May 13, 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:  Are there any additions or corrections to the Minutes? If not they will be approved on the consent agenda.

Rationale:  The annual NARD Basin Tour will be held June 10-11 and is based out of McCook. See attached tour highlights. Please let Breunig know if you are interested in attending. 

Rationale:  Attached find absence requests from the following:
Olson - Fishing
Johnson, D. - In Denver with sister for surgery
Tonnies - Family Vacation to the Ozarks to see eclipse. (Zoom)
McKnight - Out of town with grandchildren for eclipse. (Zoom)

Rationale:  Attached find Alex Kavan's letter of resignation from Sub-Distrtict 8. We will need to accept his resignation and appoint a subcommittee to find a replacement. 

Rationale:  During the last legislative session there were several changes our district will need to be aware of and make adjustments to our procedures.  Gottschalk will share a handout reviewing these changes in Nebraska law and our NARD attorney's recommendations. 

Rationale:  Our contractor Scheele - Kayton has begun their mobilization process to our construction site and hope to begin earthwork very soon.  Silt fencing has also been installed around the perimeter of the construction site.

Discussion is requested for maintaining an organized "New Building" subcommittee during the construction process.  This committee would be able to meet, review and remain updated on all aspects of the build and report monthly to the full board.

Chair Thompson appointed the following Directors to the Building Sub-Committee (Birkel, Hilger, J. Johnson, McKnight, Sabatka and Seier) 

Rationale:  Staff has prepared a final adjustment to our FEMA 428 funding request application which includes additional recommendations for equipment purchases.

Staff was directed to move forward with adding the additional equipment purchased to our FEMA 428 request.

Rationale:  As we prepare for next fiscal year, May is the time we conduct performance reviews and discuss annual salary increases.  As in past years since 2018, an overall total salary percentage increase is approved, then that total increase is spread evenly between all full-time employees.

Rationale:  Through discussions with NRCS management, it appears to be beneficial to create and additional job classification for our NRCS office staff.  We currently have one position titled NRCS Field Office Assistant.  We have a couple employees taking on more and more responsibilities within the NRCS office and a position of NRCS Programs Assistant position would more closely describe the work our employee are performing.  Discussion and possible motion to create a position, NRCS Programs Assistant.

Rationale:  As we move into the busy recreation season, all but two of last year's summer help will return.  The benefit of experienced staff during this busy season is a tremendous benefit to the district.  
With the loss of Bret Schomer, Richard Mullen's experience and knowledge of Wanahoo will be invaluable this season.  Because Rich will be assisting and training Kaitlyn this season as she navigates her first Wanahoo recreation season I am recommending a $2.50-$3.00/hour pay increase for him and a $1.50/hour increase for our six returning seasonal employees. 
As a reminder, all Wanahoo Recreation expenses are paid out of our recreation revenue generated by park permits and camping fees.

Rationale:  Grant will be availiable to review the March Financial Statement. 

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

Rationale:  We have nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  M.E. Collins continues to remove dirt from the Cat Paws on the Wanahoo wetland complex, (pictures attached).

Also, a picture of the wetland renovation after the rains.

Rationale:  The O & M crew removed many trees on the Wanahoo wetland renovation area. We packaged and delivered trees to the NRCS offices. We've planted 5 out of 10 sites but, that is only 15% of what we have to plant.

Rationale:  The engineering firms, HDR and Hazard Engineering reviewed with staff the alternatives in their study for the rehabilitation of Cottonwood 21-A. One alternative creates an auxiliary spillway to the east rather than flowing over the county road. The other alternative uses the same footprint of the existing auxiliary spillway with an increase in size. Quantities of soil to be moved are close to equal for either alternative, and we will be purchasing land and easements also.
The firms need to confirm and finalize some items with NRCS before they present their 60% completion results to the NRD and NRCS.

Rationale:  The City of Wahoo's electrical contractor continues work on the rerouting of power around the dam. The contractors are on site to start the Round-About project. We have obtained a Right-of-way permit for the filtering systems to be installed by NDOT's contractor.

