August 12, 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:  Travis Hazard with Hazard Engineering will be available to discuss our Cottonwood 21A project and the two proposed alternatives.

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

Rationale:  Attached find details about the NARD Fall Conference being held September 22-24 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. Please let Breunig know if you are interested in attending and if you will need a room. Registration deadline is September 3rd.

Rationale:  Attached find absence requests from the following Directors"
April
Yosten- Dr. Appointment in Omaha
May
Bailey - Planting
Yosten - Planting
June
Bailey - Planting
Hilger - Alfalfa Harvest
D. Johnson - Replanting
Yosten - Farming
Saeger - Out of Town (Zoom)
Meduna - Planting 

 

Rationale:  Travis Hazard with Hazard Engineering will be available to discuss our Cottonwood 21A project and the two proposed alternatives.

Rationale:  Construction update meeting was held on Wednesday, July 31st at 1:00 pm.  There has been a slight delay in completion of the footings and poured walls but hoping to have that completed in the next week or so.  

Rationale:  Kelly and Gottschalk attended the Governor's meeting with NRD managers and directors from across the state.  He explained his interest in sound management of our state's groundwater and the ability to obtain real-time usage monitoring.  It is the first such meeting I can remember and future Governor/NRD meetings are going to be scheduled.

Rationale:  Will has accepted a position with the USACE and his last official day will be August 6, 2024.  We will have the exact numbers for his leave payout for the board meeting.

We are very grateful to Will and his seven years of service to our district and wish him the best of luck in his professional endeavors.  

Rationale:  With Will's decision to leave we are now prepared to advertise for our newly created Assistant Water Manager position.  Our hope is to attract a quality pool of experienced applicants to choose from.

Rationale:  Grant will be available to review the Draft June Financial Statement.

We will not approve the June 30th Financial Statement until after the Annual Audit is completed. 

Rationale:  Each Committee has reviewed their portion of the budget with the Executive Committee charged with reviewing the Administrative and Personnel Expenses.

The Budget Workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 6th at 5:00 p.m.

Our Budget Hearing will be Monday, August 12th, beginning at 5:00 p.m., just prior to our August Board Meeting. It is anticipated that we will approve our FY 25 Budget that evening.  

At the September Meeting we will set our FY 25 Levy.

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting - To approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget with a total expenditure of $14,085,234.

Rationale:  There is no unfinished business to address.

Rationale:  M.E. Collins is back removing dirt from the three northern Cat Paws. They may reach their contracted 10,000 cubic yards.

Rationale:  The O & M crew spent considerable time unplugging a 24" culvert at Homestead Lake. The culvert is under our road and was designed with grates on both ends. The grates will be removed to prevent blockage.
We continue to spray trees on NRD properties and Clear Creek Levee.

Rationale:  A 60% study completion meeting was held on Thursday, July 25 between NRD staff, NRCS and HDR. The HDR engineering team reviewed five alternatives for the rehabilitation of Cottonwood 21-A. The alternatives are: Alt 1 - No Action/FWOFI - Alternative doesn't meet purpose & need.
Alt 2 - SLO Financed (Funded solely by NRD) $1.2+ million
Alt 3 - Structural Rehab to High Hazard (New Spillway to East)
Alt 4 - Structural Rehab to High Hazard (Modify Existing A. Spillway)
Alt 5 - Structural Rehab to Significant Hazard (Buyout 3 homes downstream)
After reviewing all alternatives, Alt 3 & 4 are our best options, both at an estimated cost of $2.8 million. See attached diagrams.
Alt - 3 gives 500 year protection, water will cross the County road in this event..
Alt - 4 gives 100-year protection and the County road will have water over it in this event.
Staff and an engineer would like to meet with the landowners on both alternatives to explain the alternatives and discuss their concerns before the District makes a decision.

Rationale:  NRD staff have provided Terry Miller, Saunders County Emergency Manager, with an estimated damage cost on the Wanahoo area. That figure was forwarded to FEMA. We have not heard back from FEMA/NEMA.

Rationale:  We have not heard from the COE regarding the elevations related to the tie- back levee and the Clear Creek Levee. The Clear Creek D & D raised a portion of the tie-back levee some years back. Houston Engineering has provided us with LIDAR information showing that the tie-back levee is lower than the Clear Creek Levee, therefore it will not cause a rise in flood flows. We will use this information when the COE informs us of what they want.

