January 29, 2015 at 10:00 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  The Projects committee voted Matt Bailey as Chair and Bob Clausen as Vice-Chair.

Rationale:  The committee had much discussion on various topics related to our Soil & Water Conservation Program (SWCP) and was asked to review the attached policy and bring suggestions for change at the February 26 and April 2 Projects Committee meetings. 

Rationale:  No applications presented.

Rationale:  The following SWCP payments are presented for consideration: APPROVED ACTUAL   
14-S-8 Lawrence Styskal Flow Meter $    625.00 $    625.00
14-P-31 Warren Janssen Flow Meter x2 $ 1,250.00 $ 1,110.00
14-S-39 Robert Lubker Flow Meter x2 $ 1,250.00 $ 1,250.00
14-P-52 James Christensen Flow Meter $    625.00 $    625.00

Rationale:  No cancellations presented.

Rationale:  None presented.

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Rationale:  None presented.

Rationale:  None presented.

Rationale:  While NDEQ is still reviewing the Shell Creek plan for any final changes, we have learned that the Nebraska Environmental Trust has preliminary approved a $155,000 grant for use in the Shell Creek Watershed.  ET's final approval will occur in early April.  In the meantime, staff is planing to meet with NDEQ in February to discuss how to best use their approved $50,000 and the anticipated $155,000 of ET funds. 

Rationale:  On January 22, Gottschalk and Mountford accompanied JEO staff as they began their onsite evaluation of Dunlap Creek.  Their plan is to walk the entire creek, documenting problems and potential grade control solutions.  It is anticipated that an invoice  from JEO will be received and presented at the February 9 Board Meeting for payment approval. 

Rationale:  The Committee had a long discussion on the role of the LPRCA and the importance of LPNNRD Board Members to actively attend meetings and give direction on what emphasis and project areas they wish the Alliance to be involved with.  

Rationale:  No report was given at this time, but a written report may be attached by Board meeting.

Rationale:  Attached are Army COE Project Managers report on the present state of the Shell Creek Levee Construction at Schuyler.  The COE has declared the levee substantially complete and should be completed by summer.

A meeting between the Corps of Engineers, Schuyler and LPNNRD is scheduled for February 12 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the LPNNRD office in Wahoo.  Directors are encouraged to attend.  (The Fremont 205 Project will be reviewed that same afternoon at 1:00 p.m.)

Rationale:  JEO HMP Project Manager Jeff Hensen was present to give an update and reviewed the attached list of potential HMP projects.  The list included three potential areas that LPNNRD might pursue in addition to three communities that listed projects that they may wish to pursue.   Colon, Woodcliff and Dwight identified projects that they may wish to have JEO complete more detailed analysis for potential FEMA assistance.  We have approved grant funding that can assist these communities with 75% of the analysis costs.    

On January 30th, we received a $8,335 Invoice from JEO, as attached, and we are requesting the Board to approve payment at the February 9th meeting .

Rationale:  In 2008, LPNNRD partnered with the NRCS and SCWIG to purchase  GPS Survey Equipment to aid with the efficient survey and layout of conservation practices in the field.  The NRCS paid 50% ($35,443.35) of the intial cost and LPNNRD and SCWIG equally shared the other 50%, or $17,721.67 each (see attached agreement). Unfortunately, the unit has developed problems is in need of repair to be functional once again.  The NRCS has offered to provide 50% of the  required repairs estimated between $6,107 and $11,356 for fixing the unit as attached. Mark Walkenhorst and Ken Kotera were present to review this proposal options. It was determined that a a minimum, the GPS Board on the base needs replaced ($5,711) and repair the two rovers ($198 each) for a grand total of $6,107.  This unit has reduced an estimated $50,000 of needed man hours expense over the past six years. 

Rationale:  No new information was presented.

Rationale:  No new information was presented.

Rationale:  Manager Miyoshi updated the committee on the whirlwind of activity that occurred this week in regard to ice jams and resulting flooding on the Platte River.  A vulnerable portion of the Clear Creek cut off levee at the extreme north end was in danger of breaching.  So far this has been avoided due to the diligent work by our hired contractor, who worked around the clock to stabilize the levee where water seepage was occurring. Fortunately, the ice jam broke up and passed just prior to the start of dynamiting.  Clark Construction was activated and had a back-hoe at the fuse plug to begin work if the levee failed.  (A bill will be forth coming.)  Mike Murren and Bob Heimann were on the ground to assist with the emergency situation.  The Clear Creek Levee portion of the project (on the Saunders County side) is scheduled to be completed by September 30 this year. 

Rationale:  With no further business, the Projects Committee adjourned at 12:15 p.m.