Rationale:  Drone Contractors submitted bids to the Papio-Missouri NRD which were due Friday, April 12.
Papio received six bids from drone companies out of Lincoln, Dunbar, Ashland, Nebraska City, Gresham and Union, NE. The Ashland company was eliminated for not providing a NDA Certificate.
The County Weed Departments and NRD's can use any of the five drone contractors. Their prices vary is some regard. 

Rationale:  The District has advertised our JD CX15 mower for over a month. Bids were due Tuesday, April 30 at noon. We did not receive any bids.
We will continue to try and sell the mower by re-posting it on Facebook Market Place. We are asking $15,500.

Rationale:  Bids for haying NRD recreation areas were due on Tuesday, April 30th, at 4:00 pm.
We received hay bids from 8 different people. The bid tally sheet is attached. The high bid for Wanahoo and Czechland is Matt Sillivan and the high bid for Homestead is Dan Kadavy.

Rationale:  Vance Behren's residence at 648 S. River Road in Thomas Lakes was washed away by the March 2019 flood. He is now requesting to rebuild the house on the same lot 47 (letter attached). The Clear Creek levee was restored by the Corps of Engineers in 2020 and the area of the Behrens lot was restored with rip-rap extending upstream.
A mitigation plan and flowage easements were developed in 2006 by the District and COE for this area due to the significant flood hazard and risk of property damage and life loss.
The District can make its own decision since the flowage easements are not a feature of the WSCC Project and the cost of the easements were not credited to the Sponsors' (NRD) cost-share for the Project. With that said, the COE does not recommend any new structure construction which is contrary to the intent of the Mitigation Plan of 2006. (See COE Letter attached). It's suggested to read both letters thoroughly for a decision next month.
Mr. Behrens states that "if we were allowed to build, I am looking at the potential of a concrete structure supported on large drilled piers that are 30 or 36 inches in diameter with the floor line well above the BFE.  The design of the foundation system would be based upon the recommendations of a geotechnical investigation and would allow floodwaters to flow under the structure".
Two pictures are attached of the Behren home before and after it was taken by the Platte River.
 

Rationale:  We have not received any applications or requests for payments.

Rationale:  For the month of March, the District received $3,432.50 in annual park permit revenue. The year by year break down is listed below. 
 

Month	Monthly Total	YTD
March 2024	$3,432.50	$19,942.50
March 2023	$4,355.00	$73,017.50
March 2022	$5,720.00	$75,262.50
March 2021	$9,980.00	$85,656.85
March 2020	$5,357.50	$96,317.50
March 2019	$4,455.00	$82,252.50

Rationale:  For the month of March, the District received $6,630.14 in camping revenue. The year by year comparison is below. 
 

March 2024	$6,630.14	$13,621.36
March 2023	$4,754.57	$127,792.00
March 2022	$5,232.26	$129,922.83
March 2021	$10,462.19	$118,152.11
March 2020	$2,369.23	$134,027.78
March 2019	$2,119.08	$93,337.36

Rationale:  After meeting with the board of Live Well Go Fish, they would like to proceed with their grant application to secure funds for building a storage structure for their boat and equipment at Lake Wanahoo.  They would like to build an addition to the existing Wahoo FD building located north and west of the Wanahoo boat docks. Discussion and direction is requested to notify LIve Well Go Fish if it is LPNNRD's intention to work with them allowing this project to proceed.

Rationale:  In order to provide a more secure park, we have been looking into a security camera to be placed on the light pole located at the NW corner of the parking lot at the education building.  Diode Technologies (which supports our current building camera system and internet service) has submitted an estimate to provide wifi access to the camera and light pole. Once service is provided, we can explore a range of cameras to meet our security needs.

Rationale:  The Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo was rented 23 times with 3 NRD events. Revenue for the month was $2,547 (this includes 2 half-price rentals for a church event).

Rationale:  The KTIC radio ads and Wahoo newspaper e-ads during April featured the three recreation areas. The May ads will feature the upcoming chemigation permits deadline. 

