February 11, 2019 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:  Attached is information from Jovan regarding discovery requests sent out by LARM on our behalf.

Rationale:  The Annual Director retreat is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Benedicit Retreat Center near Schuyler.  We are currently working on the agenda and plan to have it ready for you by board meeting.

Rationale:  Attached find Water Strategies Monthly Report.

Rationale:  Attached find Director Sabatka's excuse of absence from the January Board Meeting.

Rationale:  Game and Parks 2018 season financial meeting - Friday, February 8th at 10:00 am 
Pure Nebraska television (video)
Building:
  - Tin going on now, insulation is scheduled once enclosed
  - General Contractor for inside finish work was recommended to be contracted with Hancock Construction from Wahoo
(Walls, rest rooms, kitchen, loft, interior doors, finish plumbing, electrical etc.)
  - Garage door bids are in, recommending Superior Door
  - Front door bids are in, recommending Lincoln Glass
Pork Chop Island:
  - Fire Rings and tables will be hauled to island while we still have ice cover.
  - Plans for compost toilets will be built this month
  - Docks will be ordered this month
Permits:
  - Hand out
  - Corner Market permit sales
  - Weekend of 26th & 27th

Rationale:  Sam Kolterman, Wahoo High School senior, will be here to give his review of the CEO program and the time he spent with Lower Platte North NRD.
 

Rationale:  Attached find Legal Counsel Lausterer's retainer agreement for January 2019 to January 2021.

Rationale:  Staff is currently preparing and reviewing documents needed to provide scope of services in order to generate RFP.  

Rationale:  The Lower Platte North NRD is a member of the Nebraska Land Trust which is a non-profit organization, dedicated to the mission of protecting agricultural, historical and natural resources land in Nebraska through education, partnering and permanent conservation.  The Land Trust Board of Directors meets quarterly and John Hannah is our voting delegate. Does any Board Member have interest in being the voting alternate for the Nebraska Land Trust?

Rationale:  We have funding budgeted for office improvements.  The areas discussed are:  Office entry  (construction of vestibule), restroom renovation (board room hallway), kitchen remodel and new carpet.  We are requesting discussion and direction as to which improvements are to be highest priority.

Rationale:  Management is requesting to schedule a Personnel Sub-Committee meeting to discuss the following issues:
- I&E Department Head responsibilities 
- Wanahoo Recreation Supervisor permanent position
- New Part-Time Reception/I&E Assistant position - Alternative options
- General Manager annual review discussion

The Personnel Sub-Committee will meet Monday, February 11th at 11:30 a.m.

Rationale:  Attached find the December Financial Reports.

Rationale:  Attached find Manager Gottschalk's time and expense sheets.

Rationale:  There is nothing to consider.

Rationale:  Nominations for Chairman and Vice Chair will take place for the Operations Committee.

Rationale:  Nothing to report.

Rationale:  O & M staff continues to cut trees on all our properties or easement areas (Czechland, Wanahoo, Rawhide Ditch 8) and do maintenance on equipment in preparation for the spring. We will burn tree piles in many locations as weather permits. We did burn one large pile at Czechland.

Rationale:  Staff is recommending to sell the John Deere 4430, starting around $14,000. It's a 1974, Quadrange with 2868 hours. It has 4 new rear tires.
Jim Chvatal of Red Repair, who was the last to work on it back in 2007, has interest and has looked at it in detail, stating the front tires are 30%, and listed these needs, water pump, cab interior kit - headliner, 1- injector leak, voltmeter, air conditioner repair (needs recharge every year).
On Tractorhouse.com here is what is listed, 1 tractor under $10,000, 1 between $10,000-14,000, 9 - $14,000-18,000, 2 - $18,000-22,000, 3- $22,000-30,000. Out of the 16 listed three had duals and two of those were $14,500 and $14,900.
We can advertise it on Craig's List, set it outside our Wanahoo building with a for sale sign and relay the info to other Districts.

Rationale:  Staff recommends selling the 2010 Chevy Crew Cab with 106,000 miles that has been designated to Lake Wanahoo. It was purchased new for $23,068, Kelly Blue Book private party value is $11,223-$14,880. We would replace it with the 2012 Chevy Crew Cab with 76,000 miles.  Purchase a 2019 Crew Cab Pickup off of the State of Nebraska Contracts as a replacement to be used primarily by the Water Dept.  We have budgeted $32,000 for a new vehicle. Find attached the vehicles available on the State Contracts.

Rationale:  Rezac Seed has sent in $1,404.52 of revenue from the rental of the District grass drill. Eight cooperators used the drill the second half of 2018.

Rationale:  Would the District want to consider increasing our mowing rental rate which is at $60/tractor hour. This was last changed in 2006.
One State of Nebraska service contract for mowing road sides in eastern Nebraska is $21.79/acre.
Nebraska Custom Rates by UNL Extension NebGuide, for eastern Nebraska, shows a mowing rate of $27.33, Labor at $20.00, fuel rate per gallon is $2..52.

Rationale:  Each year we purchase small, plug type seedlings from the Arbor Day Foundation as giveaways to students for Arbor Day and Earth Day. We give these trees to students at the Fremont Eco Fair (400), our Conservation Sensation Day (400) and sometimes individual schools ask for a small number.  Butler County Extension has asked for approximately 50 for this purpose. This year we are anticipating the need for 800 - 900 trees. The Arbor Day Foundations price this year is $1.40 - $1.60. We may also have to purchase small plastic bags to package them in, see attachment for the estimated price for plastic bags and planting instruction cards.

Rationale:  There has been past discussion on landowners along Rawhide Ditch 8 encroaching (farming) on the District's easement area (see attached diagram). Heimann has written the landowners requesting them to stay out of the easement area so staff has access for mowing and removing trees. One landowner has resisted stating he would cut the trees and take care of the ditch. Heimann discussed this with legal counsel, Lausterer, the easement does state "the Grantor has the right and privilege to use the above described land at any time, in any manner and for the purpose not inconsistent with the full use and enjoyment by the Grantee". The District can allow him to continue farming the easement as the District still has access to the ditch from the south side but, if necessary the District could take out the crop in an emergency situation.
The Committee suggest notifying the landowners stating the rights and privileges statement in the easement and they could continue farming the area but, the District has the right to access the easement area for normal operations and maintenance purposes and some crop may be removed.