Rationale:  Kirk Brand is requesting a larger CMP (corrugated metal pipe) in the county road ditch and his field, which drains into Rawhide Ditch 8 along Co. Rd 24.
Dodge County will not help with this project. Mr. Brand said he would help financially with a larger pipe. The committee directed Heimann to get estimates for replacing the existing pipe.

Rationale:  Heavy rains & flooding caused damage to a landowners' field and the bank of Bellwood Ditch 4. (See Photos)
Staff will get an estimate from an area contractor(s) for work to be accomplished after harvest. 
We had a similar repair in 2022 that cost $4,500. We also had some work done 9 years ago.

Rationale:  Houston Engineering, the designers of the Wanahoo basin repair after the 2019 flood event, have a proposal to inspect the basin for damage at a cost of $6,988. (See Attached Quote)
Houston Engineering, Ethan Miller and Connor Kelly inspected the Stilling Basin and area on May 29 after the water receded. Here are their notes:
Apron Inspection
We did a grid inspection of the apron and no damage was found. The baffle plate and baffles also appear to be undamaged. Some minor separations (1/2") between the end sill and sheet pile were noted on the west side as well. This section still appeared to be in stable condition. 
Stilling Basin Inspection
We also probed the rock stilling basin and the rock armoring and shape of the pool seemed to be intact. The pool beneath the bank line that eroded was in good condition. We could not fully inspect the center of the basin with our equipment.
Relief Wells
There is noted damage to the relief wells on the east side that you're likely aware of. The most upstream well has a damaged outlet pipe in the area where the bank eroded. The housing unit on the eastern downstream well was also dislodged. A free floating conduit was observed near the outlet of the western downstream well, but that well appeared to be undamaged. 
 

Rationale:  The District received revenue from our grass drills in Saunders and Platte Counties for the first half of the year. Rezac Seed paid the District $1,028.70, 15 cooperators used the drill. Rosendahl Farms paid the District $503.50, 9 cooperators used the drill.

Staff is currently working on a NET grant to purchase a new grass drill to replace the drill in Platte County that is over 20 years old. The past couple of years, the District has spent considerable dollars repairing the drill.

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting
To authorize staff to write a NET grant to purchase a new no-till grass drill in 2025 at an estimated cost of $50,000. 

Rationale:  We have not received any request for payments.

Rationale:  For the month of June, the District received $9,644.00 in annual park permit revenue. The year by year break down is listed below. 
 

Month	Monthly Total	YTD
June 2024	$9,644.00	$55,311.00
June 2023	$10,390.00	$61,495.00
June 2022	$10,462.50	$62,495.00
June2021	$10,567.50	$72,907.50
June 2020	$13,030.00	$80,255.00
June2019	$12,290.00	$62,800.00

 

Rationale:  For the month of June, the District received $16,992.50 in camping revenue. The year by year comparison is below. 
 

June 2024	$16,992.50	$58,788.95
June 2023	$18,097.23	$61,992.46
June 2022	$17,755.42	$60,242.33
June 2021	$16,352.03	$67,185.82
June 2020	$20,362.09	$75,030.44
June 2019	$15,709.51	$42,870.46

Rationale:  We are looking into increasing the number of 50 AMP camp sites as demand for them has increased.  We are looking into pricing per camp site. Once we have a rough estimate we will bring it back to committee. 

Rationale:  With the recent incident in the park, we are in need of better video coverage of Wanahoo's east side.  The only cameras we have on the east side of Wanahoo are located on the building.  These do not provide adequate coverage of the park and traffic coming in and out.  Diode (same company as building cameras) provided us with a 30 day free trial of two separate cameras, one stationary and one movable, both are quality cameras but the movable camera provides much better coverage.  It can detect people and vehicles and follow them if desired. 

https://command.verkada.com/cameras 

Rationale:  The Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo was rented 18 times. Revenue for the month was $2,000.

Rationale:  The KTIC radio ads and Wahoo newspaper e-ads during July featured the availability of cost-share for abandoned wells. August ads will feature all three recreation areas. The ads are attached. 

Rationale:  The LPNNRD Facebook and X pages, along with the website are some of the fastest ways to get information out to the public. Facebook and X posts range from 12 -18 posts per month. If you are on Facebook or X, 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.

July had a total of 16 posts.

