March 9, 2015 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:  UNL will be hosting the High Plain Aquifer: Sustainability for Food Production and Water Supply Conference on Thursday, March 19th.  The Nebraska Water Law Conference will be held Friday, March 20th.  Draft agendas are attached to the Executive Committee Minuters.  Registration for both days is $290 and March 20th only is $175.  Please let Breunig know by March 3rd if you are interested in attending.

Rationale:  The National Watershed Conference is May 17-20 in Ft. Worth Texas.  This conference is held every two years and we have attended in the past.

Rationale:  It has been over 10 years since the Groundwater Foundation Annual Meeting has been held in Nebraska.  The October 20-22 conference is scheduled for Lincoln and they are looking for sponsors.  Attached find information that was sent.  The lowest level sponsor is $500 although they will accept general support funds.  Is this something we want to be a part of?

Rationale:  Attached find Director McDermott's excuse of absence from the February Board Meeting.

Rationale:  The monthly Weaver Conference Call was held March 6th.

Rationale:  Lausterer gave oral arguments on the CCEI case on February 10.  The Brief can be viewed on line.

Rationale:  The Executive Committee has set the date for our Annual Recognition Picnic for June 7 (June 14 Rain date) to be held at Czechland Lake beginning at 5:00 p.m..  All directors, staff and former board members will be invited to attend along with our award recipients.

Rationale:  The director vacancy committee is tasked with bringing forth a candidate for consideration at our March board meeting.  So far two applications have been received.  

Rationale:  Last year it was found that NWRA was not assessing dues as had been set in their bi-laws.  We have received our annual invoice from them and it is for $2,558.  A group of NRD Managers are working with NWRA to amend the dues structure so that NRD dues are more inline with irrigation districts.  No action is needed at this time.

Rationale:  In February 2014 the Wirka Tract (Sand Creek Site 16) was sold at auction and purchased by Dave Lickteig.  Attached find a request from Lickteig's attorney.  The NRD has always maintained that most of the lake would be on the Wirka tract, however there was no way to be sure of this until until the lake filled.  Unfortunately the auction company placed on the flyer that 100% of the lake would be on the land being sold.  Lickteig's attorney seems to be confused as to what our statement of "no public access" means as there is no public access on this lake.  On the land closing agreement the auction company added a statement that the west end of the dam is on adjacent property.

Rationale:  Mitch O'Reilly is working with audio visual companies and gave a presentation to the committee which are attached to the Executive Committee Minutes. The committee asked for the board room tables to be changed to allow board members to be closer by narrowing the gap between tables and closing the north end (to form an oval). A decision on the sound system and projector will be delayed until the new room layout can be tried.

Rationale:  Attached find the January Financial Statement.

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.

Rationale:  We need to issue an "Order" for our GWMA rules change.

Rationale:  Several producers have requested applications for new irrigated acres in the HCA.

Rationale:  Mr. Kucera is asking permission to alter how he will be irrigating 11 acres that were approved in S2-T16N-R7E in Saunders County.  The expanded water use variance was approved in February of 2014 for 11 acres under the name Ronald V. Freeman, variance number LPN-V-013-0344.  Staff has compared the two irrigation patterns and there would be no change in the original ranking score.  Attached is a map of the field.  The black outline is what was initially approved, and the red is what is proposed.

Rationale:  One new application has been submitted for 10 acres in the NHCA.

Rationale:  No updates.

Rationale:  Wells Permits Approved: 5

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Kent Hall	1	115	Irrigation	Dodge	North Bend
KWEA LLC	1	0	Irrigation	Dodge	North Bend
Seier & Seier	1	0	Irrigation	Boone	Upper Newman Grove
Claire Ehernberger	1	0	Irrigation	Colfax	North Bend
Western Sand and Gravel	1	0	Commercial	Saunders	Wann

 



The total number of approved permits for 2015 is 14


Location of Approved Well Permits for 2015:  Correct as of 2/25/2015

County	Irrigation - New	Irrigation - Replacement	Stock	Commercial	Municipal	Other	Total
Butler	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Colfax	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
Dodge	2	1	0	0	0	0	3
Boone	0	2	0	0	0	0	2
Madison	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Platte	3	0	0	0	0	0	3
Saunders	3	0	0	1	0	0	4
Total	9	4	0	1	0	0	14

Rationale: 

The attorney for ‘Robert Hestekind and Leona L Hestekind, Co-Trustees Of the Robert H Hestekind Revocable Trust dated December 18, 2003; and Jerry D Hestekind and Judy Hestekind as joint tenants’  has requested that this permit be reissued in the name of the ‘above’ (see attachment).  The well for this permit, G-172602, was drilled 4/5/2014 and registered with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources on 6/19/2014 by the well driller, Charles Sargent Irrigation Inc – Neligh (see attachment).  A survey, requested by Dale Schlinder, was done on 5/8/14.  This survey showed that the irrigation well was actually located on the Hestekind property and not on the Score property (see second attachment).  On the basis of this survey the attorney for the Hestekinds is making this request.