Rationale:  Heimann and Moore met with Scott Luedtke, G & P Biologist and Jake Koenig, PF Biologist to review the past year's maintenance accomplishments, the upcoming years to do list and toured the Wanahoo land (area map attached). We have taken out many trees, hayed and burned different parcels. This coming year, continue to cut trees, aerial spray Phagmites, spray areas being encroached with Reeds Canary Grass and Brome, disc the small wetlands if dry enough, and burn the Pheasant Forever (Snitly Wetland) in which a prescribed burn workshop will take place for training purposes. Pheasant Forever is also trying to establish a Prescribe Burn Association in the Saunders/Butler County area (see attached flyer).
The Biologist are impressed on how the area looks and is functioning but, there is always a lot to do in keeping this many acres in good shape.

Rationale:  Heimann attended a WSCC O & M Manual review meeting with the COE, Army National Guard, Papio and Lower Platte South NRD's.  The scheduled 2 hour meeting took 3 hours and 1.5 hours were the review of Lower Platte North's comments. There will be narrative changes and stationing/GIS mapping changes made to the manual for better accuracy. There was  explanation on inspection and reporting.
There wasn't any indication as to when this document may be final but, the Inter local agreement dealing with O & M on the National Guard Camp/Fuse Plug, which is a component of the WSCC O & M Manual, must also be completed to make it all final.

Rationale:  Handout represents total permits sold and issued as of January 30, 2019.

Wahoo Corner Market has been a great partner providing an additional location for public to purchase permits.  We will be reimbursing the vendor $ 1.00 for each permit sold.

Guard shack was staffed Saturday 1/5, Saturday 1/26, and Sunday 1/27 for approximately 8 hours each day.

Rationale:  Staff is recommending approval of the following estimates:

General Contractor for interior construction to include but not limited to - Walls, interior doors, restrooms, finish plumbing, electrical, Kitchen, loft area with railing, ceilings, trim work and rolling barn doors for audio/video screen.
Hancock Construction - $ 75,000

Two glass garage doors with opener and rail to match roof pitch.
Superior Door, Omaha -  $5724.00 

Double entry doors
Keystone Glass Company- $5391


 

Rationale:  Staff will be moving picnic tables and fire pits to island this month.

Boat docks will be researched and potentially ordered this month.

Materials for compost toilets will be purchased and assembled this month.

 

Rationale:  Staff will be generating job descriptions and preparing ads for this year's positions.

We are currently looking to hire approximately 160 staff hours per week for season beginning in early May through mid September.  Reduced hours will be required April 1-mid May and mid September- October 31.

Discussion on potential hire of experienced Wanahoo recreation maintenance workers.

Rationale:  Staff will begin pricing two additional mowers needed for 2019 season

Rationale:  Staff met with NGPC Rangers Mike Luben and Ethan Teter on Sunday 1/27. Both were out walking the ice, checking on fishing permits and catch limits. 

Completed items since last month:
Permit tracking database
Cash envelopes printed and in use
Fund raising presentation
Fund raising forms
Park signs installed
Cash drawer and Guard house supplies

Additional Activities currently underway:
Wanahoo presentations and fund raising
Friends of Lake Wanahoo Council
Schedule additional television/radio promotions
Geo-thermal bids
Sewer install bids
City electrical install for new transformer
Appliances
Recognition plans for supporters
Building rental policy and reservation process
Wifi to building
3 additional camp sites
Uniforms
Open house and recognition night

Rationale:  Nothing to report.

Rationale:  The February KTIC Radio Ad and Wahoo Newspaper eAd will promote the opportunity to purchase trees from the LPNNRD Office.  
 

Rationale:  We are looking to promote the Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area through television marketing with the Lake Wanahoo video that was created.  After contacting several stations for pricing and options, we would like to move forward with the following options:
 

• WOWT (Channel 6, Omaha): $5,540
  • 32 commercials over a 4-week period
  • In-studio interview with Moms Everyday 
  • Promotion assistance- press releases, potential news coverage, etc.
• KMTV (Channel 3, Omaha): $400
  • In-studio interview with Metro Blend
• News Channel Nebraska- (Channel 16, Columbus): $1,500
  • 63 spots over a 1-month period
• Lincoln Stations- (KOLN/KGIN- 10/11):  $5,425
  • 112 spots from February-March

Rationale:  We have had advertising conversations with KLKN-TV (Channel 8, Lincoln) that includes additional video production.  This advertising package would allow for a new department video to be created and promoted in addition to the Lake Wanahoo video promotion.

Rationale:  Gottschalk & TePoel were guests on Pure Nebraska (10/11 station- Lincoln) to promote the Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area and upcoming opportunities.  This clip has been shared on the LPNNRD Facebook page.
 

Rationale:  The first semester transcripts have been received from one of the 2018 scholarship winners, Abbie Pieke.  She has met all scholarship requirements, and the second installment of her scholarship award has been mailed to her.
 

Rationale:  The Pheasants Forever Lower Platte chapter has sent a donation request for their annual banquet.  They are requesting $250 for overall banquet package merchandise.  This request includes that the goal of the banquet is to raise funds that can be used to go back to Saunders County and the state to help with Open Fields and Waters, Wanahoo, Youth Hunts, Pollinator Programs, etc.

In 2018, $250 was donated to the banquet in recognition of the partnership with the Pheasants Forever Lower Platte Chapter.  The 2018 banquet program is attached.
 

Rationale: 

Date	School/Group	Grade/Age	# of students	Topic	Staff
Thursday, January 10	Wahoo Public Schools	12th Grade	13	Career Opportunities	TePoel/Gottschalk
Thursday, January 10	Wahoo Public Schools	8th Grade	24	Career Opportunities	TePoel
Wednesday, January 16	Survival Club	8th Grade	18	Fishing-Lake Wanahoo	John Miyoshi (TePoel/Gottschalk)
Wednesday, January 23	Survival Club	8th Grade	18	2-legged & 4-legged outdoor predator safety	Mike Luben & Kevin Stukenholtz (TePoel/Gottschalk)
Thursday, January 24/Friday, January 25	Wahoo Public Schools	3rd Grade	80	Soil Conservation	Elliott/TePoel
Friday, January 25	Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools	Ag Class (9th-11th)	15	Soil Conservation	Elliott/TePoel
Thursday, January 31	Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools	Ag Class (9th-11th)	15	Water Conservation	Andersen/TePoel
Monday, February 11/Tuesday, February 12	St. Wenceslaus (Wahoo)	Pre-K	29	Water	TePoel
Tuesday, February 19	Saunders County 4-H	Clover Kids	15	Trees/Seasons	TePoel
Wednesday, February 13	St. Wenceslaus (Wahoo)	5th Grade	40	Career Opportunities	TePoel

