April 8, 2024 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:  From Tom Mountford - 
It was reported that there were 4 large project applications for the Water Sustainability Fund and 7 for small projects. There will be approximately $11 million available for new approvals which will occur at the August Commission meeting.
 

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 is scheduled for July 17-19, 2024 in Omaha. 

Rationale:  NARD is planning to make a decision regarding the 1% increase in both the employer and employee 414(h) plan at their upcoming meeting and would like to know the feelings of districts across the state.  Currently LPN pays 6% of employee salary and the employee pays 5.5%.  If it is our intention to increase our contributions, a motion would be requested

Rationale:  After meeting with Scheele / Kayton (low bidder) to review preliminary Value Engineering options to reduce overall cost of the building as designed, over $800,000 of potential savings were identified.  A complete review of these and additional savings opportunities will be discussed at today's board retreat.

Rationale:  Lonny Hansen is requesting to work with LPNNRD to construct an amphitheater on the west side of our Wanahoo property.  Plans would be for the NRD to provide the location and minimum landscaping maintenance and Mr. Hansen's trust would provide construction, management and maintenance of the facility.  Mr. Hansen would like to know if LPNNRD will work with him on this project before he proceeds any further.  This topic was brought up at the Operations Committee and I will report their thoughts.

Rationale:  Our scope change was recently approved by FEMA.  See attachment for listing of equipment. Discussion is requested to determine if any additional items should be added to our request.

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

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

Rationale:  We do not have any unfinished business.

Rationale:  Pruss Excavating has finished the excavation of the Wanahoo Wetland area. A final inspection by DU and the NRD was Friday, March 22nd. We are asking for As-built plans and waiting on an invoice from DU.

M.E. Collins is currently excavating sediment from the Cat Paws on the west side of the Wanahoo wetland complex. Depositing the material at the soil borrow area.

We have a signed contract & documents with NRCS to have the Wanahoo Pheasants Forever/Snitly parcel burned this Spring. NRCS covers the cost.

Rationale:  The O & M crew continues to cut trees on many of our project areas. Check our recreation areas, maintaining vehicles, equipment and rearranging and cleaning up our equipment shed.

Rationale:  HDR is working on the economics of the study. We are awaiting a date and time for a 60% study completion meeting.

Rationale:  The electrical contractor, Cable Communication Services, for the City of Wahoo, has mobilized and will take approximately 6 weeks to install new service around the Wanahoo dam embankment, remove the old or abandoned cable and fill any conduits through the embankment with flowable grout.
The contractor for NDOT will perform the filter systems around the Windstream lines, gas, and any others. John Petersen of JEO has an approved filter system and an estimate for material quantities and cost.

Rationale:  We will pay our annual interlocal agreement payment of $30,000 to the Missouri-Papio NRD. These funds are used by the Lower Platte Weed Management group in controlling Pharmites and Purple Loosestrife along the Platte, Elkhorn Rivers and tributaries. 
Our Interlocal between LPN, LPS and Papio NRD's is being updated with an Amendment to the Second Amended Interlocal agreement to incorporate "Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV's or Drones) application" (see attachment). The former amended agreement specified helicopter applications.
Papio NRD is also requesting bids (for the Weed Group) from Drone contractors to have an approved list the County Weed Superintendents and NRD's can use at set prices. It's hoped that 3-7 drone contractors can be listed to cover the region.

Rationale:  We can sell our JD CX-15 flex wing rotary shredder. It was purchased for $15,350 in December 2015. We are starting at $15,000 and have it open for bids until noon April 30th.

Rationale:  We will advertise haying our recreation areas, Wanahoo, Czechland and Homestead Lakes. The acres to hay are approximate; Wanahoo 173, Czechland 36.5 and Homestead 26.5 acres. Bids will be approved at the May Board meeting.

Rationale:  We have not received any applications or requests for payment. There have been some inquiries.

Rationale:  For the month of February, the District received $4,720.00 in annual park permit revenue. The year by year break down is listed below. 
 

Month	Monthly Total	YTD
February 2024	$4,720.00	$18,240.50
February 2023	$3,852.50	$73,017.50
February 2022	$3,825.00	$75,262.50
February 2021	$7,935.00	$85,656.85
February 2020	$6,070.00	$96,317.50
February 2019	$9,677.50	$82,252.50

Rationale:    For the month of February, the District received $3,787.16 in camping revenue. The year by year comparison is below.
 