The Water Committee took no action on the Hestekind request.

Rationale:  Justin Taylor is requesting a supplemental well in the NE1/4 NW1/4 of S8-T17N-R8E in North Bend Subarea of Dodge County.  A permit for the proposed location was previously approved by the Board in 2013 (LPN-013-1359).  The well will be tied together with a second well to irrigate 59 certified irrigated acres in the same legal description.  Attached is a map of the field and the well log from the well currently located on the property.  This well log shows the potential aquifer is only about 11 feet thick.

Rationale:  Cottonwood Valley Farms is requesting a transfer of 17 irrigated acres from a farm in the NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of S23-T16N-R2E in the Octavia Subarea of Butler County to the SW 1/4 of S19-T16N-R2E in the Bellwood Subarea of Butler County.  They will submit a variance for the field in section 19 with the plan to move the transferred acres back to section 23 if the variance is approved.  Attached is the packet of information submitted by Jesse Hough, Manager of Cottonwood Valley Farms LLC.

Rationale:  John Temme is requesting a transfer of twelve irrigated acres from two certified irrigated corners in the W1/2 SW1/4 in S14-T22N-R6W in Boone County to the SE1/4 SW1/4 and SW1/4 SE1/4 of S15-T22N-R6W. See attached map.

Rationale:  Mike Steinbach would like to transfer 42 acres from the E1/2 SE1/4 of S31-T17N-R9E in the Fremont Subarea of Dodge County to the SW1/4 SW1/4 of S21-T17N-R9E in the North Bend Subarea of Dodge County.  See attached map and request letter.

Rationale: 

Two educational classes have been held for producers in the Butler-Saunders SQS.  Twenty-one producers attended.

The Lower Platte South NRD will hold a single class on Wednesday February 25, 2015 in Valparaiso for producers of their adjoining Quantity management area.

Rationale: 

Lower Platte North NRD

Meter Repair and Maintenance Program (see attached LPNNRD approved flow meters)

 

1. Yes or No to establish a Meter Repair and Maintenance Program / staff recommends we start such a program.
2. If yes, Maintenance cost share program for one meter (McCrometer) or all approved flow meters / staff recommends we cost share and do maintenance on one meter, McCrometer.
3. Contractor or LPNNRD / staff recommend that LPNNRD run this program.
4. Cost share options
   1. Republican NRD’s: NRD staff does the labor for the maintenance programs and producer pays 100% of the cost on equipment.
   2. UBBNRD: They contract out the maintenance program / The individual meter is not eligible for cost share repair more than once every 4 years (meter can receive cost share payment only once in a 4 year period) / cost share rate is 50% not to exceed $150 per a water meter repair /
   3. LPNNRD recommendation: / NRD staff do the repair and maintenance program / cost share rate is 50% not to exceed $200 on each individual meter in a 4 year period (meter can be repaired more than once in a 4 year period, up to a limit of $200 in cost share funding) / on meters installed before February 17, 2015 then LPNNRD will consider cost share on purchase of straightening vanes, flow stabilizers, and anti-reverse feature as part of that $200 cost share limit in a 4 year period.
5. Cost share amount – 50%, or some other amount
6. Water meters are not eligible for cost-share payment on equipment replacement or repair if the flow meter is still under warranty.

Rationale:  The last technical committee met in Ord at LLNRD on February 10, 2015 (see attached minutes).  The main topics were DNR depletion analysis tool under development as part of the Upper Platte Basin project.  DNR anticipates the tool to be used first for the Upper Platte basin in the next few months and eventually state wide by the end-of-summer.  The other topic was on Water Banking.  David Kracman of the Flat Water Group presented on the history and accepted definition of water banking as well as examples of various kinds of water banking both in Nebraska as well as an example in California.  Water Banking can be actual physical water and/or paper water.

The Water Banking workshop will be held in Columbus NE at the Community College on March 10, 2015 starting at 1:00 pm.