Rationale:  On January 8 Elliott attended the Village of Colon Board meeting to discuss several issues;  The current rate increase and the financial future of Colon RWD.  The Board understood the need for a more fiscally solvent department and agreed that it will be better received (by village residents) to implement a multi-year approach to in reaching the rates needed to balance the budget.
The Village also brought up the fact that they are not notified of any new residents moving in.  Since new residents don't need to contact the village for any utility concerns, they (the Village) don't have any record or contact info on new residents.  Elliott agreed that this isn't ideal and several ideas were discussed as to what would be the most efficient way of notifying Colon.  It was agreed that when the NRD sets up a new customer we will have the new customer fill out a simple form (name, address, contact phone number) and will email a copy to Colon.
The topic of Reed and Kim Kruce's account was discussed; Reed contacted the NRD wishing to have there account shut-off (ie. receive no more bills) effective December of 2018.  It was explained to Mr. Kruce that the NRD could shut off the meter but in order for the account to be closed it requires approval from the Village due to their sewer connection to the water bill.  The Village Board did not want to suspend the account so it was agreed to that Elliott would lock the meter, but the account will still be billed.  Elliott locked the meter 1/9/19 and will require re-connection fee once service is restored.
Monthly testing completed. 
Bills out today.
 

Rationale:  Meters read, bills will go out today.
Monthly testing completed.

Rationale:  Dave Saalfeld was selected chairperson and Frank Pollard as Vice-chairperson.

Rationale:  Staff went through the process on how a variance is ranked.  Does the Committee want to adjust the ranking process?  Total Minimum Score or  adjustment in each category?

Committee and staff discussed about the different categories that are used in the ranking of a variance.  Categories that will be looked at closer are expansion of acres on existing and new wells, along with the irrigation system used.  More information will be provided at the next Committee meeting. 

Rationale:  Staff worked with James Penne Jr on variance LPN-V-018-0486 and 0487 for Section 2-22N-5W in Boone County.  The tract in the NW¼ had 25% Class 6-HEL soils with a ranking score of 420.6.  With some adjustments with the pivot, staff is able to get this tract under 20% Class 6-HEL soils by modifying the pivot swing to a partial circle.  This tract would be allotted 9.792 Acre Feet toward the 200 Acre Feet allowed per year. 

Attached are maps showing the options to the Committee.  The Board has 23.166 acre feet that was not utilized from the 2018 Variances when Joe Houska declined his variance.

Comments from Mr. Penne:
My name is James Penne Jr. and I farm in the Northwest portion of the Lower Platte North NRD.  Last year I purchased  a property in the Lower Platte North District and it is slightly over the 20% HEL Determination which is very common in the area.  The Lower Platte North NRD has an application system which eliminates the full circle from a water variance because of the HEL.  Before I purchased the Property it had already had some reshaping done in the HEL areas and would pass currently very easily for the 20% guideline, but we all know that it cannot be re-classified by the NRCS.  I would Like to ask the Board of Directors to please consider making an exception to the small pie that would not meet the 20% limit.  With this exception I feel the efficiency of irrigation would much greater, and would be able to conserve much more water.  There would also  be a huge benefit of much less runoff and erosion by not having to windshield wipe the irrigation system.  I currently do and always will comply with conservation regulations, and I feel that with no till and more cover from irrigation the HEL areas will be easier to maintain.  I also want to add that the score on the application was on the top tier at 421 pts.  I apologize for not being able to attend the meeting as I had some family obligations.  I truly appreciate your time, and consideration on this matter.

Committee discussed the precedence on changing the 20% Class 6-HEL soils policy for approving variances, even though a complete circle could potentially increase the pivot efficiency.  With pivots becoming more efficient with smart panels, producers should be able to irrigate without irrigating these types of soils. 