Month	Month Total	YTD
February 2024	$3,787.16	$6,991.22
February 2023	$4,267.89	$127,792.00
February 2022	$3,540.62	$129,922.83
February 2021	$6,189.12	$118,152.11
February 2020	$1,929.90	$134,027.78
February 2019	$1,607.00	$93,337.36

Rationale:  The Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo was rented 21 times with 3 NRD events. Revenue for the month was $1,425.
 

Rationale:  Lonny Hansen is requesting to work with LPNNRD to construct an amphitheater on the west side of our Wanahoo property.  Plans would be for the NRD to provide the location and minimum landscaping maintenance and Mr. Hansen's trust would provide construction, management and maintenance of the facility.  Mr. Hansen would like to know if LPNNRD will work with him on this project before he proceeds any further.

Rationale:  The KTIC radio ads and Wahoo newspaper e-ads during March featured limited trees and shrubs availability. April ads will feature the recreation areas. 

Rationale:  The LPNNRD Facebook/Twitter pages, and the website are some of the fastest ways to get information out to the public. Tracking analytics are a way to see how many people are seeing the information. Sometimes a decrease in reach or impressions can mean there is an error with the Facebook/Twitter pages or the website. Facebook and Twitter posts range from 10 - 15 posts per month. If you are on Facebook or Twitter, please like, follow, share, or retweet the Lower Platte North NRD posts!

Total reach/impressions show how many people saw the post/tweet. Engagements include likes, comments, shares/retweets and link clicks.
 

FACEBOOK	Total Reach	Engagements	Followers
March 1-26	6,755	6,106	1,550
February	8,395	8,208	1,531
January 2024	13,669	1,078	1,513
December 2023	2,381	135	1,501
November 2023	4,072	138	1,501

Twitter is in the process of updating analytics still. Some of this data may not be measured the same as it was in the previous months.

TWITTER	Total impressions	Engagements	Followers
March 1-26	656	56	426
February	1,033	34	416
January 2024	1528	86	417
December 2023	711	51	411
November 2023	682	16	411

Top Posts on Facebook and Twitter:
• Bees and Brews flyer
• NRD Recreation Exploration program has begun
• Still have trees available
• Community Partnership Program signing with Wahoo and Nebraska National Guard
• National Groundwater Awareness week

 

WEBSITE	Users	Traffic Channel Changes	Top Pages	Devices
March 1-26	1,489	Organic -8.51% Direct -32.94% Referral -47.5% Social -16.67%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Forestry Staff	Desktop 48.9% Mobile 48.8% Tablet 2.3%
February	1,838	Organic 0.8% Direct -9.6% Referral 64.3% Social -61.8%	Home Lake Wanahoo Forestry Downloads Czechland	Desktop 52% Mobile 45.8% Tablet 2.2%
January 2024	1,718	Organic 51.06% Direct 1.06% Referral 63.3% Social 937.5%	Home Lake Wanahoo Downloads Czechland Staff	Desktop 51.4% Mobile 47.3% Tablet 1.3%
December 2023	1,075	Organic -20.26% Direct 3.1% Referral -2.27% Social -81.58%	Home Lake Wanahoo Downloads Staff Czechland	No data
November 2023	1,332	Organic -32.42% Direct -25.96% Referral -42.86% Social -81.58%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Lake Staff Downloads	Desktop Mobile Tablet

Traffic channels: organic traffic means they use a search engine then choose an option that includes lpnnrd.org, direct traffic means they type in lpnnrd.org directly (or have it bookmarked), and referral traffic is any other traffic not from a search engine or social (such as a link from another site). As of mid-September changes for traffic channels and devices will show increase or decrease for the month.

Top referral clicks from: nrdnet.org 39, visitnebraska.com 10, 1011now.com 1, Wahoo newspaper website (LPNNRD digital ad) 0.
Clicks from Facebook: 27.
Clicks from Twitter: 0.
 

Rationale:  The Lower Platte North NRD received sponsorship information from Dodge County and Saunders County.
Dodge County sponsorship levels range from $250-$10,000+. Last year we donated $250. The full sponsorship levels are attached. The Dodge County fair runs July 31 - August 4.
Saunders County sponsorship levels range from $1-$5,000+. Last year we donated $500. The full sponsorship levels are attached. There is an opportunity for an indoor booth this year-TBD depending on staff availability. The Saunders County fair runs July 28 - August 4.
 