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
April 1-29	7,565	8,361	1,592
March	8,024	9,151	1,557
February	8,395	8,208	1,531
January 2024	13,669	1,078	1,513
December 2023	2,381	135	1,501

 

TWITTER	Total impressions	Engagements	Followers
April 1-29	810	59	423
March	803	75	426
February	1,033	34	416
January 2024	1528	86	417
December 2023	711	51	411

Top Posts on Facebook and Twitter:
• Set Your Sites at Wanahoo now available
• Earth day teacher flyer
• Happy Earth day
• Coffee Lakeside flyer
• NRD Recreation Exploration

 

WEBSITE	Users	Traffic Channel Changes	Top Pages	Devices
April 1-29	1,958	Organic 6.3% Direct -2.35% Referral -6.73% Social 0%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Outdoor Recreation Forestry	Mobile 57% Desktop 41.5% Tablet 1.5%
March	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

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 36, visitnebraska.com 14, Wahoo newspaper website (LPNNRD digital ad) 1.
Clicks from Facebook: 31.
Clicks from Twitter: 0.
 

Rationale:  The Butler County Fair will be held Thursday, July 11 - 14. A single booth option is 8 foot x 10 foot for $130. There are other sponsorship opportunities available full details attached.
- Purple Ribbon sponsor: $50-$250 (name on schedule flyer)
- 1st in Class sponsor: $500 (name on schedule flyer, logo on large banner, name on advertisement poster)
- Champion sponsor: $1000 (same as previous, plus 2 tractor pull tickets and 2 concert tickets)

Rationale: 

• April 4th: St. Wenceslaus Pre-K classroom visit.
• April 11th: Coffee Lakeside with Paula Hoppe. Close to 30 people attended this event talking about the sparrows of Nebraska.
• April 17th: Survival Club had a guest speaker, John Miyoshi, to give an introductory fishing lesson. 12 students attended.
• April 18th: Fremont Ecofair. Over 300 4th grade students from Fremont schools attended. Our station talked about pollinators and how important they are; we also handed out trees. Big thank you to John Goldsberry and Tom McKnight for helping out!
• April 19th:  85 students from Wahoo Elementary's kindergarten class learned about arbor day.
• April 21st: Schuyler 4-H group learned about Earth Day. 
• April 22nd: 85 students from Wahoo Elementary's kindergarten class learned about Earth Day in the morning. And 40 students from North Bend's 5th grade class learned about Earth Day in the afternoon. Big thank you to Andrew Tonnies for his help in the classroom!
• April 24th: 45 7th graders from North Bend middle school learned about Earth Day.
• April 25th: 25 students from Archbishop Bergan Early Childhood center learned about the 'world below our feet: soil and earth worms.' 

Rationale:  May 1st: Spring Conservation Sensation
May 2nd: St. Wenceslaus Pre-K field trip
May 6th: Wahoo 4th grade field trip PM
May 7th: Wahoo 3rd grade AM & North Bend 2nd grade PM
May 8th: North Bend 1st grade PM
May 9th: Coffee Lakeside
May 13th: Wahoo 2nd graders field trip PM
May 14th: Ashland Greenwood Water Day
May 17th: Survival Club camp out at Lake Wanahoo - overnight
May 18th: Fishing Derby Fremont State Lakes
Take a deep breath
May 31st: Nocturnal night


 

Rationale:  We will be hosting the East Central land judging competition this fall, October 2nd, and are currently looking for a location to host it. Attached is a map of how the contests are broken up. If you would be willing to host, or know of any landowners in these counties, who may be open to hosting or at least getting more information, please reach out to me. We would like to secure a location sooner rather than later. 