Rationale:  Over the years motions and policy have been put in place.  Staff thought a refresher might be helpful. There is a lot of more motions and policy but these are the ones that have more relevant.  If you would like a complete list just ask Tom. 
Abandoned (Decommissioned) Well Program First Approved (7/13/92)
Cost-Share for removal Of Pump and Other Obstructions Approved (10/10/94)
The removal of the pump and other obstructions of a domestic or stock well was added as a part of our cost-share program.
Time Limit on Abandoned Well Program Approvals (8/9/93)
That after the NRD has received an estimate & the well site has been inspected & approved for plugging, that the landowners have six (6) months to plug the well & submit the bill to the NRD.
Certifying Irrigated Grassland/ Pasture (11/8/10)
the LPNNRD would certify acres for irrigated grassland or pasture but only allow the transfer of those irrigated acres to another field or parcel with grassland or pasture. 
Certifying Irrigated Acres and Soil Classification (10/10/16)
to approve and follow the current LPNNRD policy that the number of new irrigated acres under an irrigation system is not to exceed the number of acres of Land Class I, II, III, IV and V plus 20% of class VI, VII and VIII soils due to slope as categorized by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Chemigation Fees Changes (8/14/17)
to change Chemigation fees to $300 for emergency permits, $90 for new permits and keep renewal permits at $30, the next time our Groundwater Rules and Regulations are modified.  
ET Gauges and Water Mark Sensors Cost Share (NAWMDN) (4/9/12)
that in order to receive cost-share funding from the LPNNRD for the NAWMN program that individual producers must receive training directly from UNL Extension, to limit cost-share funding of the NAWMN program to individual producers only and adopt the following as part of the cost-share policy for the NAWMNM program: 
Flow Meter Approved List and Requirements (2/9/15)
to approve the updated list of flow meters and meter requirements for proper installation of flow meters within the Lower Platte North NRD. 
Flow Meters Added to Approved List (2/8/16) (11/12/18)
to approve the following magnetic flow meters as part of the LPNNRD Approved Flow Meters list: Lindsay Magmeter IM3000, McCrometer McMag 3000, and the Senninger Magmeter 2551. 
to add the magnetic flow meter Seametrics AG2000 to the approved LPNNRD Flow Meter List. (2/8/16)
to add the Sparling Blue Water Electromagnetic to meter to the LPNNRD approved meter list and to only allow any electromagnetic meter installation in locations where groundwater will not discolor the meter’s reading eye. (11/12/18)
 Flow Meter Cost-Share Program - GW Enery Level Network (12/12/16)
to approve an increase in flow meter cost share funding rate for wells within the LPNNRD Ground Water Energy Level Network and the Special Quantity Subarea; for 8 inch Meters to $1,000 with $770 from the Water Sustainability Fund and $230 from LPNNRD and for 6 inch meters to $749 with $577 from the Water Sustainability Fund and $172 from LPNNRD. 
Flow Meter Cost Share for Ground Water Energy Level Cooperators (6/8/09)
to approve the updated cost share procedures for placing flow meters on irrigation wells owned by our GWEL cooperators.  
Flow Meters Required on Livestock Wells (11/13/17)
all high capacity livestock wells in SQS areas need to have water flow meters installed by January 31, 2018 or Cease and Desist order will be issued.  
Flow Meters Required on High Capacity Wells (12/10/12)
to require all high capacity wells that expand their water use to properly install a LPNNRD approved flow meter and report to LPNNRD the total amount of water pumped by that well during the calendar year by January 31^st of the following year.
Municipal, Industrial and Irrigation Well Analysis Cost Reimbursement (10/14/98 & 12/14/01)
On 10/14/98 the Board approved reimbursing the cost of laboratory analysis for a nitrate-nitrogen test for each municipal and industrial wells up to $18.10 per well when the nitrate results are provided. On 12/14/01, the Board voted to continue with this assistance and also included nitrate testing cost reimbursement for irrigation wells.
Fertilizer Reporting:
Fertilizer Application Reports - Exceptions (7/11/05)
to exclude farm fields nineteen acres or less in size from the requirement to turn in an annual fertilizer application report. 
Fertilizer Application Reports Submission - Policy Statement (6/11/07)
to approve the following policy statement; Certified letters will be sent to all landowners and/or tenants for whom  Fertilizer Reports have not been received by February 1 notifying them that the District requests that they immediately forward their Fertilizer Report. Further if the report is not received by the District, the landowner and/or tenant be required to attend the March Water Committee Meeting (approximately 12 days prior to the March Board Meeting) to state why their Fertilizer Report has not been submitted to the District. At the March Board meeting Cease and Desist Orders will be placed on all landowners and tenants who have not submitted acceptable previous years Fertilizer Reports.
Groundwater Coalition Support (3/9/09)
that the LPNNRD Board votes to support the Groundwater Coalition intervening in the Central Public Power and Irrigation District vs North Platte NRD Administrative Action Proceeding. 
SQS - Water Allocation for 2015 (9/8/14)
to set the water allocation in the Butler/Saunders Special Quantity Subareas for 2015 at 27 acre inches over a three year period. 
SQS Expansion of Acre Rules (5/14/18)
to allow the expansion of Acre Rules to take effect in the SQS Management Areas on June 15, 2018.  
GWMA Irrigated Acre Development Area Variance Fee & Expanded Water Use in the Uplands of Saunders & Butler Counties (6/11/07)
to require a fee of $75 for a variance request. Motion carried on consent agenda. Johannes made the motion, seconded by Alm, to approve proposed changes to the District’s Action Plan as outlined on documents attached to the Water Committee Minutes titled "Changes to the Action Plan of the LPNNRD Ground Water Management Plan" with the exception that three consecutive spring readings at or below the trigger level will still be needed to declare a Level 2, Level 2A, Level 3 or Level 3A management area.    .
 Variance Acre Adjustment Limit (4/14/14)
to limit the adjustment on the number of acres of an approved variance or well permit to less than 5.0 acres per system without the need to file for an additional variance or well permit, and therefore it was recommended that the additional 3.7 acres for Williams Ag Corp. be approved.  
Variance Ranking Criteria Lastest Information Approved (2/8/16)
to approve use of the latest information complied in the fall 2015 by Olsson Associates for use in the future ranking criteria of variance requests.  
 Variances Required (4/14/08)
to approve the subarea boundary lines for the Stay management areas shown in red on the map LPNNRD (Moratorium on New Wells and Expansion of Irrigated Acres) becomes effective May 9th 2008", which is based on the best science currently available from Olsson’s Subarea Delineation Study. Variances would be required for new wells or expansion of irrigated acres on land within these subareas and to set a spacing requirement of 1,000 feet extending outside these boundaries of the stay management subarea to account for the cone of influence of a new or existing well, and which would determine which sections outside of these subareas will also require a variance. Variances outside the boundary lines of these subareas will be evaluated on irrigated acres, location of new or existing well and a 1,000 ft. cone of influence around this well. If all three criteria are outside of the stay management sub-area, then the Board shall declare that a variance is not needed. As new scientific information becomes available, these boundary lines may be adjusted.
Variance Requests Unapproved - Carried Over to Subsequent Years (3/14/16)
that unapproved Variance Requests for new irrigated acres in any given year will automatically by carried over to subsequent years provided the applicant wishes the variance request to be carried over, the information on the original variance request is still current or the Board of Directors has not rescinded this motion.  
Variance Requests in the Special Quantity Subareas (3/10/14)
to continue to accept applications as variance requests in the Special Quantity Subareas but not accept the $75 fee.  These variance requests will be placed on file and listed as incomplete until the fee, other variance requirements are met and review by staff is complete. 
Variance Requests in Limited Development Areas by 15^th of Month (4/11/11)
that variance requests need to be received by the 15^th of the month preceding the Water Committee meeting in order to be considered by the Committee and that variance requests received after that deadline will be given a priority date when those requests have been correctly filled out to be considered at a subsequent Water Committee meeting depending on remaining available acres for the year 2011.
Variance Requests (3 arces or less) in Limited Development Areas (4/11/11)
that for expansion of irrigated acres of less than or equal to 3.0 acres in size with water provided from an existing well in the Limited Development area that the conditional requirements to obtain a variance cited in Section L and Section M, Rule 6 of the July 2009 LPNNRD Ground Water Management Rules and Regulations do apply, with the exception that a flow meter does not need to be installed and annual reporting of flow measurement to the LPNNRD is not required, provided that the existing well currently is not required to have a flow meter and not required to submit annual flow measurements to the LPNNRD.
Irrigated Acre Normal Development Area Policy (NDA) (4/8/13)
to approve the policy "Expansion of Irrigation in the Normal Development Area for 2013". Motion carried.
Irrigated Acre Restricted Development Area Policy (RDA) (4/8/13)
to approve the policy "Irrigation Development in the RDA". Motion carried.
Well Permit Requirements for Normal Development Areas (11/12/12)
 that landowners need to submit test hole information from the proposed new well site, but no longer require the well log information in a 2 mile radius for class 2 well permits in the Normal Development Area.
Fertilizer Application Reports Submission - Policy Statement (6/11/07)
to approve the following policy statement; Certified letters will be sent to all landowners and/or tenants for whom  Fertilizer Reports have not been received by February 1 notifying them that the District requests that they immediately forward their Fertilizer Report. Further if the report is not received by the District, the landowner and/or tenant be required to attend the March Water Committee Meeting (approximately 12 days prior to the March Board Meeting) to state why their Fertilizer Report has not been submitted to the District. At the March Board meeting Cease and Desist Orders will be placed on all landowners and tenants who have not submitted acceptable previous years Fertilizer Reports.
Phase 2 Fertilizer Reports (11/9/09)
to change Board Policy on Phase 2 Area Fertilizer Reports@ as follows:

December 31st	Fertilizer Reports due
January 10th	For reports not received, landowners or tenants sent certified letter giving them until next Water Comm. to submit those reports.
Water Comm. for Feb. Board meeting	For reports not received, landowners or tenants attend February Board meeting and submit reports.
February Board meeting	Reports not received by Board meeting can be issued Cease and Desist orders.

Sandy Soils Designation Approved for Ground Water Management Area (9/8/97)
LPNNRD approved using only the Sandy Soil designation in the GWMA (not water table depth).
Ground Water Quality Monitoring Program Developed (6/7/84)
The Board voted to develop a ground water quality monitoring and sampling program which was accomplished and implemented ever since.  
Ground Water Well Level Monitoring in LPNNRD Approved (3/11/85)
The Board approved the development of our ground water level monitoring system which was accomplished and implemented ever since.
IMP - Hydrologically Connected Areas Only (1/13/14)
that the Voluntary Integrated Water Management Plan should apply to just the hydrologically, connected areas of the District. 
INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVAL/                           HEARING (5/14/18)
to approve the groundwater controls in the IMP for adoption and implementation, with no modifications.  Approve the IMP for implementation, with the following minor editorial modifications:
1. Update the headings in Table 2 (Surface Water Permits in the Lower Platte North NRD), to be more clear, 2. Update the glossary of terms to include the terms "acre-feet", "cubic feet per second", "basin" and "subbasin", 3. Update the dates on page 1 (authority and effective date) and page 6 (basin plan adoption date).  
Lower Platte River Basin Water Management Plan Coalition (LPRBC) (12/11/17)
to approve the Lower Platte Basin Water Management Plan Coalition Interlocal Agreement and the Lower Platte River Basin Water Management Plan.  
Nitrogen Certification Take Home Test - Passing Grade Requirement of 70% (3/12/01)
It was approved to require a grade of 70% or better, in order to pass the take home test for the LPNNRD Nitrogen Certification.
Nitrogen Certification Classes Required To Receive District Cost Share (8/13/01)
The Board approved that either the Landowner or Tenant has to be certified in order for the landowner to receive District cost share funds.
Nitrogen Certification Deadline (11/13/00)
The Board approved the date of April 1^st, 2001 as the deadline for operators to obtain
Nitrogen Certification from the District and after April 1, 2001, a test-out procedure to obtain Nitrogen Certification will be offered for a $10 fee to the end of the calendar year.
Water Meter Maintenance Program Approved (3/9/15)
to approve the establishment of a Lower Platte North NRD meter repair and maintenance program with the following conditions:
1. LPNNRD personnel will do inspections on all 5 approved flow meters to make sure they are running properly, but LPNNRD personnel will conduct detailed repairs and maintenance on only McCrometer flow meters;
2. LPNNRD personnel will provide the labor for the maintenance program and the well owner will pay 100% for the cost of parts, equipment repair or replacement;
3. Water meters needing repair or maintenance are not eligible for the LPNNRD meter maintenance program if the flow meter is still under warranty.
Water Use Reporting Policy (11/9/09)
to change Board Policy on Water Use Reports as follows:

January 31st	Water use reports due
February 10th	For reports not received, landowners or tenants sent certified letter giving them until next Water Comm. to submit those reports.
Water Comm. for March Board meeting	For reports not received, landowners or tenants attend March Board meeting and submit reports.
March Board meeting	Reports not received by Board meeting can be issued Cease and Desist orders.

Supplemental Irrigation Well Requirements (5/13/13)
to approve the policy attached to the Water Committee Minutes titled "Requirements for Supplemental Irrigation Wells". 
Well Permits - Gallons or Acre Inch Reporting Requirement (10/10/05)
to place a condition on well permits issued after October 1, 2005 for all NEW water uses, such as placing new land under irrigation, to report total gallons or total acre inches of water pumped from that well in a given calendar year by January 31^st of the following year. 
Well Permits for Irrigation Wells / Municipal Well Permits in Wann Basin Require Review by Entire Board (5/10/04)
to process irrigation well Permit to Drill applications within the District in the normal administrative manner the District currently uses for all permit requests and that all municipal well permit requests in the Wann Basin be brought before the LPNNRD board for approval. 
Well Permits for Livestock Operations (1/8/18)
to require a Class 3 well permit for livestock operations that are requesting multiple high capacity wells to supply water to a livestock operation.  
Well Permits for "Ponds" Policy Approved (4/14/14)
to approve the Policy for Well Permits for "Other" Wells such as ponds that includes a "Grandfather Clause" as presented at Board Meeting.  

Rationale: 

Wells Permits Approved: 4

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Melvin Bailey	1	0	Irrigation (Replacement)	Colfax	Schuyler
Morbach Inc.	1	0	Irrigation (Replacement)	Butler	Octavia
Weston Loseke	1	0	Irrigation (Replacement)	Platte	Platte Center
Pat Shanahan	1	135	Irrigation (Variance Approved)	Saunders	Todd Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total number of approved permits for 2019 is 4

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2019:  Correct as of ####

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

 

Rationale:  A transfer policy was reviewed by the Committee in 2015.  Is this something the Committee/Board want to finish?

Staff has received calls from people that is looking at leasing their irrigated land for other purposes, but wish to keep their certified irrigated acres.  The current rule states that to keep irrigated acres a producer needs to irrigate 2 out of the last 10 years. The LPN don't currently have a banking policy, is this something to consider?

Chuck Hasselbrook will be presenting at the February 27 Water Committee on a project utilizing irrigating acres for solar panel farms. Producers are asking him would the NRD be willing to preserve the irrigated acres after the lease is completed. Other discussion at the Committee meeting asked about livestock operations that could be utilizing current irrigated acres. 