Rationale:  Shell Creek Watershed Scholarship Applications
The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District offers three $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors in the Shell Creek Watershed Monitoring Program who plan to pursue higher education relating to science or natural resources.
To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must:
• Be a graduating senior at Newman Grove High School, Schuyler Central High School, or Columbus Lakeview High School
• Have completed at least one year as a member of the Shell Creek Watershed Monitoring Program
• Be enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university
• Plan to pursue a major or course of study relating to science and/or natural resources
The NRD received 4 scholarship applications (attached) for the Shell Creek Watershed Monitoring Group Scholarship:
Christyan Anderson, Newman Grove - participated in the Shell Creek Watershed monitoring program for multiple years. Future plans: Exercise Science at University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Hannah Ogan, Lakeview - participated in the Shell Creek Watershed monitoring program for 4 years. Future plans: Rangeland Management at Chadron State College.
Trenton Patzel, Newman Grove - participated in the Shell Creek Watershed monitoring program for 7 years. Future plans: Animal Science/Veterinary Science at Midland University.
Austin Wiese, Newman Grove - participated in the Shell Creek Watershed monitoring program since 7^th grade. Future plans: Agribusiness at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Staff was directed to review the Newman Grove applicants' essays and bring forth two applicants to the Board for final decision.  The third scholarship will be offered to the Lakeview student.  

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to award the three Shell Creek Scholarships.  Staff recommends awarding scholarships to the following students: Hannah Ogan from Lakeview; Trenton Patzel and Christyan Anderson from Newman Grove. 

Rationale:   March 4th: Snakes of Nebraska (repeated Coffee Lakeside topic), 2 attended.
March 6th: Linden Elementary (Fremont) Kindergartners. Three classrooms learned about the flora and fauna of the prairies.
March 7th: Coffee Lakeside, Bees of Nebraska.
March 13th: Bees and Brews event; 26 people attended. 
March 19th: North Bend fourth graders learned about wildlife CSI.
March 20th: North Bend fifth graders learned about watersheds, groundwater, and how they are connected. 
March 26th & 27th: I & E Meeting Hastings.
March 27th: Survival Club

Rationale:  April 4th: St. Wenceslaus Pre-K classroom visit.
April 11th: Coffee Lakeside with Paula Hoppe.
April 17th: Survival Club
April 18th: Fremont Ecofair

Arbor Day and Earth Day Presentations TBD + Field Trips
 

Rationale:  Our annual Spring Conservation Sensation is coming up on May 1st. We are always looking for extra volunteers to help with different stations throughout the day. If you are interested in more information or want to volunteer, please email me: sabbott@lpnnrd.org 

Rationale:  The RWD received our 2023 Annual Water Quality Report and Consumer Confidence Report from NDEE.  The RWD will have the reports available to customers as required by state policy.
The RWD continues to work on the lead service line inventory that is due to EPA by October 16, 2024.  The inventory will be used to track any existing lead service lines within public water systems (PWS) and is a federal requirement for all PWS.
It was a routine month for both Colon and Bruno RWDs; coliform sampling completed, and bills will be mailed 3/29.
Elliott attended the NeRWA  annual conference 3/11-13 in Kearney.
 

Rationale:  Randy Kavan received an approved variance for LPN-V-023-0599 on October 2023 for SW1/4 14-15N-7E, Saunders County.  He wants to move this variance to SE1/4 14-15N-7E.  Attached is the map showing the movement of the variance location.  

Rationale:  Vavina Farms purchased property in SW1/4 33-16N-4E, Butler County.  (2 miles NW of Bruno).  They currently have an irrigation well, G-064907, in the middle of the East Half of 32-16N-4E, where they irrigate 66.79 aces. The 3-year average for this field is 5.17 acre-inches/year. They are requesting an expansion of acre variance which would decrease their current 27-inch rolling allocation to irrigate the additional 64 acres in Section 33.   They would be irrigating 130.79 acres with a 13.79 acre-inch allocation over 3 years.  Map attached.
This well is in the LPNNRD water level network with a graph attached.  

The committee discussed the locations of the domestic wells in this restricted (red) area. The committee asked for further information like FSA cropping information, soil types and slopes.  When the information is obtained, the committee will discuss this situation.  