Rationale:  The 2023 water quality reports and consumer confidence reports (CCR) were distributed as per state policy.  Public notices were posted at both villages, as well as our website, and notice was included in bills.
The RWD is actively looking for software alternatives to our existing WaterWorks billing program.  We continue to experience glitches and errors that "can't be explained" by PWG.  The past few months of billing have been particularly cumbersome for staff, and also for HBE oversight.  The RWD plans to have a recommendation by start of FY25.
Work continues on the lead service line inventory (LSLI), the RWD has sent out multiple notices to customers and has received ~25% response.  The RWD will have to personally contact and possible personally verify service connections if customers are unwilling to verify, or request RWD assistance.  Below is an example of the LSLI that will be submitted to EPA by 10/14/24:

PWS Name: Bruno Rural Water District				PWS ID: NE31-21171
Operator Signature:				Date:
#	Locational Identifier	System-Owned Classification	Method of Determination	Customer-Owned Classification	Method of Determination	Lead Bearing Material Present
1	1530 35 1/2 Road, David City, NE, 68632	non-lead: plastic	Installation of water service - development of RWD	Non-lead: copper	Owner certified	None

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, meters read and bills mailed 5/1.

Rationale:  The Bruno RWD was notified that David City will be changing out the 4" meters in master meter vault in the coming month.  The vault contains a transmission main bypass that will allow for uninterrupted service to our customers.
Routine monthly sampling completed, meters read and bills mailed 5/1.

Rationale:  Variana and Sons Inc in regard to the expansion of acres variance for the N1/2 SW1/4 S33-16N-4E Butler County.  
Randy called and would like to delay this application to a future Committee Meeting. 

Rationale:  Discussion on tile drains as this is still an issue within the District.  The committee and staff discussed which agency has the jurisdiction over tile drains. This has been handled in the past as a civil suit in the court system.   

Rationale:  An Invoice is attached for $16,737 from Tri-City for meter maintenance in Saunders County.  This completes the 4-year cycle of meter maintenance within the District.  The plan is to go back to Zone 1 for 2024-25, which is northern Butler, Colfax and Eastern Platte Counties.   

Rationale:  Members of the Coalition Board held their annual meeting on Tuesday, April 23.  The Board approved the IMP reports from each participating agency.  They approved next year's budget with the dues being $10,000 for each member. This fund will be utilized in future years to assist in the next modeling effort for determining 10/50 lines and stream depletion values.  

Attached is the depletion chart.  

Rationale: 

For 2024, we have 298 renewals and 9 new permit applications for a current total of 307.  Inspections for 1 new permit have been completed.

Rationale:  GWEL information for Spring of 2024.

The following compares Spring 2024 to 2023 with all areas lower in 2024.

• Districtwide Spring of 2024 was 1.17 feet lower.
• The Upland area was 2.16 feet lower
• The Todd Valley area was 1.62 feet lower.
• The Platte Valley area was 0.58  feet lower.
• The Shell Creek area was 0.71 feet lower
• The WANN Basin area was 0.86 feet lower

Attached is some additional information.  

The committee discussed whether the trigger levels and geological regions should be re-evaluated.  The majority of the current triggers were developed in the 1990s with the data at that time.  More data has been collected with AEM flights and assessments.  The plan is to have LRE hydrogeologists present at the May water committee meeting, as they are currently working on the LPN groundwater management plan.  
 

Rationale:  This winter, staff has been collecting domestic samples all winter.  89 water samples were sent to the Health Lab in Lincoln with the average from all the samples 11.22 PPM. The range was 0 to 36.40 with any samples over 10 ppm that did not have a RO unit informed about the rebate program, with NDEE.  Four test your wells events were held along with some of these results not being sent to the lab as they showed nitrate under 8 PPM with the testing kits. 

The committee discussed a RO rebate system for LPN along with assistance on registering the wells. Staff will be developing a rebate program for the Committee to review at the May Committee meeting.  

Rationale: 

One new well has been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

Rationale: 

1 well has been plugged, reviewed, and ready for cost share payment approval this month.

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County
Gary Harms	Irrigation	$ 1,261.13	Platte

 

Rationale:  Attached find a bill from Sentinel Fertigation Inc. for a nitrogen efficiency project. The demonstration site is located on Meduna Family Land in Saunders County. 

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to pay Sentinel Fertification $10,803.88 for equipment needed for the demonstration site.  

Rationale:  Staff are working with In-situ on equipment like splitters and rain gauges that would be purchased with the current credits.

Staff showed the current online HydroVue Information from In-Situ to the Committee.  