Followers for July	Total	Increase/Decrease
Facebook	1,635	Up .62%
X	451	Up 4.6%

Posts included:
• Upcoming variance request deadlines
• Hazard Mitigation Plan survey link
• Summer Viaduct is available to read on the website
• 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day
• Board Meeting reminders
• Rural Water maintenance notice
• Saunders County Fair bug hotels activity poster

WEBSITE	Users	Traffic Channel Changes	Top Pages	Devices
July	2,225	Organic -13.66% Direct 17.39% Referral -4.71% Social -50.85%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Outdoor Recreation Downloads	Mobile 57% Desktop 41.5% Tablet 1.5%
June	2,895	Organic 19.25% Direct 15.94% Referral 98.82% Social -54.24%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Flood Damage Reduction Staff	Mobile 57% Desktop 41.5% Tablet 1.5%
May	2,721	Organic 40.51% Direct 17.95% Referral 63.64% Social -33%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Flood Damage Reduction Staff	Mobile 62.8% Desktop 35.5% Tablet 1.7%

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: NARD’s website 20, visitnebraska.com 21, Wahoo newspaper website (LPNNRD digital ad) 1.
Clicks from Facebook: 24.
Clicks from Twitter: 3.

Rationale:  July 11-14: Butler County fair was a bit slower than the past two years inside the building on Saturday and Sunday. A handful of brochures were taken; stickers, kites and wildflower seed packets were a success with the kids that walked through.

July 30: Saunders County Fair "Bug Hotels" activity for kids with recycled materials had 9 kids.  

July 31-August 4: Dodge County Fair booth will be set up in Scribner.
 

Rationale:  The RWD has been struggling with our WaterWorks billing software for the entirety of its existence; the remote meter reading capability was lost when PWG and Small Data Systems dissolved, the software has been exceedingly sporadic in its usuablityl and the accounting integrity has been questioned by HBE.
The RWD reached out to multiple outlets to inquire about new software and remote meter reading options.  Municipal Supply (attach) presented the best option and staff recommended to move forward with this option.
Total price: $12,570.00
Includes: Remote (drive-by) meter reader, compatible with existing meters.  New software package ($1,200/year subscription), on-site training.
 

Rationale:  The RWD was notified on 7/19 of a leak within the Village of Colon.  The RWD with assistance from the CIty of Wahoo were able to locate and repair the service line leak on 7/22.
Routine monthly sampling completed and bills mailed 7/30.

Rationale:  The Bruno RWD was contacted by landowner wanting to connect to the system due to a failed well.  The property sits across HWY 12B spur and will require boring to run the service line to the property.  The RWD has been in contact with multiple contractors and NDOT (permitting) to get the project lined up.  
During the monthly meter reading/billing it was noted that one residential customer had an excessive use (285,000 gallons).  Elliott contacted the landowner to inquire about the usage; an abandoned service line to a hog barn had ruptured and wasn't discovered for a period of time.  The leak was repaired and no further assistance was requested.
Routine monthly sampling completed, bills mailed 7/30.

Rationale:  The deadline for filing an application is September 15.

Rationale:  The deadline for filing an application is August 15.

Rationale:  Judy Zimmerman applied for a well permit in the NE NE S36-T16N-1E, Butler County.  Presently, they irrigate 132 acres and want to irrigate more efficiently as this is an L-shaped field, by adding a well to the northern part of the quarter as shown on the map. Part of the field is a pivot with the other part flood irrigation. They will not be increasing irrigated acres. This parcel is located 2 miles south of Bellwood in the HCA area (blue). 

Rationale:  Attached is the updated contract for $35,000 including the additional tasks for the Groundwater Management Plan.  This amount was approved to include in the budget at the July board meeting. 

Attached is the July invoice for $7,375.38 for updating the plan under the current contract. 

Rationale:  Per contract, the invoice is attached for $7,802.50 for the nitrate assessment of Shell Creek.
Bob Meduna commented that there might be a spike in nitrates in the groundwater in the future because of the excess rainfall received.  

Rationale:  167 kits have been sent to producers, but few samples have come back from the lab.  

Rationale: 

2024 is the twenty-second year for this Phase 2 Area. 