Rationale:  Paul Kettelson contacted the District requesting a transfer of 22 irrigated acres located in the NE 1/4 of S7-T21N-R5W, Boone County to the NE 1/4 of S12-T21N-R6W, Boone County, Lower Loup NRD. Kettelson has spoken with Lower Loup NRD and they are willing to accept the acres should LPNNRD grant the transfer. LPNNRD will get credit for 2.68 AF of depletion.

Attached is a map showing the acres Kettelson would like to transfer.

Rationale:  Board Representative for this Coalition is Bob Hilger and Jim McDermott.  A motion is needed to continue with Bob and select someone to replace Jim.

Rationale:  Meter Reports
265 meters in  SQS #2
23 meters in SQS #1
499 meters reports from outside SQS areas with another 28 producers reporting in hours

Meter Locations:
 

District wide= 499 meters; this is preliminary need to field check

Saunders= 157? Need to check a few wells

Dodge= 81? Need to check a few wells

Platte= 77? Need to check a few wells

Butler= 63? Need to check a few wells

Colfax= 54? Need to check a few wells

Boone/Madison= 67? Need to check a few wells

Meter Maintenance Spring 2019
76 meter are scheduled for the SQS Areas. Staff would start a 4 year cycle with 77 from Platte County and 54 from Colfax County added for 2019. This would then be 207 total meters which would be $11,385.  Total Meter Maintenance budget is $10,000, which staff will trim Platte and Colfax County down to 100 meter, as other meters within the District will need some maintenance per water use report. Staff will consider geographic location to cut down on drive time.  Maintenance will include greasing the bearing and check out if other maintenance is needed.  Producers would be responsible for any extra cost for parts. Staff will send out letters notifying producers and giving them the option to opt out of this service. 

Information on Meters within the District: 
Since 1/1/2009 - 448 Variances has been approved with 212 for new wells and 254 for acre expansions.
500 irrigation wells have been drilled in that same time period.  All high capacity wells required water flow meters after 5/8/2008.
A motion was made on 12/10/2012 that all acre expansions required meters. There has been 136 variances for acre expansions since that time. 
 

Rationale: 

Grant has been preliminary approved through NET. 
Name: Aquifer Vulnerability Mapping and Analysis Project No: 19-127                    Amount Requested: $91,199         Term of Request: 2
The Lower Platte North NRD (LPNNRD) has identified two areas of nitrate contamination, known as Phase II and Phase III areas. Phase II areas are defined as having 50% or more of wells with a nitrate concentration exceeding 8 ppm, while Phase III areas are those with 50% or more wells exceeding 10 ppm (10 ppm is the maximum safe drinking level limit). One area consists of all or parts of twenty-one Sections around Bellwood in Butler County and the other consists of sixty-five Sections around the towns of Richland and Schuyler in Colfax County. With such a large area, with diverse soil types, it is an incredibly difficult problem to solve. Instead of attempting to treat the area as a whole, which is impractical and costly, LPNNRD is proposing an intensive sampling and modeling effort to better understand how the nitrates are moving through these areas and attempt to identify those areas where aquifer infiltration is most likely. Once identified, LPNNRD can focus resources on these areas through education and working with producers on best management practices to ameliorate nitrate contamination in the Phase areas as a whole. This will result in the maximum benefit at the least cost.

2019 is the fourth year of this Phase 3 Area.  

Year	Nitrate-nitrogen Range	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 0 to 8.0 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 8.01 to 10.00 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen greater than 10 ppm
2004	0 to 47 ppm	30% (42 of 139)	10% (14 of 139)	60% (83 of 139)
2005	0 to 120 ppm	31.3% (74 of 236)	10.2% (24 of 236)	58.5% (138 of 236)
2006	0 to 53 ppm	28% (50 of 181)	14% (26 of 181)	58% (105 of 181)
2007	0 to 99 ppm	32% (75 of 231)	10% (22 of 231)	58% (134 of 227)
2008	0 to 46 ppm	28% (53 of 190)	12% (23 of 190)	60% (114 of 190)
2009	0 to 57 ppm	33% (72 of 216)	6% (13 of 216)	61% (131 of 216)
2010	0 to 57.5 ppm	31% (70 of 229)	7% (15 of 229)	62% (142 of 229)
2011	0 to 65.8 ppm	28% (67 of 241)	9% (21 of 241)	63% (153 of 241)
2012	0 to 52.6 ppm	29% (70 of 241)	9% (21 of 241)	62% (150 of 241)
2013	0 to 94.0 ppm	25% (63 of 252)	9% (23 of 252)	66% (166 of 252)
2014	0 to 101.0 ppm	27% (68 of 251)	9% (22 of 251)	64% (161 of 251)
2015	0 to 53.3 ppm	23% (55 of 238)	12% (29 of 238)	65% (154 of 238)
2016	0 to 50.5 ppm	25% (58 of 228)	10% (22 of 228)	65% (148 of 228)
2017	0 to 53.4 ppm	25% (60 of 238)	6% (14 of 238)	69% (164 of 238)
2018	0 to 56.9 ppm	26.5% (50 of 189)	6.3% (12 of 189)	67.2 (127 of 189)

Due to the precipitation during the 2018 growing season some irrigation wells weren’t used which resulted in fewer producer irrigation water samples in this area.  Fertilizer application reports have not yet been received from Mike Settles [Barta Family LLP].

Rationale: 

2019 is the fourth year of this Phase 2 Area.  

Year	Nitrate-nitrogen Range	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 0 to 8.0 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 8.01 to 10.00 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen greater than 10 ppm
2016	1.47 to 41.8 ppm	29% (10 of 34)	9% (3 of 34)	62% (21 of 34)
2017	2.44 to 25.4 ppm	23% (8 of 35)	(0 of 35)	77% (27 of 35)
2018	1.75 to 29.3 ppm	25% (5 of 20)	10% (2 of 20)	65% (13 of 20)

Due to the precipitation during the 2018 growing season some irrigation wells weren’t used which resulted in fewer producer irrigation water samples in this area.  Fertilizer application reports have not yet been received from Brian Goff.

Rationale: 

2018 is the seventeenth year for this Phase 2 Area. 