Rationale:  Staff met with LRE on suggestions for the GWMP.  An update on these recommendations is planned at the May Water Committee Meeting.  The plan is to have 2 stakeholders meeting in the first week of June.  

An invoice is attached for $4,717.50 per contract.  

Rationale:  The Consortium group met on Wednesday, April 24.  Items discussed were water levels by NRDs and Municipalities along with stream flows in the Platte River.  An update was given on the current drought and communication between agencies.  
A workshop was held after the regular meeting to discuss the purpose of the group, along with potential projects and education.   A synopsis is being put together for the group to consider and if any projects have the potential to move forward.  The next meeting is planned for May 29 to discuss the current drought and projects.   

Rationale:  The following applications are ready for payment from the LPNNRD.  

• Flow meter application for Skytown Properties for $1,000
• Flow Meter application for Midland Land LLC for $1,000.
• Cover Crop Incentive for Midland Land LLC for 79 aces at $5/acre for a total of $395.
• Soil Moisture Sensors for $750 to Midland Land LLC for 13-17-3, Colfax County
• Flow meter application for Rambour Realty Co for $1,000.
• Flow meter application for Fred Otradovsky for $1,000.
• Flow meter applications to Mark Horejsi for $4,000.

The total amount of the cost share for the April Committee Meeting is $9,145.  More paperwork might be received with more reimbursement by Board meeting.

Received 2 flow meter applications from Edwin Slavik for $1,000/meter
Received 1 flow meter application from Calvin Nelson for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Leander Rerucha for $1,000/meter
Received 1 flow meter application from Lost Creek LLC for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Dan Zoucha for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Violet Theilan for $1,000/meter. 
Received 1 flow meter application from CMC Landhloldings LLC for $1000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Denise McAfee for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Galyn Johannes for $1,000/meter
Received 1 flow meter application from Rambour Realty for $1,000/meter.
Received 3 flow meter applications from Carl Grotelueshen for $1,000/meter
Received 1 flow meter application from Roger Wilshusen for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Jon Engel for $1,000/meter.
Received 2 flow meter applications from Gregg Melliger for $1,000/meter. 
Received 3 flow meter applications from Midland Land LLC for $1000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Skytown Properties for $1,000/meter.
Received  1 flow meter application from Trish Vojtech for $1,000/meter
Received 1 flow meter application from Lonnie Kitt for $1,000/meter.
Received 3 flow meter applications from Marcy Kallweit for $1,000/meter
Received 1 flow meter application from Brian Kluck for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Keith Kallweit for $1,000/meter.
Received 14 flow meter applications from A Glen Kluck Co for $1,000/meter. 
Received 1 flow meter application from Galen Cech for $1000/meter.
Received 2 flow meter applications from Richard Shonka for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Lorene Oehlrich for $1,000/meter
Received 2 flow meter applications from Arnold Oehlrich for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Rae Jean Sjogren for $1,000/meter
Received 2 flow meter applications from Larry Kohler for $1,000/meter.
Received 2 flow meter applications from Gary Wachal for $1,000/meter.
Received 1 flow meter application from Scott Muhle for $1,000/meter. 

The total amount committed for flow meter cost share is $150,000, which NRD budgeted $170,000 for this cost share item.  

Dan Wachal was approved for a gravity to pivot conversion through the NRCS on the NW of the SE for Section 10-17N-2, Colfax County.  The LPNNRD will be proceeding with approving the application for $10,000 received on July 19, 2023.  The NRD initially budgeted $5,000 but increased to $10,000 in the fall after receiving a total of 8 applications.  This will be the 5th application that NRCS approved, but still have 3 more applications waiting for funding.  

Received 1 application from Mel Bailey on the Iron Chlorosis Incentive Program for $3,000 on 200 acres at $15/acre located on Section 18-17N-3E.

Rationale:  Hello everyone!
A new season of Beach Watch begins on May 6^th! NDEE and our sampling partners are ready for another season of beach monitoring for microcystin and E. coli bacteria. Sampling will be occurring at 55 beaches on 50 different lakes across the state of Nebraska from May 6^th to September 30^th. One item to note is that Summit and Wagon Train Lakes will not be sampled this year until lake water levels increase as levels remain low due to recent renovations.

