February 29, 2024 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  NRCS sent over Lands for Conservation 2023 payment certification for Austin Vermeline:  40ac * $235.00/acre 
 

AUSTIN & AMY VERMELINE

40

$                  9,400.00

9-15N-6E SAUNDERS

Rationale:  There is a Platte River stream bank erosion issue approximately 4 miles east of North Bend by Eason Lake.  Joint Water partners are engaged to better understand the problem and figure out a potential solution.  If you are contacted about this, please inform Ryan so he can inform our partners.

Rationale:  City of Fremont with lots of help from JEO submitted the final grant application to FEMA last week that included NEMA's suggestions.  JEO is preparing a politicking handout and partners will need to discuss a strategy for engaging our federal delegation.

Rationale:  A Platte Township Phase 2 Kickoff meeting is scheduled for Thursday 2/29, 11:00 am, at the Schneider building - 935 S Schnieder, Fremont.  Agenda is attached.

Rationale:  A virtual progress meeting occurred on February 26.  The agenda is attached.
An outstanding issue is FAA approval due to the potential of increasing bird populations from wetland creation via proposed detention cells.  JEO is doing a good job of investigating this with the FAA.
Letters went out to the four homeowners upgradient of the cutoff ditch informing them that elevation surveys will occur on March 18th and 19th.
The next progress meeting is scheduled for March 18th, 1:00 pm.

Rationale: 

Name

Approved Cost Share

Final Cost Share

 

Roger Goedeken

$7,500

$7,046.92

 

Terry Helmer

$4,800

$9,165.19

Rationale: 

Name

Approved Cost Share

Final Cost Share

 

Jesse Labenz

$11,500*

Dana Olmer

$5,562

*Abnormally high estimate due to size requirements; 6 bedroom house w/ garbage disposal.

Rationale:  Bill received two applications for decommissioning wells.  We plan to run the applications through Water Committee similar to what is done with wells district wide.  Water Committee approves cost share of 75% but has maximum rates established.  Rates approved by the Board on 5/9/2022 are attached.  Shell Creek funds will be used to cost share the final 25%.  Cost above and beyond our approved maximum rates will need to be covered by the landowner.  We can utilize the NRD's 75% cost share and any landowner overages as match for our 319 grant.

Rationale:  The USACE is still finalizing mitigation plan w/ Olsson.  There are concerns from FWS regarding Platte River depletion that need to be finalized.
Olsson submitted a scope of services (attached) for a bird and bat survey for sites 26AB and 27.  By completing some form of survey to clear an area of any noted bird or bat nests/roosts we could begin earthwork as early as mid-July. One scenario could be Olsson's clearing site 26 (both AB dam sites included) so work could begin this summer and then once roosting season ends 10/31, earthwork (tree clearing) could begin at site 27.  Other scenario would be clearing both sites and once a site is "cleared" it remains safe to do necessary work for 5 years.
 

Rationale:  All easement language regarding wetland mitigation has been tentatively* approved by the USACE.  
Danielle Allen will be available to discuss current status of easement acquisitions.  Invoice attached

Rationale:  We are coordinating with NRCS to fund a position focused 50% on Wahoo Creek NWQI (National Water Quality Initiative) and 50% SWP (Source Water Protection).  Goals and deliverables are still being ironed out.  At this time, we are discussing 3 years of funding with the ability to add additional funds for a maximum of 5 years.  A 50% local match is required which can include in-kind resources.  We are targeting having the position filled around July 1st.  Creation of this potential new position will be run through Execuative Committee.
If this position happens, staff intent is to follow up with a 319 grant application to include funds for onsite wastewater systems and other E. coli targeted practices similar to SCWIG.

Rationale:  On 2/27 LPNNRD hosted a WFPO PIFR kickoff meeting for the Skull (& Bone) Creek Watershed.  Attendees included: NRCS state office personnel, residents from the watershed, Butler County rep Steager, Directors Birkel, Hilger and Tonnies and NRD staff Elliott, Chapman, ten Bensel, and Gottschalk.
The purpose of the kickoff meeting was for NRCS to explain the WFPO program to potential sponsors, partners, and impacted residents/landowners.  NRCS heard accounts from multiple landowner/residents about continuing issues with flooding and erosion concerns.  The historical Bone and Skull Creek Watershed studies, and subsequent projects (e.g. Homestead) were also discussed.  Much discussion was had over Site 31 from the Skull Creek Watershed and its potential for future inclusion.
A field tour is scheduled for 3/25, an invite to committee members and local directors will be forthcoming. 

Rationale:  Regarding the water quality trend analysis proposal presentation from USGS at last month's committee meeting.  All of the partners including Lincoln Water, MUD, NDEE, NeDNR, LPS, and Papio have been contacted for a financial commitment.  More details are expected at our next committee meeting.