Year	Nitrate-nitrogen Range	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 0 to 8.0 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 8.01 to 10.00 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen greater than 10 ppm
2004	0 to 25 ppm	46.3% (44 of 95)	8.4% (8 of 95)	45.3% (43 of 95)
2005	0 to 25 ppm	47% (44 of 94)	15% (14 of 94)	38% (36 of 94)
2006	0 to 24 ppm	41% (29 of 71)	14% (10 of 71)	45% (32 of 71)
2007	0 to 31 ppm	48% (48 of 100)	9% (9 of 100)	43% (43 of 100)
2008	0 to 28 ppm	53.75% (43 of 80)	7.5% (6 of 80)	38.75% (31 of 80)
2009	0 to 22 ppm	45.5% (41 of 90)	15.5% (14 of 90)	39% (35 of 90)
2010	0 to 35.7 ppm	48.65% (54 of 111)	11.71% (13 of 111)	39.64% (44 of 111)
2011	0 to 26.6 ppm	51% (56 of 110)	6% (7 of 110)	43% (47 of 110)
2012	0 to 28.9 ppm	57% (61 of 107)	9% (10 of 107)	34% (36 of 107)
2013	0 to 25.8 ppm	50% (53 of 107)	9% (10 of 107)	41% (44 of 107)
2014	0 to 22.3 ppm	51% (55 of 108)	13% (14 of 108)	36% (39 of 108)
2015	0 to 32.3 ppm	43% (31 of 72)	8% (6 of 72)	49% (35 of 72)
2016	0 to 35.1 ppm	34% (25 of 74)	11% (8 of 74)	55% (41 of 74)
2017	0 to 23.5 ppm	36% (27 of 74)	15% (11 of 74)	49% (36 of 74)
2018	0 to 30.9 ppm	40% (25 of 63)	11% (7 of 63)	49% (31 of 63)

Due to the precipitation during the 2018 growing season some irrigation wells weren't used which resulted in fewer producer irrigation water samples in this area.  Fertilizer application reports have not yet been received from Daryl Finecy.
 

Rationale:  Four online tests have now been completed in January (see following table).

Cert #	Cert date	Name	Re-cert	Comments
6531	1/15/2019	Bryan Kaspar	Yes
6238	1/15/2019	Rick Loseke	Yes
6520	1/24/2019	Michael Meduna	Yes
6141	1/28/2019	Cheyenne Chromy	Yes

Rationale: 

Class	Date & time	Location	Attendees
# 1	Thursday, January 3rd @ 3:30 p.m. ? Note: Corn Expo at Christensen Field ?	Fremont - Extension Office   (after the Corn Expo)	65/7
# 2	Monday, January 14th @ 7:00 p.m.	ENREC - Mead (formerly ARDC)	38/2
# 3	Friday, February 1st @ 9:30 a.m.	Columbus - Ag Park **
# 4	Monday, February 4th @ 1:00 p.m.	David City - Butler County Events Center, at Fairgrounds
# 5	Thursday, February 7th @ 9:30 a.m.	Lindsay - Village Office
# 6	Wednesday, February 20th @ 9:30 a.m.	Columbus - Ag Park **
# 7	Monday, March 11th @ 6:00 p.m. ##	Fremont - Extension Office
# 8	Tuesday, March 12th @ 9:30 a.m.	David City - Butler County Events Center, at Fairgrounds
# 9	Wednesday, March 20th @ 7:00 p.m.	ENREC - Mead (formerly ARDC)
# 10	Thursday, March 21st @ 7:00 p.m.	Columbus - Ag Park **
	**Ag Park classes will be on second floor.  Entrance is on south side - assessible by stairs or elevator**	Ten Classes

• ## "Zoom" class - may allow taking certification class from remote computer for this date only! If interested please contact Aaron Nygren at anygren2@unl.edu or Daryl Andersen at dandersen@lpnnrd.org before the end of February to receive instructions on how to pre-register for the March 11th class.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
>>>On Friday, February 15th @ 1:00 p.m, a special class will be held at the Oak Ballroom in Schuyler.  This class will focus on the Phase 2/3 management areas; these areas have higher nitrogen/nitrate in the groundwater.  Producers who live or farm in these areas are encouraged to attend this class as more aggressive ideas to address this ongoing problem will be presented and input/discussion from area producers is needed!

Outside Speakers with expertise will also present.

This class will meet the Nitrogen & Water Management certification requirement. 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rationale: 

# new wells has been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

Rationale: 

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

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County
Beebe Production Enterprises LLC	Irrigation	$327.23	Dodge
Beebe Seed Farms	Irrigation	$376.88	Dodge

 

Rationale:  A meeting was held January 29 in Lincoln, which Katie Cameron and Jesse Korus gave the group updates.  Katie showed when the AEM reports will be completed for each NRD that participated in the 2018 flights. The LPN report will be completed July 2019, in which the NRD will be invoiced $150,000 for the last payment.  The NRD will be reimbursed $90,000 from the WSF grant submitted by ENWRA.  Katie and AGF are working on simplifying the information for public viewing on the ENWRA website. Katie also discussed future goals of ENWRA, which more discussion will occur at the meeting on June 17, 
Jesse talked about couple of GeoScene workshops planned for this year utilizing the AEM data.  The Geocloud is being finished up with hope of being completing in 2019.  The LPN has one more payments for the GeoClould in 2020 and then the concern is how it will be funded and maintained. 

Rationale:  The meeting was canceled because of weather, but Board, staff and public can still  make final comments before submittal to Bureau of Reclamation on February 4.

Rationale:  An invoice from UNL for the 3 Dakota Monitoring Wells.  This is an agreed UNL(CSD) contract. 

Rationale:  No unfinished business to address. 

Rationale:  The committee was asked to appoint Project Chair and Vice Chair.  Matt Bailey is finishing a two year term.  Don Veskerna is the current Vice Chair and that position does not have a two year consecutive term limit. 

Joe Birkel nominated Kelly Thompson for Projects Chair,seconded by Don Veskerna
Joe Birkel nominated Don Veskerna, seconded by Matt Bailey for Project Committee Vice Chair

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  The SCWIG met on January 24, 2019, and the Projects Committee discussed upcoming Shell Creek projects and priorities as outlined in the attached SCWIG meeting minutes .  

Rationale:  Attached are spreadsheets for remaining Shell Creek grant banked funds ($5,405.31) and remaining NDEQ 319 grant funds ($76,960.54).  There are no remaining Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) funds from the 2015 grant, which totaled $155,000.  The Tom Spunk Wetlands Project and several other water quality projects are planned to be completed this summer and use much of the remaining 319 funding. 
 
Looking ahead, NDEQ has told us that they have approved another $300,000 of 319 funds that will be available for Shell Creek later this year and the NET grant review committee is recommending approval of an additional $104,688 NET funds in 2019 (see attached NET 2019 grant recommendations).  NET ranked the Shell Creek grant very high.  We will still need to complete an agreement with NDEQ and NET’s recommendation will be considered for preliminarily approval in February and then a final approval will occur in April.
It was a noted that NET is also recommending approval for $91,199 toward our Aquifer Vulnerability Mapping and Analysis Projects which was reported at the Water Committee Meeting.  
 

