/2023 with lots of discussion regarding ideas for urban projects and agricultural projects that Bill has planned.  The upcoming Soil and Water Conservation Society conference in Des Moines on August 6-9 was also discussed since our Symposia and poster presentation requests were approved.  Seven SCWIG monitoring students attended the Lincoln tour on April 10th.  Lacey is working on a summary of the tour for the upcoming Viaduct publication.  NDEE is working with the schools to initiate summer monitoring.  The next SCWIG meeting is scheduled for June 20th, 10:00-12:00, Columbus NRCS office.

Bill Bos submitted an estimate for a grade stabilization project along Shell Creek on Tom Sprunks property.  The work planned would include grading shaping, rip-rap placement, and a corrugated metal pipe for spillway.
Total estimated cost is $19,144.00.  75% = $14,358

Bill Bos submitted two applications for new stock well, pump, and tanks in Colfax county for Fred Siefken, and in Platte county for Arden Saalfeld.  The application covers new well, solar pump, and tanks.  
Siefken total estimated cost is $27,929.29.  75% = $20,946.97
Saalfeld total estimated cost is: $23,877.33  75%= $17,907.99

Rationale:  Attached are the current invoices, and progress report, from Olsson for Wahoo Creek dam designs.

Invoice 453748: First 3 sites: $9,221.66.  
Invoice 453749: Second 7 sites: $77,867.77

Olsson submitted 60% design updates to NRCS for review.  Most of work has shifted to second 7 designing and geotech analysis.  
On first 3 sites the goal is to have completed 90% review comments by end of May and have USACE permit submitted then as well.
 

Rationale:  Over the past month Danielle Allen, Olsson Land Acquisitions, Dan Lightbody, Olsson Engineer, and Sean Elliott met with all the landowners impacted by Wahoo Creek Sites 26A, 26B and 27.  
The conversations were meant to provide a opportunity for the landowners to ask questions about the process moving forward.  Danielle Allen explained the upcoming appraisals and how that would work into the land rights easements purchase.  Dan Lightbody was available to answer questions regarding specific dam engineering.  Elliott represented the NRD and provided a history of the watershed plan, as well as, how the NRD will operate and maintain the dams in the future.
Overall the meetings went well and we plan on moving into appraisals the week of 5/1.  Great Plains Appraisals is contracted for the appraisals and will also meet with all landowners through their process.

NeDNR informed the NRD that our project will be allowed to utilize permanent easements.  We should see an agreement amendment in the next few weeks reflecting this change.

Attached is the latest invoice for contracted work by Olsson for this phase of land rights acquisition.
Invoice 455173: $4,565.17

Rationale:  The PIFR (Preliminary Investigation Feasability Report) request letter and required information was submitted to NRCS on 4/20/2023.  The state office responded that it will likely be a while before they take any action on new PIFR's as they are working to ensure existing projects are progressing in an orderly fashion.

The headwaters of Skull and Bone creek (see attached map) are priority areas in our Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance - Water Quality Management Plan.  As such, this area is eligible for 319 funds similar to Shell Creek contingent on a plan update.  The three NRDs are meeting on May, 4th with NDEE to discuss this update and potential future projects.

Rationale:  A Project Open House occurred on March 30th with 44 individuals signing in.  The project website has received 191 views.  Responses were all positive.
A progress meeting occurred on 4/26.  For multiple reasons, clearing and reestablishing the existing ditches beyond the detention basins will not happen as a part of this project.  We will need our financial and maintenance commitment to the partners in the next few months.  Staff intent is to develop a recommended motion at our next committee meeting on June 1st for approval at June 12th Board Meeting.  As of now, partners are planning to attend the June 1st committee meeting.  Partners would also like to discuss rehabbing and long term maintenance needs for several of the ditches.

Rationale:  A progress meeting occurred on 4/26 where six potential structural projects were briefly reviewed along with non-structural options.  Improvements to the Farmland Levee will likely progress along with non-structural options.  Weakness in the Fremont Cutoff ditch near the rail road/highway 30 crossings will be further investigated for potential improvements.

Rationale:  Progress meeting on 4/17 included updates on the status of potential alternatives and incremental analysis along with landowner and field work updates.  Meetings with landowners have gone well and there are a few more that will be contacted via certified mail before field work resumes in May.

Rationale:  Attached is an updated request #2 for $1,235.34.  This leaves a balance of $58,819.35 of the $62,000 approved at the July 2021 Board Meeting.

Rationale:  On 4/19 NRD was contacted by a landowner concerned about the installation of a underground tile outlet placed near his fence.  Elliott met with the landowner, listened to his concerns and inspected the site.  
The outlet was placed approximately 3-4 feet on the neighbor's property on newly graded surface.  The work was not designed, certified, or cost-shared on by the NRD or NRCS.  In regards to LB 474 (NE Erosion Sediment Control Act) the installation of storage terraces will reduce erosion on neighboring field the location of the tile outlet could affect the fence after runoff events.
Elliott contacted the landowner to discuss the neighbors concerns.  The landowner is willing to work at resolving the issue.  Two scenarios that we're working through: extending the tile north to property line and existing tile outlet, or reshaping, armoring current outlet.