Rationale:  The latest Stakeholder meeting was held on February 3, 2015.  Stakeholders were asked to vote on individual action plans within the goals and objectives as to their estimate of the time and expense to carry out each action (see attached minutes).  Results will be shown at the next Stakeholder meeting on April 7, 2015 at our office starting at 2:00 pm.  Only one or two stakeholder committees remain and the contract is to end in June of this year.

Rationale: 

One kit has been requested since the last committee meeting.  Kits will be mailed in June, before the start of the irrigation season.

Rationale: 

2014 was the twelfth year of this Phase 2 Area. 2014 Annual Fertilizer Application Reports have now been received from Osantowski Brothers and Steve Semin.  211 reports have been received for this area.

To be in compliance with our Rule we will need to either reduce the size of this Phase 2 Area or discontinue it.  The Bellwood Phase 2 & Subarea Groundwater Results (attachment) is summary of LPNNRD’s sampling - this map shows that high nitrates are still an ongoing concern in a portion of this area.  The recommendation for this area is to reduce it from the 32 sections approved in 2003 to 21 sections for 2015 (map attached).

Need motion to change boundary of Phase 2 area.

Rationale: 

2014 was the eleventh year of this Phase 2 Area.  2014 Annual Fertilizer Application Reports have now been received from Chris Dvorak.  406 reports have been received for this area.

 

To be in compliance with our Phase 3 rule we should declare the 55 sections of the Richland-Schuyler Area (map with most recent LPNNRD sampling is attachment) as Ground Water Quality Management Area -Phase Three.  If 50% or more of the wells sampled are > 10.01 ppm then a Phase 3 area can be declared. Additional Phase Three rules are:

Rule 2 Continuation of Phase One and Two Rules  A continuation of Phase One Rules as defined in Section E, Rules 1-6, Section F, Rule 2 and in Phase Two Rules as defined in Section G, Rules 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply.  

Rule 3 Fertilizer Application On All Soils  The application of commercial nitrogen fertilizer is prohibited in the fall and winter on all soils until after March 1. Spring applications of commercial nitrogen fertilizer will require split applications (pre-plant and side-dress) or the use of an approved inhibitor applied as recommended. If a split application is used and 50 percent or more of nitrogen fertilizer is applied as a pre-plant, the use of an approved inhibitor, applied as recommended, is still required.  

Rule 4 Record that District Approved Inhibitor was Used  If 50% or more of commercial nitrogen fertilizer is applied at pre-plant, then operators are required to furnish the District a record from the fertilizer dealer that a District inhibitor was used at recommended rates. This record shall accompany the Fertilizer Application report made to the District by December 31 of each year.

Need motion to change to Phase 3 area

 

Rationale: 

Cert. Number	Cert. Date	Name	Re-Cert.	Comments
6344	2/13/15	Craig Jelinek	No	first timer

There have been two on-line test requests since the last committee meeting.  One of these has completed the test and a certification card was mailed. 

=================================================

Six of the eleven scheduled classes have been held.  The class scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, February 4^th, was cancelled due to blowing and drifting snow. 

Class	Date & time	Location	Attendance	First-time
# 1	Thursday, January 8th @ 2:45 p.m. (after Corn Expo)	Fremont - Christensen Field	75	17
# 2	Thursday, January 15th @ 1:30 p.m.	Columbus - Ag Park	56	6
# 3	Monday, January 26th @ 1:30 p.m.	ARDC - Mead	52	8
# 4	Wednesday, February 4th @ 9:30 a.m.	Schuyler - St Benedict Center	Cancelled
# 5	Wednesday, February 4th @ 1:30 p.m.	Lindsay - Village Office	24	1
# 6	Thursday, February 19th @ 1:30 p.m.	David City - Hruska Library	36	2
# 7	Tuesday, February 24th @ 9:30 a.m.	Columbus - Pinnacle Bank	28	6
# 8	Wednesday, March 4th @ 1:30 p.m.	Fremont - Extension Office
# 9	Tuesday, March 24th @ 9:30 a.m.	David City - Hruska Library
# 10	Thursday, March 26th @ 7:00 p.m.	ARDC - Mead
# 11	Tuesday, March 31st @ 7:00 p.m.	Columbus - Ag Park

The class schedule was mailed to about 500 producers.                   271                40

Rationale:  Norman Kavan Jr. is asking the Board to recognize a field in the NW 1/4 of S27-T14N-R8E in Saunders County, as being historically irrigated.  Mr. Kavan has submitted FSA-578 forms showing a range of 113 to 146 certified irrigated acres between the years of 2000 and 2004.  The Kavan's were unaware of the 2 in 10 rule for historically irrigated acres when they purchased the farm in 2009.  They applied for 40 in 2011 and were approved but decided to allow the variance to expire.  Justin Kavan reapplied in 2013 and the variance application has yet to be approved due to the 2,500 acre limit in the HCA.  Attached is a map of the proposed system as well as the supplied FSA-578 forms.  The new pivot will irrigate approximately 60 acres from an existing well located in the same quarter.