Year	Nitrate-nitrogen Range	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 0 to 8.0 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 8.01 to 10.00 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 10.01 to 15 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen greater than 15 ppm
2004	0 to 25 ppm	46.3% (44 of 95)	8.4% (8 of 95)	45.3% (43 of 95)
2005	0 to 25 ppm	47% (44 of 94)	15% (14 of 94)	38% (36 of 94)
2006	0 to 24 ppm	41% (29 of 71)	14% (10 of 71)	45% (32 of 71)
2007	0 to 31 ppm	48% (48 of 100)	9% (9 of 100)	43% (43 of 100)
2008	0 to 28 ppm	53.75% (43 of 80)	7.5% (6 of 80)	38.75% (31 of 80)
2009	0 to 22 ppm	45.5% (41 of 90)	15.5% (14 of 90)	39% (35 of 90)
2010	0 to 35.7 ppm	48.65% (54 of 111)	11.71% (13 of 111)	39.64% (44 of 111)
2011	0 to 26.6 ppm	51% (56 of 110)	6% (7 of 110)	43% (47 of 110)
2012	0 to 28.9 ppm	57% (61 of 107)	9% (10 of 107)	34% (36 of 107)
2013	0 to 25.8 ppm	50% (53 of 107)	9% (10 of 107)	14% (44 of 107)	26%
2014	0 to 22.3 ppm	51% (55 of 108)	13% (14 of 108)	18% (39 of 108)	20%
2015	0 to 32.3 ppm	43% (31 of 72)	8% (6 of 72)	14% (35 of 72)	33%
2016	0 to 35.1 ppm	34% (25 of 74)	11% (8 of 74)	26% (41 of 74)	26%
2017	0 to 23.5 ppm	36% (27 of 74)	15% (11 of 74)	19% (36 of 74)	22%
2018	0 to 30.9 ppm	40% (25 of 63)	11% (7 of 63)	22% (31 of 63)	28%
2019	0 to 24.5 ppm	46% (22 of 48)	10% (5 of 48)	28% (21 of 48)	22%
2020	0 to 20.5 ppm	33.33% (20 of 60)	13.33% (8 of 60)	35% (21 of 60)	18.33% (11 of 60)
2021	0.12 to 27.7 ppm	40.6% (26 of 64)	15.6% (10 of 64)	25% (16 of 64)	18.8% (12 of 64)
2022	0.13 to 23.0 ppm	43.75% (28 of 64)	12.50% (8 pf 64)	26.56% (17 of 64)	17.19% (11 of 64)
2023	0 to 19.8 ppm	50.8% (32 of 63)	15.9% (10 of 63)	20.6% (13 of 63)	12.7% (8 of 63)
2024

Rationale: 

2024 is the ninth year of this Phase 3 Area.  This Phase 3 area went into effect September 1, 2015.  The 55 sections of this area first went into a Phase 2 Area in 2004.  The ten sections that were in Phase 2 are now in Phase 3.  As such, the 2020, 2021 and 2022 numbers (at bottom of table) are for 65 sections.

Year	Nitrate-nitrogen Range	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 0 to 8.0 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 8.01 to 10.00 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 10.01 to 15 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen greater than 15 ppm
2004	0 to 47 ppm	30% (42 of 139)	10% (14 of 139)	60% (83 of 139)
2005	0 to 120 ppm	31.3% (74 of 236)	10.2% (24 of 236)	58.5% (138 of 236)
2006	0 to 53 ppm	28% (50 of 181)	14% (26 of 181)	58% (105 of 181)
2007	0 to 99 ppm	32% (75 of 231)	10% (22 of 231)	58% (134 of 227)
2008	0 to 46 ppm	28% (53 of 190)	12% (23 of 190)	60% (114 of 190)
2009	0 to 57 ppm	33% (72 of 216)	6% (13 of 216)	61% (131 of 216)
2010	0 to 57.5 ppm	31% (70 of 229)	7% (15 of 229)	62% (142 of 229)
2011	0 to 65.8 ppm	28% (67 of 241)	9% (21 of 241)	63% (153 of 241)
2012	0 to 52.6 ppm	29% (70 of 241)	9% (21 of 241)	30% (150 of 241)	31%
2013	0 to 94.0 ppm	25% (63 of 252)	9% (23 of 252)	31% (166 of 252)	36%
2014	0 to 101.0 ppm	27% (68 of 251)	9% (22 of 251)	27% (161 of 251)	37%
2015	0 to 53.3 ppm	23% (55 of 238)	12% (29 of 238)	25% (154 of 238)	41%
2016	0 to 50.5 ppm	25% (58 of 228)	10% (22 of 228)	26% (148 of 228)	40%
2017	0 to 53.4 ppm	25% (60 of 238)	6% (14 of 238)	29% (164 of 238)	41%
2018	0 to 56.9 ppm	26.5% (50 of 189)	6.3% (12 of 189)	25% (127 of 189)	42%
2019	0 to 39.4 ppm	25% (53 of 209)	11% (22 of 209)	23% (134 of 209)	42%
2020	0 to 50.8 ppm	26% (69 of 261)	6% (15 of 261)	26% (66 of 257)	43% (110 of 257)
2021	0 to 43.0 ppm	25.5% (67 of 263)	8.4% (22 of 263)	24.3% (64 o 263)	41.8% (109 of 263)
2022	0 to 58.5 ppm	23.0% (57 of 248)	6.45% (16 of 248)	29.43% (73 of 248)	41.12% (102 of 248)
2023	0 to 46.5 ppm	26% (68 of 263)	6% (17 of 263)	24% (63 of 263)	44% (115 of 263)
2024