Rationale:  At the February Water Committee, an application from Lower Elkhorn was presented for Lee Comenzind, who owns a parcel of land in the NE1/4 S22-18N-R8E, Dodge County, located in LPNNRD.   The well G-064422 is located in the NW S23-18N-8E, Dodge County, located in LENRD also owned by Lee.  Keith Johnson wants to swing the pivot completely around on both tracts, as shown by the map.  LENRD completed its ranking process on variances for adding additional acres where the tract of land in LPNNRD qualified to be approved from the well located in LENRD.
The Committee asked staff to develop a policy on handling inter-district transfers.  Attached is a policy that LE emailed to LPN staff that Don Blankeau assisted in developing.  The policy states that the consumptive use is assigned to the well location, where this site has a 7.14 AF depletion.  Also attached is a map drawn by LPN staff to compare it to LE.  The map shows little differences.  This site scored 552.8 using LPN scoring sheet. 
LE also had an application in Madison County that was not approved with the well located in LPN district.  If the policy is approved, this site will submit a variance application to LPN. 

If the Committee moves forward, a motion will be needed to approve the policy and then Lee Comenzind request for acres.  No motion came from the Water Committee.

The Committee would like to consider a policy with Lower Elkhorn NRD only and not a general policy for all surrounding NRDs.  If the policy is completed and Jovan reviews before the board meeting, action could possibly be taken.  
An updated version of the policy is attached.

Rationale:  Curtis Corp applied for a 'well permit to pump 350 GPM to fill a pond in the SE NW 30-17N-10E, Dodge County.  Other well permits to supply water to ponds have been approved previously.    
Attached is the application and map.  

Rationale:  The annual Coalition Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 23, from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the Lake Wanahoo Educational Building.  This Board approves the IMP reports from each participating agency and next year's budget.  
Information on the agenda, budget and last year's minutes are attached.  

Rationale: 

For 2024 we have 134 renewals and 1 new permit application for a current total of 135.  Inspections for 0 renewal permits have been completed.

Rationale:  The staff started measuring wells last week.  

Rationale:  Attached is a proposal to complete a nitrate assessment of Shell Creek, which could also assist the communities of Newman Gove and Platte Center.  At budget time last year, $25,000 was budgeted to start the project on the contingency that Source Water Protection Grants were approved.  They have been approved for 2 of the communities, with the other elected not to proceed.  The Shell Creek area has seen an increase in nitrate levels and this would help in determining the vulnerability and best management strategy.   The total cost of the project will be $36,500 with the remaining amount budgeted for next fiscal year.  

Rationale: 

4 new wells have been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting. 

 

Rationale: 

4 wells have been plugged, reviewed, and ready for cost share payment approval this month. The total amount paid for the Fiscal Year so far is $7,696.82. Expecting more invoices from well drilling companies in the next couple of months.

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County
Mike Heldt	Irrigation	$1710.00	Saunders
Tyler Fredrick (UNL)	Irrigation	$1414.50	Saunders
Carol Goering	Old well and windmill	1014.55	Platte
Roger and Nancy Gehring	Old well with windmill	$989.52	Platte

 

Rationale:  Staff have received invoices for the following flow meter cost-share.   The following individuals are eligible for payment. 
Betty Wachal - 5 meters at $1,000/meter for $5,000
Joan Wachal - 4 flow meters at $1,000/meter for $4,000
Jeff Wachal - 2 flow meters at $1,000/meter for $2,000.
Jack Seckman - 1 flow meter at $1,000/meter for $1,000.
Allen Svatora - 2 flow meters at $1,000/meter for $2,000.
Dan Bock - 1 flow meter at $1,000/meter for $1,000.
Maxine Jedlicka -1 flow meter at $1,000/meter for $1,000.
Colleen Wachal - 2 flow meters at $1,000/meter for $2,000.
Jay Jedlicka - 2 flow meters at $1,000/meter for $2,000.
Todd Bailey - 2 flow meters at $1,000/meter for $2,000.
Jeremy Vanicek - 1 flow meter at $1,000/meter for $1,000.
Dennis Waak - 1 flow meter at $1,000/meter for $1,000.
Connie Wachal -  2 flow meters at $1,000/meter for $2,000.

Received 4 flow meter applications from Russ Shonka for $1,000/meter
Received 1 flow meter application from Richard Hoppe for $1,000/meter.
Received 2 flow meter applications from Allan Shonka for $1,000/meter
Received 2 flow meter applications from Jedlicka Family Partnership for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Gary Wachal for $1,000/meter.
Received 4 flow meter applications from Mark Horejsi with Mark as tenant on 3 for $1,000/meter. 
Received 2 flow meter application from Ron Klug for $1000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Lloyd Cuda for $1,000/meter.

The current amount committed for flow meter cost share is $94,000.