Rationale:  Bob Vering is requesting 69.3 irrigated acres for a farm he owns in the SE1/4 of S28-T18N-R8E in Dodge County.  The acres were part of a cattle operation that has since been converted to crop land.  The field was irrigated in 2014 and the violation was discovered during the acre certification process.  Mr. Vering would like the Board to consider his water use for the cattle as an offset for the new irrigated acres.  The attached map shows the quarter in question, but does not reflect the current irrigation system.  

Mr. Vering addressed the Committee on his situation.  He would like to sign with NRCS and list this as irrigated ground due to the higher seeding rate for a cover crop.  NRCS also has a non-irrigated rate and Committee members felt he could sign up with that program.  The Water Committee took no further action.

Rationale:  Poole reports that certification papers were due February 1, 2015 from Dodge County.  He reports that about 80% of these have been turned in.  As in other situations, the last ones to turn in their reports take the longest.

Rationale: 

Rules will be submitted to DEQ for their review and hopefully their approval.

Renewal forms are being developed for our District and these will be mailed out in late March or early April.

Rationale:  The LPNNRD has received one new livestock permit applications from DEQ since the last Water Committee meeting.

Name	Livestock	Type of Permit	Legal Description	County
Scott Schmid Feedlot 127 Road I Columbus NE 68601	Cattle 3,500 Head 3,500 A.U.	Construction & Operating Permit	NW1/4, Section 30, T18N, R2E	Colfax
Little Pine Ridge Feedyard PO Box187 Bellwood NE 68624	Cattle 10,800 Head 10,800 A.U.	Expansion on Operating Permit	SW1/4, Section 23, T16N, R2E	Butler

• The Scott Schmid Feedlot operation is two miles north of the current Richland-Schuyler Phase 2 area.
• The Little Pine Ridge Feedyard is expanding operations of existing 5,000 Head with addition of 5,800 Head for a total of 10,800 head or 10,800 A.U.  This operation is 4 miles east of the current Bellwood Phase 2 area.

Rationale:  Two new wells has been reviewed and approved by Gottschalk for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

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

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County
Charles Emanuel & Sons	1 Irrigation	$514.03	Dodge
Wilma Loseke	1 Irrigation	$613.16	Platte

 

Rationale:  The ENWRA Technical Committee met on Wednesday Feb. 25, 2015 to discuss the addition of 125 miles of AEM flightlines that are to be flown this spring (see attached sheet).  These are still scheduled to be flown in late March into April.

Rationale:  LPNNRD staff has identified several sites for future test holes and potential monitoring wells.  C&SD division is currently scheduling test hole drilling for June and it is not clear if the test holes requested by our NRD will be drilled within this fiscal year.

Rationale:  The GMDA Summer Session is scheduled for Coeur d'Arlene, Idaho on June 10-12, 2015.  Agenda is still being worked on, but one possible topic is the use of drones in agricultural production.

Rationale:  The LPNNRD is again considering hiring two to four interns this summer.  Work areas will include tree planting, spraying dams and other areas for weeds, repairing fence, ground water sampling, chemigation, summer gwel readings, etc.  Bob Heimann and Russ Oaklund will interview and hire these individuals. 

Rationale:  Arnie Stuthman addressed the Water Committee about his request for 40 additional irrigated acres.  His original application for more acres (in the now SQS area) was made in 2012 and he purchased the pivot at that time.  His application was apparently lost in the mail since the LPNNRD never received it.
 

Rationale:  Gottschalk reviewed the current SWCP spreadsheet with the committee.  We have expended approximately 36% of State and local SWCP funding. 

Rationale:  No applications for approval were presented.

Rationale:  14-B-53 Mary Ann Shuey Rev. Trust Flow Meter $ 625.00

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  Leonard & Shirley Chmelka Living Trust Basins/Terraces/Tile $ 5,878.42
Kenneth D. Fencl Basins/Waterways $ 1,927.66

TOTAL: $ 7,806.08

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  WAHOO CREEK PAYMENTS:

Lawrence Mach Terraces/Basin/Pipe $ 1,712.57

(This is the first payment for Wahoo Creek.  These payments coordinate with Federal EQIP funding)

Rationale:  The Committee reviewed proposed 2015 changes our SWCP Policy as attached and gave input.  We will be asking for a recommendation to approve the final draft at the April 2 Projects Committee Meeting.  