 

Rationale:  An V-IMP update will be given at the August 28th Water Committee from NeDNR and NRD staff.

Rationale: 

For 2024 we have 653 renewals and 54 new permit applications for a current total of 707.  Inspections for 115 renewal permits and 54 new permits have been completed as of July 31, 2024.

A monthly report is attached.  

Rationale:  The staff started water sampling the week of July 22nd after a wet June.  As of July 31, 41 of the 53 statewide water sample sites have now been sampled.  

Rationale:  Attached is a revised version of the policy.  Please take the time to review.  

Rationale: 

# new wells has been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

Rationale: 

# wells have been plugged, reviewed, and ready for cost share payment approval this month.

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County

 

Rationale:  Eric gave an update on METOs equipment and what they are proposing.  Hopefully, a proposal will be available by the Board Meeting. 

Rationale:  Invoices have been received and ready for payment for the following:

3 Flow Meters - Oehlrich Farms Inc - $3,000
1 Flow Meter - Keith Novak - $1,000
1 Flow Meter - A & M Farms LLC - $1,000
6 Flow Meters - Melvin Bailey - $6,000
13 Flow Meters - RDC Farms - $13,000
2 Flow Meter - Larry Kohler - $2,000
1 Flow Meter - Gary Wachel - $1,000
1 Flow Meter - John Healy - $1,000

The total cost-share for July is $28,000 with $16,800 being reimbursed from the WSF grant. 
 

Rationale:  Please join us at a Sunset Seminar. 

• Bellwood, NE, Wednesday, 8/7
  • Frommy's Pizza & Bar

This seminar will provide more information on LPNNRD demonstration sites.  An invoice is attached for $603 to handle the second year of subscription costs on last year's site to show the results for 3 years.  
 

We are once again excited to present our Sunset Seminars! This year's Seminars will include presentations on N-Time and the chance to hear from The Combine and affiliated companies. Following the presentations, there will be an open Q&A session. Each seminar will be hosted by a current customer or trial partner, providing insights into their experiences with N-Time.   Complimentary dinner and drinks will be provided at each event.

 

2024 Sunset Seminar Locations **All Sunset Seminars start at 5:30 P.M.** Lexington, NE, Tuesday, 8/6  District 22 Event Center Bellwood, NE, Wednesday, 8/7 Frommy's Pizza & Bar Kearney, NE, Thursday, 8/8 The Chicken Coop Albion, NE, Tuesday, 8/13 Casey Building Creighton, NE, Thursday, 8/15 VFW Additional location information & agenda to come. For questions, reach out to Shane Forney: shane.forney@sentinelfertigation.com or at (531) 893-1559.   Register Today

Rationale:  LPN staff attended the GMDA conference in Omaha from July 18–19.  Topics included Lincoln and Omaha water systems, modeling, GIS and court decisions. (presentation attached) 

GMDA winter conference will be held February 25-27, 2025 in Temecula, CA. 

Rationale:  Lower Platte River Drought Contingency Plan Trigger Updates
Platte River near Ashland flow: Between July 1-24, daily mean discharge at Ashland varied between 21,700 cfs and 4,700 cfs (no drought category). Peak instantaneous flow was 26,900 cfs.
Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) value at Ashland, NE: -3.29 as of July 24th, 2024 (Severe Drought according to the LPRDCP)

Highlights from the Central Region Climate & Drought Outlook webinar during July 2024:
 

• Seasonal Outlooks (August - October 2024): Temperature outlook is leaning to above average chance of warm conditions, and leaning below average precipitation.
• Crop Conditions in Nebraska as of July 21, 2024:
  • Corn: 76% silking, 75% good to excellent conditions
  • Soybeans: 83% blooming, 74% good to excellent conditions

 

• Topsoil Moisture Conditions in Nebraska as of July 21, 2024: 26% short to very short, 62% adequate, and 12% surplus.
• El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Outlook: Currently heading into neutral to La Niña conditions throughout the remainder of the year.