Flow Meter Applications were sent to Dan Zoucha. 
Clint Jedlicak requested 2 applications for Gravity to Pivot Conversions for $10,000 per site.   

Josh Falty called on March 21, 2024, to notify staff that he is still working on his SDI irrigation system, which has a conversion contract from last fall for $10,000.

Information on CEC for nitrogen applications.
https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2011/02/fact-or-fiction-ammonia-application-should-not-exceed-10-lb-n-unit-soil-cec

https://www.kuglercompany.com/crop-care/cation-exchange-capacity#:~:text=The%20rule%20of%20thumb%20is,things%20dramatically%20as%20CEC%20changes.

https://kochagronomicservices.com/knowledge-center/debunking-the-myth-soil-cecs-impact-on-nitrogen-management
 

Rationale:  Staff met with Jon Mohr of LRE to start the update of the Groundwater Management Plan.  The plan is to hold a couple of stakeholder meetings in April.  
Invoice attached for $3,371.50 per contract.  

Rationale:  Last year the Committee/Boiard voted to support 2 sites with pumps and satellite imagery to assist in variable rates of nitrogen.  The Board budgeted $10,000 per site for a total of $20,000 with only 1 site utilizing NRD funding last crop year.  This year one of the sites will be Joe Birkel's south half of the field, which the north half was used last year.  The idea is to look at this research in a multiyear field to determine if issues might arise the second time around.  Next year the north half will be used for the second time.  
The other site will be around Colon on one of Chris Meduna's fields, which will also have a demonstration day this summer.  Staff will be ordering the second pump for this field the first of next week.  

Rationale:  The next meeting is April 24 at 10 am at the Educational Building at Lake Wanahoo. 

Rationale:  Attached is the annual support plan on the Phoenix Database.  The past 2 years, the District supported the Silver plan for $3,600.  

Rationale:  Attached is some information about an electronic meter to measure water levels down to 500 feet.  The NRD has some wells where water levels are dropping below 300 feet and the NRD steel tape has been spliced a couple of times. Steel tapes at the present times are not being produced, so staff would like to purchase this electronic tape to measure the deeper groundwater level depths.  Staff have returned some equipment to In-Situ and currently have credit with the company.   The invoice for this water level meter is for $1,105.90. 

In-Situ VuLinks (telemetery unit for data logger) have been placed out in the field at our monitoring wells and some irrigation wells where we are using the gravel pack tube as a sort of monitoring well. 62 units were originally purchased with 43 fully operational on the website. We will get the remaining units up and running in the next few weeks.

Rationale:  Attached is a brief update on Water Leaders Academy

Rationale:  NeDNR notified all NRDs of additional SWCP funding being made available; a total of $3,124.57 is added to our FY24 allocation of $86,748.10.  As of 3/27 we have allocated $59,997.95.
We will be approving our SWCP policy at the May Board meeting, attached is the current policy for review.  A request from area field offices would be an increase to our current maximum approval amount, $12,500.  Also attached is the current DNR Practice Payment Schedule.

Rationale:  Attached are this years applications for tree planting:

JESSICA ROTH	$                        397.50	TREE PLANTING
RYAN WOEHL	$                        993.75	TREE PLANTING
TOM SCHRACK	$                     3,585.00	TREE PLANTING
KIRK CARPENTER	$                        943.42	TREE PLANTING

Rationale:  NRCS submitted a certified LFC for payment:
 

CARL & DOROTHY PETERSON TRUST

25

$                  5,875.00

35-15N-6E SAUNDERS

WAHOO

Rationale:  Fremont Flood Rick Open House
Keene Memorial Library
1030 North Broad St
Fremont, NE 68025
Monday, April 1st, 2024
6:00-8:00 p.m.

Rationale:  A fact sheet for the project is attached along with a summary of the FEMA BRIC program.  The scoping project has been closed out and the NRD will receive $2,012.00 from NEMA/FEMA through Dodge County for Management Costs.

Rationale:  Update meeting on 3/18 (agenda attached), primary topics of discussion:

• Detention cell alternative will need to have local airport authority sign off as part of the plan per FAA.  JEO is working with Fremont and the airport authority on this concern; Merlyn England detention site is in direct flight path of runway and the airport has concerns over increased bird traffic.
• Wetland impacts and Platte river depletion are issues raised by NRCS that JEO is working through options.  NRCS has concerns about wetland credits on the BCA side and also the resulting mitigation requirement.  JEO proposed limiting wetland excavation on north channel of detention cell.
• JEO survey crews completed residential surveys on impacted sites of Fremont cut-off road raise.
• Next meeting 4/15, plan to have Plan EA submitted to NRCS National for review by end of April

Rationale:  Chapman attended a project update meeting on March 12.  Easements are needed for the entire project area including some upstream parcels that are modeled to have increased flooding potential.  The district does not currently have any easements on the ditch constructed in the 1960's.