Rationale:  This project (SW1/4, Section 22, T18N, R1W) has received a 404 permit (attachment) and we anticipate project completion this coming summer.  Ken Kotera has a rough estimated cost estimate of $32,065, at this time, but the final project could be higher (attachment).  We (LPNNRD & SCWIG) will be assisting Mr. Sprunk with obtaining contactor bids in the coming months,  At the January 24, 2019, SCWIG meeting, the group passed a recommendation for the Projects Committee's consideration, to approve 75% up to $40,000 assistance toward the the project. 

Rationale:  At the January 24th SCWIG Meeting, an application from Carol Goering was presented to repair an existing dam (Section 16, T18, R1W) that failed from the principal spillway pipe rusting out.  Bill Bos, NRCS, has inspected the site and feels that the remaining embankment is sound and warrants this repair at a relatively low cost for the benefit. The repair will involve installing an 80 foot, 18" PVC pipe along with 600 cubic yards of earth fill.  The total estimated cost for this repair is $7,250 (attachment).  Based on the water quality benefits to Shell Creek, SCWIG is recommending to provide  75% cost share assistance up to a maximum of $6,000 assistance.  Our plan will be to submit this project expense to NDEQ for 319 grant reimbursement. 

Rationale:  At the January 24th SCWIG meeting, Bill Bos, NRCS, presented several potential projects that may come forward in the future.   One is a grade stabilization structure for Larry Muhle that has been preliminary designed this a total cost estimate of $23,390. In addition, there are three other landowner sediment basin projects in the Shell Creek Watershed that may come forward for next fall construction.  No committee action is requested at this time.  

Rationale:  The Newman Grove School (Shell Creek Research Group) is requesting $1,413.25 for water testing supplies and equipment (attachment).  This has been a great program that has been supported by LPNNRD for many years.  Our plan is to submit this eventual expense to NDEQ for 319 grant reimbursement. 

Rationale:  Attached is FYRA's update and invoice for work completed on the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan.  After payment of this $12,089.37 invoice, $230,960.48 will remain on our $574,990 total contract. 

FYRA has been working toward completing the watershed plan, but much needs to be decided on cultural resource options, particularly on Site 83, before the plan can be finalized.  The hope is still to complete the plan by April 1, 2019, but this could be delayed depending on requirements determined for dan site 83. 

FYRA has available information complied for the Wahoo Creek Watershed plan that can be found on their Wahoo Trello site as follows: https://trello.com/b/nOLUM8G6/wahoo-creek-watershed-plan-ea
 

Rationale:  Attached are invoices totaling $23,600.03 for Wahoo Creek contract work completed.   After this payment, $1,976,377.97 will remain under our $1,999,978 contract.

We have scheduled a meeting with Olsson, FYRA and NRCS on February 19th to discuss 30% design details for dam sites 26a., 26b. and 27 and other issues.  

Rationale:  There has been much communication between LPNNRD, NRCS, FYRA, Buried Past and others in regards to Wahoo Creek Dam Site 83 and 77 and potential impacts from Buried Past's cultural resource investigations and findings.  While it is yet unknown what will be required to proceed, communications have ramped up to sort things out.  Buried past may present an invoice by Board meeting, but nothing has been received to date. We have asked Buried Past to present a final written report no later then February 22, 2019. 

Rationale:  Attached is a flyer promoting the availability of the special federal Wahoo Creek Water Quality Imitative EQIP funds for designated sub-watersheds.  

Rationale:  HDR continues to work on final details on wrapping up the EPA/NDEQ Watershed Water Quality Plan that will capture the most of the remaining LPNNRD area not covered by a plan.  This will open up more funding opportunities for an area that covers the eastern 1/3 of our NRD and  also includes the Skull and Bone Creek watersheds in Butler County,

Rationale:  Attached is a proposed Interlocal Agreement with the Upper Big Blue NRD to include their portion of Butler County including four communities in their district in our Hazard Mitigation Plan Update totaling $6,800 additional expense.  We have included these committees in the original plan and last update and UBBNRD has reimbursed us for that extra cost.  After the HMP grant funds (75%) are applied, UBBNRD will reimburse us 25% or $1,700 (25% x $6,800) of the additional expense.  

Rationale:  Our approved FEMA grant application requested assistance for updating our HMP and additional funds for community flood risk planning.  LPNNRD plan is to pass on the FEMA  assistance which will provide up to 75% of the total estimated $62,500 cost (per community) for flood risk planning, leaving an estimated $15,625 (25%) local cost for each community.  Fremont and Schuyler have indicated their desire to proceed, so attached are proposed interlocal agreements for each community to reimburse LPNNRD the 25% of the flood risk planning costs. Our legal counsel, Jovan Lausterer, has reviewed and offered input to the agreements.

 

Rationale:  Jake Miriovsky, JEO,  was  present to provide a brief overview of the Lake Ventura Bank Stabilization project that they are in the preliminary stages of assisting Dodge County SID No. 3. This would be a prelude to a future request for funding assistance from the SID, and a chance to ask questions about the project. Attached is a map and photo of the project area. 

 

Rationale:  The Local Work Group meeting hosted by LPNNRD and NRCS was held at our office on January 23, 2019, and was very well attended.  While all federal programs were presented, the primary focus was obtaining input on practices and priorities for FY 2020 federal EQIP program. Meeting minutes are attached. 

Rationale:  As has been discussed, Fremont and Dodge County have been approached about improving internal drainage within the City and improving drainage through several ditches north and east of the city.  On January 17, 2019, LPNNRD met with Fremont and Dodge County officials to discuss this issue.  Directors Olson, Saalfeld, Pollard, Thompson and Saeger attended along with Heimann, Elliott and Mountford. There was much discussion on the history, issues and possible options to improve drainage in the city and county drainage east of the city (see attachments) . While it was conveyed that LPNNRD would be a likely partner, it was stated that Fremont and/or Dodge County should take the lead on an eventual drainage improvement project.  It was discussed that the next step will be to consider an interlocal agreement to jointly work together to look for potential solutions in the future.  Fremont offered to put together a draft interlocal agreement for our consideration. 
 

Rationale:  Attached is a contract amendment for our WSF #5201 for the Wahoo Creek Detention Sites 26(a), 26(b) and 27.

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.