February 25, 2015 at 8:30 AM - Operations & Education Committee Meeting

Rationale:  There are no CREP payments.
We have not heard if the Federal Grant Funding through NE Game & Parks for projects at Homestead and Czechland Lakes has been approved.

Rationale:  The O & M crew have completed burning all tree piles at Czechland and Wanahoo.  Prepared Czechland for the contractor to start the rock project. The crew help load 4 of the 6 docks sold from Czechland.

Rationale:  Heimann looked at a Turbo Tree Saw at Benes Service.  Their price is $6,150.  The saw has 15 four sided cutting teeth, each side should last approximately 100 hrs. Today, those teeth cost $30/piece to replace.

Rationale:  The State of Nebraska is currently reviewing a new contract for tractor rental through John Deere.  Various tractor sizes are available and the rate is $13.25/hr, with a minimum usage of 300 hours. The review and acceptance to this contract may take up to two weeks.

Platte Valley will rent the District a JD 8245R tractor for $1,100 a month. The District would use this tractor from July 15 - October 15 which would equal $3,300.

Benes Service will not commit a rate or type of tractor until we are closer to the time of need.

Rationale:  The contractor has started hauling the type-C rip-rap to Czechland Lake, they have not started placing the rock. Staff has prepared the area by moving the docks, trimming trees and moving trash barrels.  Four of the six docks have been sold.

Rationale:  Staff met with Game & Parks officials regarding the use, revenue and expenses at Lake Wanahoo SRA on Feb. 17.  The usage of the park and revenue did increase in 2014 and expenses declined.  NGPC expenses are beyond income and legislative subsidy so the deficit of $8,045.17 be subsidized by the District.  Two spreadsheets from each agency are attached.

The NARD and Lower Platte North NRD are organizing a 5K and 1 mile run/walk at Lake Wanahoo on Saturday, April 11.  The Run-a-Hoo at Wanahoo is to benefit the NARD Foundation.  The cost to run the 5K is $35 and $20 for the 1 mile walk.  Bring your shoes for the start at 8:30 a.m.

Rationale:  Jamie Yindrick the tenant for Sean McFadden (Zepplin Farms) is requesting to repair a watershed dam which is directly above the District's Bellwood Dam 5-H.  The pipe in the dam is rusted through and eroding around the pipe. This dam was originally designed by NRCS and built in 1956, modified in 1983. This dam directly benefits Bellwood 5-H (road structure).  The replacement pipe is 30" and 48' in length which cost $1,658.29.  Yindrick has contacted the NRCS for advice.  The site is located in Butler County SE Section 10, T-15, R-2.

Rationale:  An ice jam in the Platte River occurred January 25 - 29 approximately 2 miles south of Hwy 92. When the tie back levee on the north end of the Clear Creek Levee was about to fail, Clark Construction was mobilized to the National Guard Camp near Ashland in anticipation of removal of a fuse plug if the Clear Creek Levee failed.  In case of a failure, the plug is removed to allow water back into the Platte River. Clark Construction submitted an invoice for the use of his excavator, 21 hours at $185.00 which comes to $3,885.00

Rationale:  A meeting with the COE and the Non-federal partners was held at the NRD office on Feb. 12.  The Corps stated they have approval to transition the 205 Study into a General Investigation Study and the funds are available at $425,000.  The COE covers the first $150,000 leaving the study at $275,000.  The Non-federal partners have to provide $137,500 or 50%.  An Amendment has been developed for the partners as to what percentage each will pay when a formal request is receive by the COE.  This will begin in 2015 rather than being split up between 2015 and 2016.  An estimated construction cost by the Corps is $50-55 million.

Rationale:  There are no request for payments.

Rationale:  This month we are running ads on the National Water Quality Initiative signup and the remaining Water Certification classes. 

Rationale:  The spring issue of the Viaduct will come out in March. This is one of our two printed issues of the year distributed in area newspapers.

Rationale:  Wahoo Creek was again chosen as a target watershed for National Water Quality Initiative funds from NRCS. We are running ads and have updated the poster from last year to help promote the signup, which ends March 20.

Rationale:  Thompson will be helping the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group with a design for new road signs. The signs will focus on the "Slow the Flow" slogan used for last year's open house. The grant has $10,000 budgeted for signage.

Rationale:  Soil & Water Stewardship Week orders are due March 6. Orders have been slow to date, we will send a reminder message next week.

Rationale:  Thompson will present at the Earth Wellness Festival in Lincoln in late March. 

Rationale:  We purchased a new projector for the office - a ViewSonic model PJD5533W for $438.99. It is significantly brighter and sharper than our old projector, which was more than 10 years old. 

Rationale:  - February water samples were taken on the 24th, results should be available by Board Meeting

- I am working with Troy to assess our System's need for new/upgraded meter reading/billing equipment and software.  We are gathering information and will bring to March Committee meeting.

- We will be adding a new customer to the Colon line this month - Bob (Toby) Malousek, 3914 Browning Drive

- Meeting with Brainard/Dwight is scheduled for Monday, March 2nd at 7:00 pm.

- Over the next few months I will be developing a comprehensive inventory of the Rural Water Dept's parts, tools and equipment.

- Tyler Benal is enrolled in the May Grade IV Water Operator course.

- We have replaced a damaged meter radio reader on the Colon system caused by snow plow.