Rationale:  NDEQ is finishing their edits to the completed Watershed Water Quality Plan  and will be sent to EPA for comments soon.

Rationale:  Staff met with NDEQ, SCWIG and NRCS personnel on February 24 to to discuss recent EPA 319 and Environment Trust grant awards and work on a Project Implementation Plan.  We have been approved for $50,000 from NDEQ and have been preliminarily approved for another $155,000 from NET for grade control structures and other watershed BMP's.  There is also another $87,000 from prior approved NET grant awards which is planned to be used toward project engineering and design. 

Rationale:  During the February 10th SCWIG meeting, group members requested Assistant Manager Mountford to investigate their potential liability acting as LPNNRD's Advisory Group and if they could be covered under our liability coverage.  This topic was presented to our attorney, Jovan Lausterer, and his suggestions for proceeding are attached.   SCWIG has been in existence for about fifteen years and has been a vital partner in accomplishing conservation measures in the watershed.  SCWIG initially helped secure and administer several grants and teamed with the Praireland RC&D to apply for and disperse those funds.  Although SCWIG will be closing out an older grant with the Environmental Trust this year, LPNNRD has taken over the lead role with new Shell Creek grant efforts.  We suggest looking into the costs for our insurance provider, LARM, to add liability coverage for SCWIG solely acting as our advisory group.  

Rationale:  The Newman Grove Science Club is requesting our assistance in purchasing water testing supplies and equipment for 2015 sampling of Shell Creek.  In the past we have shared this expense with SCWIG who has used available grant funds to help the club. 

Rationale:  We anticipate receiving an invoice from JEO's for work completed on the Wahoo Creek Watershed Water Quality Plan by Board Meeting.  If received, board review and approval will be requested at that time.  

Rationale:  Meghan Sittler was present to update the Projects Committee on several Alliance activities.  She briefed the committee that LPRCA members will have a discussion (9:00 a.m.on April 21, at LPSNRD) regarding the obstruction removal project at Two Rivers State Park.  As we know, the project costs doubled due to pier removal requirements required by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  Discussion on whether the partners wish to continue with a portion of the project or drop this effort entirely will occur.  Discussion on the upcoming draft Alliance Budget for FY 2015-2016 will also occur at that time.   Also attached to the Projects Committee Minutes is Meghan's written January 2015 report. 

Rationale:  Heimann updated the committee on the current status of the Fremont 205 Study as detailed in the O, E, & RW Committee Minutes.

Rationale:  Contractor plans on returning to the job site early March.  The following items need to be completed: Final Grading, Staking of Boundary Markers and Seeding.

Rationale:  Director Bailey gave an update on the slow process of getting needed information from the Army COE that is required  to complete his no-rise certificate needed for the landowners project east of Schuyler.  Suggestions were given that will hopefully move things along quicker.

Rationale:  JEO continues to work on completing our All-Hazard Mitigation Plan update for the District.  They are in the process of contacting Woodcliff, Colon and Dwight about completing some detailed analysis on priority projects. We will also determine if we wish to use some of the available grant funding to complete downstream breach route mapping on a few of our floodwater dams.   This information would be used for informing county zoning and floodplain officials to prohibit residential development in those mapped areas.  

Rationale:  The Projects Committee decided to change the starting time of  their future meetings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. 

Rationale:  Attached are the Project Financials as of January 31, 2015.  The Projects Budget as of that time was 27.19% expended.  The Land Treatment Budget (found under Water Expenses) was 32.32% expended. 

Rationale:  Segment 4B -
Contractor is working with the COE on a contract modification to extend the current levee construction area and cross section of the area affected by the ice jam flooding. This segment if 75% completed.

Segment 5
Contractor has completed work on Camp Ashland side of the river and is focusing on the Big Sandy Development Area, which is to be completed by mid-May.

Rationale: 

We have received an invoice of $2,500 from JEO for the construction oversight on the Czechland Lake Shoreline Improvements Project. This is 16.66% of the total cost for the construction oversight.

Rationale: 

Sibbernsen Excavating has submitted an invoice of $57,655.80 for 63% of the completed construction on the Czechland Lake Shoreline Improvements Project. The east and north piers have been established and the shoreline armoring has begun.

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.