December 8, 2025 at 1:30 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 Legislative Conference is being held January 26–January 28 at the Embassy Suites Lincoln.  Attached find a draft agenda.  Please let Breunig know if you are interested in attending. Registration deadline is January 5th. 

Rationale:  Members of New Mexico GMDA contingent will be hosting the GMDA Winter Conference in beautiful Roswell, New Mexico, March 2-5, 2026.

Rationale:  Attached find Lausterer's updated retainer agreement. The current agreement will expire prior to the first board meeting in January 2026. The monthly fee has increased from $600 to $625 or $7,600 a year. 

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to approve and authorize Chair Sabatka to sign the retainer agreement with Bromm, Lindahl, Freeman-Caddy & Lausterer as attached. 

Rationale:  At the November 10, 2025, NARD Board meeting, the board of directors approved to add Roth Elective Deferrals to the NARD 457 Plan effective January 1, 2026.  

Attached is the LPNNRD Resolution for us to adopt to finalize the addition of a Roth Elective to the NARD 457 Retirement Plan.
 

Rationale:  There was no sub-committee meeting held this past week but Mr. Hansen's had a survey crew out taking and staking elevations.

Patty Lindgren purchased a memorial bench and planted some trees several years ago on the east side of Wanahoo and she contacted our office with several concerns.  She was initially concerned with paint and stakes located on the concrete slab where her bench is located as well as a rebar pin.  She is also concerned about any proposed amphitheater location that could potentially interfere with her memorial bench.  I explained to her no location has been determined for a potential structure and I would keep her informed as the planning proceeds.  She also informed me, in the event the amphitheater is built near or on her current bench location, she would not be interested in moving she would be wanting a refund for her costs.

Rationale:  Candidate Filing Dates - 
January 5, 2026 - Candidate Filing Begins
February 17, 2026 - Incumbent Candidate Filing Deadline
March 2, 2026 - Non-incumbent (new) Candidate Filing Deadline
 

Rationale:  We had very good response from applicants for our open position.  Interviews were conducted last week and we currently have an offer out to our choice.  Start date is anticipated to be the first week of December.

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to ratify the hiring of Aurora Alvarez for the vacant Water Technician position. 

Rationale:  Grant presented the October Financial Reports. We will not approve until we have received our annual audit.  

Rationale:  Note from Butler County Treasurer - 
Due to a correction being made on a piece of real estate for the tax years 2022, 2023 and 2024, this letter is serving as notification to your political subdivision (as required by Neb. Rev. Stat. §77-1736.06) of a refund due the County because of this correction. This correction will be verified to me by the County Assessor and will be approved by the County Board on December 1^st, 2025.

Your respective share of the refund due the County will be an approximate total of $50.32. This amount will be deducted from the disbursements of your future collections.

 

Rationale:  There is nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  A meeting will be set up between G & P, NRD, NRCS & Pheasants Forever in late January or early February to redraft a new 5-year (2027–2031) plan for the management of the Wanahoo Wildlife land area (excluding the recreation area). This includes hay & burn rotations, spraying, Todd Valley wetland disturbance, tree removal, etc.
We'll let you know when the date is established.

Rationale:  The O & M crew has the new tree mulcher up and running. Cleared trees on the Wanahoo property, the Wanahoo WRP and are presently at Homestead. We did maintenance on the two Clear Creek Dams and three Swedeburg dams. We are addressing a beaver issue at Cottonwood 6-E and are keeping an eye on others (see pictures). Also, regular vehicle and equipment maintenance.

Rationale:  Heimann forwarded the Design Cost Estimate from HDR to NRCS for their review and comments.

Rationale:  We had a virtual meeting with FEMA, NEMA and Houston Engineering on Thursday November 20. The meeting dealt with mitigation and the benefit cost analyses. There seems to be some confusion with this area. Mike Sotak is figuring it out.

