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

Rationale:  DNR contacted all NRDs with their FY25 NeSWCP apportionment, the LPN allocation=  $83,058.36

Combined with the NRD local $25,000, the FY25 total = $108,058.36

Rationale:  Listed are two new FY25 applications for SWCP:

With these two applications our total FY25 SWCP allocation totals = $60,168.85.  
 

24-S-4	JV ACRES PTNSHP	$                     12,433.35	Terraces with tile outlet/WASCB
24-B-1	DONALD KREJCI	$                     15,000.00	WASCB w/ tile outlet

Rationale:  FEMA funding was not awarded (July 2024).  A debrief was requested from NEMA/FEMA.  The City plans to have JEO phase and repackage the BRIC grant application for the middle portion (East of Luther Rd, West of Hwy 275.  They may utilize some ARPA funds to be begin detention basin excavation on property already owned south of the power plant/rail road tracks.  BRIC grant application deadline will be delayed due to FEMA funding pause.

Rationale:  JEO has completed the nonstructural site inspections and made recommendations for 5 separate properties.  JEO will present their finding to the property owners to see how receptive they are to the proposed upgrades.  A 25% local match is needed from any combination of non-federal funds.  JEO will also work on an application for Floodplain Management and Administration policy review.

Rationale:  JEO completed edits on the Plan EA based on comments received from NRCS State staff.  We are still awaiting a letter from the City / Airport Authority stating that they're ok with the proposed project.  Once submitted, final approval is expected to take 6 to 9 months.  Final design can begin fall of 2025 (FY2026): Large detention west of town & Raising Fremont Cutoff road west of highway, ties into high-ground.

Rationale:  Jovan drafted an agreement for the Board's commitment last month of $60,000.  A signed copy is attached.

Rationale:  Attached is a request from North Bend for reimbursement of Levee easement work.  On July 12, 2021, The NRD Board approved the motion "To approve 1/3 of the cost, up to $13,000 maximum assistance, to the City of North Bend, for hiring JEO to develop easements for the North Bend Levee System."
The filing fees totaled $120.00 and JEO’s fee was $42,178.75, divided by 3 equals $14,099.59

Rationale:  Attached is a Joint Funding Agreement with USGS for the operation of five cameras and two stage-only streamagages for five years.  Total local cost is $114,280 for 5 years, split between 4 partners (Dodge County, City of Fremont, Papio, and LPNNRD) = $5,714 annually per partner.  LPNNRD is the lead on this project.  We plan to pay USGS quarterly and bill back partners annually.

Rationale:  Attached is a joint funding interlocal agreement with Dodge County, City of Fremont, and Dodge County for operation and maintenance of five Platte River Cameras and two Stage-Only Streamgages for five years.  The agreement is based on our previous agreement with updated dates and financial, and the removal of language describing purchasing the equipment.

Rationale:  SCWIG met on 8/13 in Columbus NRCS office.  Topics included: producer and homeowner mailings, residential irrigation efficiency rebates, recently complete and planned projects, and celebration logistics.  The celebration is scheduled for September 12th at 4:00 pm, Matt's shop.  We are also planning a smaller tour of several projects beginning at noon, meeting at Matt's shop.

Rationale:  BIll Bos submitted a completed septic system upgrade for payment:
 

Dawn Schulz

Onsite Wastewater

$5,500

$4,627.20

Rationale:  NeDNR requested acknowledgment from Saunders county that they were aware of road impacts from site 26B on Road P.  Staff and Olsson submitted numerous accounts of discussions about the impacts, an email from Saunders Co Road Superisor, and the Conditional Use Permit issued by Saunders.
Final bid document edits/responses have been competed and full bid package will be available via Quest or staff will compile a requested packet.
Planned site showing for first three sites is 9/19.
Bids due 10/3.
Bid award 10/14 (Board mtg)
 

Rationale:  Request for construction bids on sites 26A, 26B, and 27 have been advertised.  The upcoming schedule: 
9/19 - Site showing 
10/3 - Bid due/opening
10/14 - Board award contract
Olsson progress report and invoices attached.

Rationale:  Danielle and Elliott held initial meetings with the majority of landowners on sites 55, 85, 84, 66, and 86.  There remain a few holdouts who have not responded to multiple letters, or phone calls.  These initial landowner meetings serve the purpose to present the most up to date map and knowledge of the project to the impacted landowners as a courtesy before the appraisal, and offer, process begins.
Danielle, along with Olsson engineering staff, Elliott, Chapman and Gottschalk met 8/26 to discuss easement language clarification relating to "top of dam" vs. "100 year floodplain" requirements.  NRCS is requiring easements to top of dam elevation for this WFPO program.  NeDNR requires easements to 100 year floodplain/auxiliary spillway crest elev..
Discussion was had regarding ingress/egress wording; current wording gives NRD "blanket coverage" throughout the "easement area", but not specific requirements/expectations for operation and maintenance or location of access.  

Invoice attached

Rationale:  Attached is a request from the Village of Lindsay for $25,000 of the $50,000 committed for their pond restoration project.  They expect to request the final $25,000 after substantial completion scheduled for October 15th, 2024.  On February 10th, 2023, the LPNNRD Board approved the motion to "Assist the Village of Lindsay with their pond rehabilitation project by committing $25,000 this fiscal year and $25,000 in FY2024."

Rationale:  Invoice and progress report from JEO attached.

Rationale:  The NRD was contacted looking for any assistance with a drainage issue North/North East of North Bend - between Highway 79 and County Road 8.  There are several parties interested in helping with the cost of this project.

Rationale:  Attached is a first draft of our Long Range Plan required to be updated annually.  Directors are requested to review the draft and have comments and suggestions back to staff before September's Board Meeting.

Rationale:  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) funds the Nebraska Buffer Strip Program while the NRDs administer the contracts within their respective NRDs.  NDA reached out the NRDs to pose possible amendments to the buffer strip program, some which would require statute change.  Attached are the proposals.