Rationale:  Director Tonnies, Staff Elliott and Chapman visited Platte River erosion issues approximately four miles east of North Bend along with representatives form Cotterell Diking and Drainage District, Ames Diking and Drainage District, Dodge County, and Legges Lake HOA.  Several extremely large jetties will likely be needed.  The County is looking to see if 2019 flood funds can be utilized to help.  There are a few pictures attached.

Rationale:  Newman Grove High School volunteer monitoring group is requesting Nitrate, Phosphate, and pH testing Kits as detailed below.

Description	Item Number	Price	Quantity	Total
Nitrate Test Kit	94834	$69.95	6	$419.70
Phosphate Test Kit	94837	$58.25	1	$58.25
pH Test Kit	94836	$77.50	1	$77.50

SCWIG received an estimate from CSI (Cornhusker State Industries - NE Department of Corrections) to make thirty, 20"x30", double-sided, realtor style, signs for $51 each.  SCWIG is requesting 30 signs utilizing grant funds.
More recently, CSI is no longer able to get 20"x30" frames.  Price for 24"x36" is $109.10 per sign.
SCWIG held a meeting 3/5 in Columbus, topics of discussion:

• South benching project timeline - Colfax Co bridge replacement on schedule, once complete the benching project will go to bid.  NRD, Colfax Co will have an updated interlocal agreement for this phase of the project.
• Bill Bos updates
• SCWIG celebration September 12.

Next SCWIG meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3rd, at the Columbus NRCS office.

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting - 
to authorize Chair Thompson to sign an Amendment to Interlocal Agreement with Colfax County for the Shell Creek Benching Project.

 

Rationale:  Invoice and progress report attached

Rationale:  Discussion and potential action on several easements.  Invoice for $5,259.31 is attached.

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting - 
 

Rationale:  The NRCS application for funding a NWQI-SWP Coordinator prodition has been submitted.  We expect an agreement ready for May board meeting with plans to have the position filled July 1st.  Staff are currently working on updating the 319 Watershed Management Plan needed to receive complimentary 319 project funding.

Rationale:  Project Update:  Leshara put the project out for bid in June 2023 and hired Dynamic Dirtworks and Demolition LLC out of Firth, Nebraska.  The work started in late October and the substantial completion date was December 31, 2023.  Unfortunately, that date was not met by the contractor.  Substantial completion is expected the week of March 11th with the final inspection and walk through soon after.
Leshara is requesting the balance of $27,179.05 for phase one of their project.  Payment summary and requests are attached.
The Village was also approved for their second CDB Grant and expect to begin Phase Two in a few months.

Rationale:  A Kickoff meeting occurred on March 26th in the Board Room.  Agenda and other information is attached.  One of the add on's the the grant was a drought mitigation plan.  Over the next several weeks, staff will be scoping out the drought plan with our consultant JEO.  We plan to run drought mitigation planning portions through Water Committee.

Rationale:  Nebraska Loess Hills Resource Conservation & Development Council 2024 renewal invoice is attached.

Rationale:  Per Roger Protzman (JEO):
Well Sites LPN 022-1828 and 1829 were drilled in 2023. 
Well site 1828 produced water at a lower quantity than desired and in addition, it also always produced air.  Sargent Drilling tried multiple development techniques and could not get the air to cease.  The well casing was capped at this point and the Schuyler Department of Utilities chose not to develop this site any further.
Well site 1829 was drilled and developed.  A well house is under construction currently and we look to place this well online this year. Because Well 1828 was capped and not developed into a production well, the Schuyler Department of Utilities desires to find another location in the general area of the north well field for another well.  This water quality has been satisfactory and two of our sites in the area do not produce air.  The thought is to move away from the 1828 site and towards Schuyler Well 24. We might find an area with a little better production and no air.
**Well location is currently on a parcel owned by Colfax County School District. The city utilities department are working on this matter.  Attached is a new well permit for Schuyler Department of Utilities.  
A motion will be needed at Board Meeting 
To approve the Municipal well permit for the Schuyler Department of Utilities located in the NE¼-SE¼-10-17-3 Colofax County.  

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.