Rationale:  We received 4 quotes (attached) from refrigeration companies; Tech Masters — $14,503.80, Marking Refrigeration — $14,550.00 and $15,300.00 w/ heater, and Kaar Sheet Metal — $16,761.87.
Last month, director Lawrence asked staff to research CoolBot equipment.
On CoolBot's website, two things stuck out; 1) efficient to 36 degrees 2) it's not recommended to open the door more than 5–6 times an hour.
We like to keep the cooler between 34–38 degrees. To get a Coolbot system below 36, you would have to oversize the AC unit, and have optimal insulation in the walls, ceiling, floor and door, plus minimize opening the door. 
Heimann spoke with a gal at Coolbot. She said frequently opening the door letting more humidity in and warming the interior, the AC would work harder to try and catch up, causing it then to possibly freeze up. Then you have to thaw and start over. I gave her our dimensions of 16' x 18' x 8' and asked how many BTU's we would need? She said 65K and that we would need multiple units (AC & Coolbots) to get what we want.
When we are packaging tree orders for our customers, the cooler door is constantly opened and closed for two days (all dependent on how many orders we must fill).
We don't believe the smaller AC units will handle our needs and the gal also agreed. We will need a recommendation to accept a bid to proceed.

Rationale:  Meduna Family Farms hayed areas "A & B" on the Wanahoo property. They had a total of 514 bales at an average weight of 1,348.4 lbs. The total tons are 341.9 at $41 = $14,017.90.
Ken Cejka hayed area "C" on the Wanahoo property. He had a total of 129 bales at an average weight of 1,254.75 lbs. The total tons are 80.93 at $68 = $5,503.33.

Rationale:  John Kasper is an adjacent landowner on the west side of Sand/Duck Dam 2 (see photo). He is requesting to take out the fence but leave the majority of the fence post to mark the boundary. He wants to control trees on the area and the fence lines are full of trees.
We have honored this request on one other Sand/Duck Dam.

Rationale:  A reminder of our aging dams in our district, state and nation. Attached is a list of 25 dams in our district that have exceeded their planned service life of 50 years. In March, ASDSO released an update to its Cost of Rehabilitating Dams in the U.S. Current figures place the total cost estimated for non-federal dams at $165.2 billion. Non-Federal, high-hazard potential dams are estimated at $37.4 billion. ASDSO is always striving to secure federal funding for dam rehabilitation.
We do have an O & M sinking fund of $300,000 and a District Wide Flood Reduction sinking fund of $3M in case a dam is in need of rehab.  

Rationale:  Seth McGinn has submitted an invoice for $8,000 for jetty work on the Platte River in Dodge County. He is eligible for 50% cost-share. A representative from the Corps of Engineers will inspect it on November 26th because of a complaint by the next-door neighbor.
The Corps did an on-site inspection and the project is good.

Rationale:  For the month of October, the District received $2,332.00 in annual park permit revenue.

Rationale:  For the month of October, the District received $13,335.73 in camping revenue.

Rationale:  The Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo was rented 16 times in November, with 1 NRD event. Revenue for the month was $1,000.

Looking ahead at next year, many of the weekends were already booked as of earlier this month:
(Saturday or Sunday Availability 2026)
January: 1 date
February: 3 dates
March: 3 dates
April - June: 0
July: 1 date
August: 3 dates
September: 3 dates
October: 3 dates
November: 6 dates
December: 6 dates
 

Rationale:  A 2025 Wanahoo Recreation season review and 2026 budget is being prepared and will be presented at the December 8th board meeting

Rationale:  There was no subcommittee meeting held this past week, but Mr. Hansen's had a survey crew out taking and staking elevations.

Patty Lindgren purchased a memorial bench and planted some trees several years ago on the east side of Wanahoo, and she contacted our office with several concerns.  She was initially concerned with paint and stakes located on the concrete slab where her bench is located, as well as a rebar pin.  She is also concerned about any proposed amphitheater location that could potentially interfere with her memorial bench.  I explained to her no location has been determined for a potential structure and I would keep her informed as the planning proceeds.  She also informed me, in the event the amphitheater is built near or on her current bench location, she would not be interested in moving she would want a refund for her costs.