Rationale:  Review of this year's groundwater budget.

Rationale:  Fremont Lake No. 9 (SRA) is under a "Health Alert" for Microcystin.  A sample was taken from Czechland the week of July 29.  

This week's beach Bacteria and Harmful Algal Bloom results are now posted on the NDEE web page (Current Health Alerts and Sampling Results For This Week). 

Rockford Lake (SRA), Fremont Lake No. 9 (SRA), and Bluestem Lake will be on Health Alert this week.  Maple Creek Recreational Area Lake in Colfax County will be removed from Health Alert.
There will be 3 beaches on Health Alert this week.

Current Lakes on "Health Alert"
Lake	County	Microcystin (ppb)	Sample Date
Rockford Lake (SRA)	Gage	>35	7/22/2024
Fremont Lake No. 9 (SRA)	Dodge	11.71	7/22/2024
Bluestem Lake	Lancaster	19.09	7/22/2024

When a lake exceeds 8 ppb of microcystin it will be placed on Health Alert. If a lake is under a Health Alert, signs will be posted recommending people avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. 
There is 1 beach with E.coli testing above 235 colonies/100 ml.

Lakes with High E.coli Bacteria
Lake	County	E.coli (MPN)	Sample Date
Kirkman's Cove Lake	Richardson	387	7/22/2024

When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 ml a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed waterbody.
Have a good day!

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

Rationale:  Staff are working with USGS to renew our streamgages and groundwater gage agreement for: Shell Creek near Columbus, Wahoo Creek at Ashland, and the Mead groundwater well.  Historically, these agreements have been annually.  Staff prefer longer agreements for time and budgeting reasons.  Is the committee supportive of a 3 year or 5 year agreement?  This agreement is currently at $19,010 per year.
The Committee suggested reaching out to USGS about a 5-year agreement. 

Rationale:  A question was asked about groundwater recharge areas and wetlands, and should we determine whether a program in our district would be beneficial?

Eric and Kelly met with other NRD managers with Governor Pillen.  The governor is pushing for "real time" monitoring and meters on every withdrawal. The concern is consumptive use, and would they tax the water?     

Rationale:  As of 7/31, DNR has not informed the NRDs (statewide) of our FY25 SWCP allocation.  Early indications is that we were to expect the same allocation as last year, $86,748.17.  Listed below are the current eligible applications for FY25 SWCP application approval:
 

24-S-1	DON ANDERSON	$                       2,735.50	Grass waterway
24-S-2	MICHAEL ANDERSON	$                     15,000.00	Grass waterway
24-S-3	TERRY KUBIK	$                     15,000.00	Terraces with tile outlet

24-B-1

DONALD KREJCI

$                     15,000.00

WASCB/tile outlet

Rationale:  No updates.  The partners have a meeting set for August 6th to get direction from the City of Fremont.

Rationale:  State NRCS is backlogged and the plan has not been sent to National.  There will not be much happening until comments come back from the National Watershed Management Center.

Rationale:  Regarding the North Bend Drainage Ditch Improvement project that the NRD committed $100,000 for in 2020 and then State funds (CDBG-DR) came through to pick up the remainder.
Recently Houston Engineering submitted a revised agreement amendment for the Drainage Districts approval.  The amendment is for an additional $56,915 ($94,321 to $151,236) and in Houston Engineering words includes:

1. All plan completion, FEMA coordination, DNR/NDOT/RR coordination, and USACE coordination to complete plans incurred since our last invoice in December of 2022.  This time is included in Task 4.1 in the fee spreadsheet.
2. All land rights coordination, discussion, easement preparation to date and through delivery of the easement documents to Mr. Johnson.  All of the time is included as Task 4.2
3. Preparation, coordination, attendance and conducting of bid phase.  We are anticipating the bid opening will be at Dodge County or somewhere around Fremont.
4. Construction observation and project closeout phase.

The Amendment is attached.