A "Health Alert" will be issued at beaches when microcystin exceeds 8 ppb and signs will be posted (see below). When E. coli bacteria levels are measured above 235 colonies/100ml of sample a "Health Alert" will not be triggered, but conditions are considered a high risk for illness if water is ingested.  Unlike with dangerous levels of HABs, signs are not specifically posted and beaches are not closed for high bacteria levels. This is primarily because bacteria values change quickly while microcystin levels are more persistent and can remain for several weeks.

If you would like more information on HABs follow the links below:

NDEE HABs Fact Sheet: http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/ENV042607
EPA Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Water Bodies: https://www.epa.gov/habs

Here’s to the new Beach Season!

Justin Haas
State Lakes Coordinator
Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
P.O. Box 98922
245 Fallbrook Blvd., Suite 100
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-8922
Direct: 402-471-4224 | Main office: 402-471-2186
 

Rationale:  Attached is the 2024 SWCP policy for approval.  Only recommended change is increasing our maximum cost-share assistance to $15,000.

Rationale:  Dana Kuhl                   Saunders         200 trees                      $    375.00
 

Rationale:  We received congressional letters of support (attached) from Senator Fischer, Senator Ricketts, and Congressman Flood.

Rationale:  The Rawhide WFPO regular monthly update meeting occurred 4/15, primary topics discussed: 

• Wetlands issues: NRCS pushed back on JEO's wetland benefits calculations in the initial economics BCA; NRCS felt that too many benefit $$ were being applied to wetland creations with this being a "flood reduction" project.  There are also concerns about the impacts with building the detention cells within existing stream wetland areas and the amount of mitigation that would be required.  JEO altered grading plans to stay out of wetland boundary.  Reducing the wetland impacts will also have a positive impact on Platte River depletion calculations.
• The local Airport Authority will need to provide sign-off on the plan; there is concern about the Merlyn England detention cell complex drawing in waterfowl and the detention cell lies in direct flight path of the runway.
• There was discussion regarding requirements for easement acquisitions.  WFPO (NRCS) is not requiring the sponsor to obtain any "flood" easements for the Fremont cut-off ditch portion, only structure footprint and construction easments.  This differs from the N. Bend Drainage Ditch repair which FEMA has instructed the NBDD to acquire easements outside of structure footprint.
• Plan EA submittal to NRCS national end of April*

Rationale:  The district is still working through some easement questions for the North Bend Cutoff Ditch project.  Larry plans to attend a future meeting to ask for assistance with repair for the Central Cutoff Ditch.  Attached are some documents.

Rationale:  Bill Bos submitted two applications for approval within our Shell Creek Environmental Enhancement Plan:

Roger Gehring    Alternate water/tank    $8,061
August Runge    Grade stab/WW    $9,184

As of 4/30, Bill reports that an approved on-site wastewater system is being installed:

Kenneth Nelson

Onsite Wastewater

$4,800

Next SCWIG meeting is June 18th at the Columbus NRCS office.

Rationale:  On 4/22 Gottschalk, Chapman and Elliott gave an update to the Saunders County Supervisors on the status of the Wahoo Creek WFPO.  The focus was the updated timeline and the two county road impacts of the project: Road P (Site 26) and Road G (Site 77).  Previously, the county had balked at the idea of additional work to keep Road P open as it's a minimum maintenance road, but now they would like to see what it would take.  The estimated plan (same for both roads) would be a road raise with a box culvert to allow for permanent pool to stay below the road, but in flood conditions the roads could still flood.  Mainelli/Wagner is the county's engineer and has been tasked with working with Olsson to draw up a design(s).

Rationale:  Staff met with Olsson design team on 4/18 to discuss construction timeline for the first three sites, site 77 alternatives, and Platte River depletions.