Rationale:  KTIC radio ads schedule:
November: water use reports due December 15
December: accepting tree orders
January: Water Management/Nitrogen certification classes

Digital display ad schedule:
September 8 - December 31, 2025: Environmental Education
October 22 - February 28, 2025: Tree orders
 

Rationale:  Top Posts for Facebook and X during November included:
• November Coffee Lakeside flyer - Water Department
• Natural Resources Grant December deadline
• Water technician opening
• Shared article about the CEO program - https://www.nebraska-advantage.org/place-come-back-inside-wahoo-high-schools-ceo-program-and-community-behind-it
• Tree and shrub orders open

On the LPNNRD website, we received traffic from Facebook (23), NARD (17).
Forestry page views are up (likely due to tree orders and KTIC digital ads, Education page views slightly down (KTIC digital ads).

The full reports are attached. 

Rationale:  On November 12, 2025 at noon, the latest newsletter was sent out to producers.
Topics included:
• Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act (NiRIA)
• looking for producers for demo fields
• meter usage/nitrogen report reminders - Due December 15
• UNL’s recommendations of fall application
• TAPS information

The information was sent to 1261 emails. 93.34% delivery rate. 56.58% opens the email. 65 users clicked on information within the newsletter. We had many phone calls in the days following the email about producers wanting to sign up for the NiRIA or report their meter usage. The full campaign and report is attached.
 

Rationale: 

• November 13th: Coffee Lakeside - Water Department (20)
• November 18th: Bishop Neumann Career Fair 
• November 19th: David City HAL am (15) & Survival Club PM (16)
• November 20th: St. Wenceslaus Pre-k (30)
• November 25th: Aquinas Middle School (100)

Rationale: 

• December 4th: Wahoo 5th grade
• December 5th: Survival club 
• December 10th: Science and Scenes event
• December 11th: Coffee Lakeside 
• December 15th: Aquinas Catholic
• December 17th: East Butler

TBD: St. Wenceslaus, other classroom visits. 
 

Rationale:  Please help share and promote the LPNNRD grant! December 19th is the deadline. 

Rationale:  On 11/7 the NRD was notified by the City of Wahoo that they were issuing a boil order for water due to multiple positive coliform tests during their monthly testing regimen.  Due to the Colon RWD being a connected system, we had to issue a boil order and make a best effort to notify all customers within 24 hours.  We posted a notice on our social media pages, as well as, posted flyers at public spaces within the village and hand-delivered notices to each residence.  Wahoo chlorinated to disinfect the system, the RWD flushed hydrants in Colon to expedite chlorine entering the Village system.
Monthly sampling completed (NO coliform positive), bills to be mailed 12/1

Rationale:  The NRD and the Village of Abie both approved an interlocal agreement to study the potential of extending the Bruno RWD to include Abie.  JEO is the contracted consultant that will complete the study which is expected to take ~6 months.  Once study is completed we will determine whether, or not, to move forward with acquiring funding; USDA RD loan/grant, Neb SRF, e.g.
Monthly sampling completed, bills to be mailed 12/1

Rationale:  Bryan Hein received an approved variance to apply for a well permit in the SE SE Section 17-15N-3E, Butler County.   A condition on the variance was a test hole requirement before issuing a well permit.  The test hole information is attached, showing sand and gravel from 311 to 376 feet with more gravel below that with a couple of clay layers down to 412 feet.  The static water level is around 200 feet as shown by 3 wells monitored by the LPNNRD.  
The Committee discussed conditions that should be met and encouraged Bryan to communicate with his neighbor.  Bryan plans on installing soil moisture sensors to assist in irrigation management.   

Rationale:  Larry Rasmussen received an approved variance in 2024 allowing him to drill test holes before issuing a well permit.  An extension was granted to Larry until February 2026 to allow him to utilize Ttem information. This variance was allowed to move forward because it was within 1 mile of the Hydrologically Connected Area (Blue).  Attached is a report from the Ttem showing the location of a potential location for a well.  A 4th test hole was drilled showing sand and gravel from 50 to 75 feet. By the test hole report, the water level was around 41 feet.   The static water level shown by the graphs from LPNNRD water quantity monitoring wells is around 60 feet. 
Stuart from AWS well drilling explained the results of the Ttem analysis and drilled a test hole from the report and found better water-bearing material compared to 3 previous test holes.  The committee recommended Larry to communicate with his neighbors. 