Rationale:  It is time to renew our agreement with USGS for 5 cameras on the Platte River (Columbus, North Bend, Schuyler, Leshara, Fremont) with two stage-only sites (Fremont and Schuyler).  We currently have a 3-year agreement.  USGS suggests a 3 or 5 year agreement, NRD staff prefer a longer agreement and will reach out to the partners for their input.

Rationale:  NRCS informed us that our PIFR submittal to National will be delayed a bit as they are short-staffed.

Rationale:  SCWIG had a meeting on July 16th.  Logistics for the Celebration scheduled for August 12th were the primary focus.  The Final Bend project should be completed for the Celebration.  Bill has several projects in the works with septic approvals below.  Next meeting is scheduled for August 13th.  SCWIG is recommending a residential irrigation sensor rebate program modeled off of MUDs program (attached) with these requirements:

• Valid January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
• Smart predictive controller, soil moisture probes, or rain shutoff
• $100 (not to exceed actual costs)
• email or mail: form, copy of receipt, picture of product installed, W9
  • form: name, address, private well or Public Water Supply, date purchased, cost
• Withing the Shell Creek watershed (including small areas outside of LPNNRD)
• Allow up to 45 days for payment and processing

Staff will certify rebates to be paid on bills pending as they are submitted and will report regularly.

Rationale:  Listed are two completed septic system upgrades that are certified and ready to be paid:
                                Approved amt                   Final cost                Board app

Jesse Labenz

$11,500

$11,108.01

8/12/2024

Mike Dvorak

$4,800

$8,131.05

8/12/2024

Rationale:  A new application for a septic system upgrade was submitted by Bill Bos with estimated 60% cost-share at $5,500.00
                                Approved c/s                                                    Board app

Dawn Schulz

$5,500

8/12/2024

Rationale:  On 7/9 Gottshcalk and Elliott presented to the Saunder Co Supervisors in regards to our Conditional Use Permit for construction of the first three sites.  The permit is tied to the County's floodplain management duties and is required anytime fill is moved/placed within the 100 year floodplain.  The applications were approved and are attached.

Rationale:  The plan for construction of the first three Wahoo Creek sites (26A, 26B, 27) stands to begin 11/1 as that ends the Northern Long-Eared Bat roosting season and we will be able to start with land clearing and site prep without any need for additional surveys.  With that expected start date we will need to advertise for construction bids within the month to allow for site showing(s) and timely preparation.  Andrew Philips will be present to discuss projected timeline.
Olsson progress report and invoices attached.

Rationale:  Danielle Allen and staff have reached out to all landowners on sites 84 and 66 and met, or have set up, preliminary land right acquisition meetings with all interested parties.  Several parcel owners do not want to meet until we have offers ready.
Introductory letters to landowners on sites 86 and 55 went out the week of 7/22 and Danielle will begin to set-up landowner meetings with interested parties starting in the next couple of weeks.
Olsson invoice attached.

Rationale:  Reimbursement requests were sent to NeDNR for $364,197.56 and NRCS for $55,805.96 on July 25th.  We received NeDNR JEDI payment on July 31st.

Rationale:  The NRD was contacted by Steve Beyers who owns property east of Linwood along Skull Creek and experienced flood damage during the spring storms.  The property had an existing levee that protected the farmground that was damaged.  The levee is a private structure and is not operated/managed by any entity.  Mr. Beyers will be present to discuss his concerns.

Rationale:  Larry Ruzicka, North Bend Drainage District, contacted the NRD about repair work needed on the Central Cutoff Ditch.  The last segment of the ditch sustained damage during the 2019 flood and didn't meet FEMA standards for assistance.  Larry will be present to discuss the project.. 

Rationale:  JEO invoice and progress report attached.

Rationale:  The Loess Hill RC&D is coordinating Household Hazardous Waste collections in three communities, one being North Bend.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, they are requesting additional support from NRDs.  Deb Ward will be on zoom to discuss.

 

Rationale:  The LPNNRD supported the Wachiska Audubon Society in the past.  They are currently applying for an NET grant and would like the NRD's support.

The society is asking for a three-year pledge of $1,000 per year beginning July 1, 2025. Other partnering NRD's are Nemaha ($2,000 per year for 3 years) and Lower Platte South ($3,000 per year for 3 years). (see attachment)

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting if we wish to support the grant. 

 

Rationale:  Attached find an Interlocal agreement with City of Whoo and Windstream for the Hwy 77/109 round about. (see attached)

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to authorize Chair Thompson to sign the agreement with the City of Wahoo, Windstream and NRD. 

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.