• The plan for the first three will be a 11/1 start date.  This will allow for tree removal without any stipulations for bat/bird nesting seasons.  Olsson expects to have all three designs back to DNR by 4/30; unless re-engineering is required due to depletions.  We expect to have our 404 permit from USACE by 6/30.  This would allow us to go to bids mid-late summer. 
• Olsson worked through multiple alternatives to change the principal spillway design from the planned 72" pipe to an accepted NRCS standard 48" concrete pipe.  The preferred alternative (3 in attachment) includes; same top of dam elevation, a two foot decrease in perm pool (~ 30 acre less), an increase in aux spillway elev, and an estimated $513,800 decrease in construction.  There is also further investigation needed into the breach path for this structure with concerns to the southern portion of Wahoo.  At present site 77 is classified as significant hazard.
• Multiple meetings have occurred between NRD, Olsson, NRCS, FWS to discuss Platte River depletions.  NRCS, NRDs, FWS, and NeG&P have a programmatic agreement that relates to in-stream flows within the Platte River to protect T&E species.  Under this agreement ANY project that could have depletion "calculated" at 25 ac/ft or more for the life of the project must have additional mitigation, or operational/designs to alleviate the depletion.  New guidance requires incorporating first-time fill for all wet dam structures.  We are developing a strategy to work with USGS stream gauges to determine when river levels are allowable to allow structures to fill and stay within FWS/G&P requirements for T&E species.

Olsson invoice and progress report is attached.

Rationale:  Danielle has started collecting title reports for the next series of easement acquisitions, and we are developing a plan to schedule out the order we feel will be most efficient.  Current invoice attached.

The status for the three remaining sites:

Vanek: their attorney has requested new appraisals, and a commitment that Road P will remain open.

Fujan: has major concerns over noxious weeds (is thistle) and wants the NRD to extend the two year weed management (listed in purchase agreement) to ten years.

Snitily: Where the negotiations sit at this point, and the planned timeline we need for fall construction, it is time that we need to develop a plan.

Rationale:  Our current WFPO agreement ends 9/30 and we will need to either file an extension (as previously done) or re-apply for a new agreement.  Allen Gehring, NRCS state engineer, advises re-applying for a new contract agreement as this will allow for; more than one year extension, additional cost estimates to be included.  The caveat with filing a new application would be a 30-45 day "dead period" that would not allow for any WFPO reimbursements.  This would require any Olsson design work (covered under WFPO) to be: 
1.  Paused during the transition period.  This option is not preferred with our planned bidding period for first three sites.
2.  Any incurred costs to be covered by JEDI funds, which is allowable under our JEDI agreement.
 

Rationale:  Paperwork for our new WHP/NWQI position was submitted.  We are still hopeful to have an agreement ready for Board meeting.  Drew is working on updating the Watershed Management Plan that will make this area eligible for 319 funding.  319 funding will compliment the new position and NRCS cost share programs.

Rationale:  The Watershed Management Plan was updated and submitted to NDEE and EPA for approval.  The 2024-2029 update is attached for Board approval with plans to approve at the next Coordinator Alliance meeting (?May 29th?).

Rationale:  Trend analysis proposal is progressing with NDEE 319 program committing $15,000.  Total cost from November 2023 was $148,100.  USGS will contribute $48,300.  This leaves $84,800 to be split over two years by remaining members: LPS, Papio, LPN, MUD, Lincoln Water, NeDNR, and NE G&P.  UNL has not committed.  With out UNL, this is $6,057 over two fiscal years = $12,114 total.  Direction from committee is requested.

Rationale:  Phase I of the project finished up construction towards the end of March. The Village has secured CDBG funding for Phase II of the project.  JEO is working on developing our agreement with the Village for Phase II.  Jake Miriovsky with JEO plans to be at next months committee meeting to give an update.  Several pictures taken by Sean are attached.
 

Rationale:  A kickoff meeting occurred on March 26th in the Board Room.  Fifteen individuals attended including four County Emergency Managers, and representatives from Schuyler, Fremont, and North Bend.  Materials are attached and a link to the project website: https://www.jeo.com/lpnnrd-hmp.  Our next public meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of June 17th at the Lake Wanahoo Education Building.

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.