Rationale:  Greg Fujan received an approved variance allowing him to drill test holes before issuing a well permit.  This variance was allowed to move forward because it was within 1 mile of the Non-Hydrologically Connected Area (White).  Attached is a map with the 3 sites utilized for geological information. Site 1, red gravel was found between 55–85 feet, with more gravel found between 100–109 with clay layers in between.  Site 2 gravel and sand were found between 52–63 with harder rock afterward. Site 3 showed red gravel from 60 to 100 feet.  The static water level is around 35 feet with a graph showing information from a LPNNRD water quantity monitoring well. 
Mark and Joyce Olsson presented a letter to the Committee for review on this well location.  The Committee and staff answered the questions but still wanted to make sure the Committee understood that their domestic well in past years had sufficient water and wanted to continue without issues. (Letter is attached)  The Committee encouraged Greg to communicate with his neighbors.  

Rationale:  September and October Invoices for $20,509.50 are attached for the SQS evaluation contract.  

Discussion is needed for the SQS area from the LRE presentation.  The deadline for changing allocations is December 15. 

The Committee directed staff to redraw new boundaries for the SQS #2 area with a 1-mile buffer for the next Water Committee Meeting.  Rules and Regulations on allocations, new wells and acre expansion will be discussed at this Committee Meeting.  The Committee encouraged staff to reach out to producers in this area to attend.  

Rationale:  The deadline for this program has been extended to December 15, 2025.  As of this time, we have 7 producers signed up for 3500 acres.  Staff has been collecting data from last year's participants, so payments can be paid if they qualify.  

Rationale:  Certification classes are set for the upcoming year.  This class is required every 4 years for producers to be eligible for services from Lower Platte North NRD like variances, well permits and chemigation permits.  The class has been updated from previous versions.   

Dates and Locations:

• January 29, 1 pm at ENREEC, Ithaca
• February 4, 1 pm at Extension office, Fremont
• February 17, 10 am at Columbus Library, Columbus
• February 25, 1 pm at Lindsay Town Hall, Lindsay
• March 10, 6 pm at ENREEC, Ithaca

Online certification is available as an option. 

Rationale:  Annual dues of $10,000 are attached per contract.

Rationale:  Fall water levels have been completed. Staff will be mailing out fall groundwater levels.  The water levels in Fall 2025 rose 4.97 feet from Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 was 0.29 feet higher than in Spring 2025.  92 percent of the wells were higher in the fall of 2025 compared to fall of 2024.
 

Rationale:  Staff has analyzed 2024 & 2025 water sampling efforts. Several maps are included below, representing the different contaminants sampled throughout the district.

Contaminants sampled
Nitrates
MCL: 10 mg/L
Health effects: Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Chloride 
SMCL:  250 mg/L
Effects: Unpleasant salty taste. It can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure and sodium-restricted diets. Contributes to corrosion. Can indicate other contaminants are present such as lead, or bacteria.

Sodium 
MCL: No MCL. 
Health effects: Similar to Chloride. Levels above 50 mg/L can be detrimental to certain crops. 

Uranium 
MCL: 30 ug/L
Health effects: Increased risk of cancer, kidney toxicity.

Selenium
MCL: 0.05 mg/L or 50 ug/L
Health effects: Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems.

Rationale: 

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

 

Rationale: 

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

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County
Roma Hutton	Irrigation	$1,025.62	Saunders

 

Rationale:  The following invoices have been received for flow meter costshare:

• Mary Norton Trust for $1,000.
• Clint Jedlicka for $2,000.
• Dean Bell for $2,000.

Received flow cost share applications for the following which will be approved. 

• Nancy Killham — 2 flow meters for $2,000.
• Mike Drinnin --- 1 flow meter for $1,000.

Rationale:  The Platte Center Source Water Protection Grant has been completed. Closing paperwork will be done shortly. 

The Newman Grove Source Water Protection Grant is close to completion. 

The Malmo Wellhead Protection Plan is in development. There was a meeting earlier today to develop the work plan.

Rationale:  The Newman Grove Source Water Protection Contract has the Lower Platte North NRD and DWEE obligated for cost-share on well decommissioning within the Project Area. There were four wells decommissioned in the project area on October 31st, 2025.

The recommended motion is to pay for 50% of the well decommissioning costs for the Newman Grove Source Water Protection Contract pending proof of payment from the City of Newman Grove. This amount would come out to $2,925.00 out of the total of $5,850. 

Rationale:  The GMDA conference will be held in Roswell, NM on March 2–5. 2026.

Rationale:  JEO responded to public meeting comments and NRCS is in the process of sending responses back to those that commented.

Rationale:  SCWIG held a meeting on November 18th at the Columbus NRCS office.  Completed and future projects and plans were discussed, including septics, cover crops, and the Christ Lutheran Church/School project.  Attached is a picture of cover crops seeded with a drone.  A Christ Lutheran project meeting happened on November 19th.  Carl and Matt met with representatives from the County, Church, and engineering firm Mainelli-Wagner.  The Church plans to costshare with inkind work, including tree removal and stormwater garden seeding while the county is contributing engineering, bidding, and construction oversight.  The interlocal will be finalized and ready for Board approval at December Meeting.  Next SCWIG meeting is scheduled for January 20th at Columbus NRCS office.

Bill submitted two new septic upgrade applications:

• Paul Miksch in Platte County, 2-18-2W estimated at $7,200 cost share.
• Tom King in Madison County, 36-2-1W, estimated cost - share $7,000

Bill submitted a payment application for a completed septic system upgrade; Jim & Linda Mostek, sec. 24-21-4W - Madison county.  The 60% cost-share = $7,247.40

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting: To approve and have Board Chair Sabatka sign attached interlocal agreement for the Christ Lutheran Church/School SCWIG Bank Stabilization and Stormwater project.

Rationale:  Monthly construction update meeting on 11/20 (minutes attached), work completed for the month:

TCI grouted in 24" principal spillway at 26A and has placed ~3' fill over pipe.  Riser construction has begun and second pour occurred on 11/20 (pic attached).  Next step will be installing drawdown inlet pipe.  The plan is to finish both 26A & 27 riser structures by early winter; weather will deciding factor as the concrete needs to stay above 55 degrees for 72 hours post-pour.  TCI is using blankets for recent pours, but will bring in heaters if necessary.
They plan on installing remainder of drawdown pipe at site 27 and install permanent pool inlet pipe within the month.
Shanahan continues working at site 27 with channel cleanout, auxiliary spillway excavation and embankment fill.  They installed the remaining settlement plates and foundation drains as well.
Attachments include: construction update meeting minutes, pictures, progress report, construction oversight invoice, and construction invoice.

Rationale:  Olsson has been working on finalizing storage and design permitting with DWEE on sites 55 & 84.  They expect to have those wrapped up within the next couple months.  These had also been delayed due to NRCS state office personnel being furloughed and unable to coordinate with DWEE.  Site 77 is still undergoing federal review at NRCS National Watershed Center.

Olsson is also planning to wrap up Corps 404 permit this winter.

Attached are Olsson engineering invoices and Progress Reports.

Rationale:  We expect to have appraisals for sites 66 & 86 by the January Board meeting.
Danielle Allen will be available for acquisition updates and contract amendment discussion.

Rationale:  Jake is meeting with NRCS today to update them on NWQI phonecalls that occurred during the shutdown and to get updated on information from their end about deadlines, applications, etc.

Rationale:  Attached is signed interlocal with Saunders County and the latest engineers estimate.
Committee discussion regarding attached draft MW agreement.

Rationale:  The District applied for a grant to purchase and install a camera to overlook Lake Wanahoo for public viewing.  The cost of the camera with installation is estimated at $5,000. The Saunders County Board of Supervisors approved up to $5,000 from the Saunders County Visitors Promotion & Improvement Grant at their recent meeting.

A motion is needed to ratify the purchase of a PTZ camera and installation at a cost not to exceed $5,000. 

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.