February 12, 2024 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:  Aaron Blank, Matthew Perrion, Jake Werner, Jehnsen Lebsock biologist with NE Game and Parks Fisheries will be present at the Board Meeting to give an update on Lake Wanahoo Fisheries. 

Rationale:  Are there any additions or corrections to the Minutes? If not they will be approved on the consent agenda.

Rationale:  The NARD Annual Washington DC meeting is scheduled for March 16-20, 2024.  Registration deadline is March 1st. (see attachments) 

Rationale:  Aaron Blank, Matthew Perrion, Jake Werner, Jehnsen Lebsock biologist with NE Game and Parks Fisheries will be present at the Board Meeting to give an update on Lake Wanahoo Fisheries. 

Rationale:  As per our existing contract, JEO is finalizing construction bid documents and preparing to go to bid the first week of February.  Plans are to provide a four week bid window with all bids to be submitted for a March 7th bid opening.

Rationale:  FEMA informed us last week the closeout on our Wanahoo repairs is complete payment is being processed.  This closeout completes our downstream Wanahoo repair from the 2019 storm event.  We are still working with FEMA on closing out or remaining projects.

Rationale:  Discussion is requested on our current director's computer stipend.  

Rationale:  Gottschalk will update the committee on the Governor's proposed budget (LB 1412) and how it would potentially affect our Wahoo Creek funding.

Rationale:  Dodge County notified the NRD of a Tax Roll Correction for Fremont Mall LLC (Hy-Vee) for the years 2019 and 2020.  The NRD portion to be returned is $1,179.49. This amount will be withheld from our next disbursement. 

Rationale:  Just a reminder that all incumbents must file with the Secretary of State by February 15th and all other candidates must file by March 1st. 

Rationale:  The NARD board requested each district to have discussions with board members and employees about the possibility of raising the contribution levels for the NARD 414(h) Retirement Plan. Currently, the plan requires a 5.5% salary contribution from the employee and a 6.0% salary contribution by the employer, which is 11.5% of salary. The NARD recommendation is to consider a 1% increase for each the employee and employer. For this increase to be adopted, all 23 NRDs would need to give their approval.

Rationale:  Franzen's last day of employment was January 17th and Schomer's last day was January 26th.  Our policy states the NRD will pay employees unused annual leave time and any hours over 360 for sick leave. 

Attached is a breakdown for each employee.   

Rationale:  We are currently advertising for a Water Resources Specialist.  Resumes are due Thursday, February 8th.

Rationale:  Advertising has started for an Operation and Maintenance Technician. Resumes are due Friday, February 16th.

Rationale:  Grant will be available to reivew the December Financial Statements. 

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

Rationale:  There is no unfinished business to address.

Rationale:  On the Wanahoo Ducks Unlimited wetland renovation site, all tree piles have been burned. The time frame for burning cattails and dirt removal is unknown with the snowpack.
The staff is currently reviewing and has made comments to an agreement with Ducks Unlimited.

Rationale:  The O & M crew moved snow. Worked on and kept equipment running during the cold spell. We are currently going through maintenance items on equipment.

Rationale:  HDR continues developing conceptual designs and coordinating with NRCS regarding their policies. HDR intends to have a 60% completion meeting in mid-February. The staff is meeting with the engineering group on Friday, Feb. 2 at 1:30 to review a couple of potential design strategies.

Rationale:  Rieschick Drilling was back on site pumping testing the last 10 wells that have been cleaned. They finished on January 25th. We received their invoice for $116,160.00 which is the contracted amount. We have also received the results of the cleaning but have not gone over them.

Rationale:  On January 16 we met with JEO and the City of Wahoo staff on how we can plan/coordinate with NDOT and Dam Safety on responsibilities, time frames and finances for the utility issues in the Round-About intersection.
JEO will obtain more specifics from Dam Safety on how to filter and seal all conduits. JEO relayed a message from NDOT that they are willing to coordinate, including the NRD's work on their construction via change order, as long as our utility coordination doesn't disrupt or delay construction, that our plans are within NDOT's requirements and we cover our cost. JEO will get some improvement concepts on paper. The staff is meeting with NDOT on Friday Feb 2 at 10:00.

Rationale:  The District owns three No-Till Grass Drills stationed in Platte, Colfax and Saunders counties. The drill in Platte County is 20+ years old and Stan Rosendahl informed us that it needs major repairs (list attached).
We could get a repair estimate from Benes Service for all the problems listed and have it fixed, or scrap it, and/or purchase a new drill. The estimated price for a new drill is $55,000 - $60,000 as Pheasants Forever has recently purchased new drills with NET funding.
All of our drills were purchased with financial assistance from Nebraska Environmental Trust. The drill in Schuyler was purchased in 2009 and the drill in Saunders in 2012. The committee suggest that staff write a grant application to NET. With the drill being unusable, this means the Platte County area would go without a drill during 2024.

The District received second half of the year revenue (2023) from Rezac Seeding of $1,215.70 and from Rosendahl $2,184.50.

Rationale:  The District received two letters from FEMA acknowledging receipt and acceptance of our certification that all work is completed on the Wanahoo Dam repairs and the Clear Creek Fuse Plug, that the projects can be closed.(Letters Attached) They are covering 90% of the project cost or $2,366,270.14 on the Wanahoo Dam and $105,420.00 on Clear Creek Fuse Plug.
Also attached is a list of financials for all our flood-damaged projects. Rawhide Ditch 8 and the Wanahoo Breakwater have been paid in full by FEMA. Once FEMA closes these projects, then NEMA will include another 5% for three of them.
Chapman and Heimann have worked on CDBG funding for the last 5% or the local share of these projects.

Rationale:  The New JD 6155M is in. We can proceed to sell our 1984 JD 4450 with duals. The Committee suggest that after the February Board meeting, we accept offers up to 12:00 (noon) on Friday, March 8th, with a starting minimum of $35,000. The highest offer takes the tractor.  
We purchased the JD 4450 in August 2018 from Plains Equipment in David City for $37,500.
Internet research showed a 1983 4450 w/ duals for $39,500 and a 1983 w/out duals for $32,500 in NE. Two 1983 4450's w/out duals in Wisconsin for $43,000 & $42,400. One in Missouri w/out duals for $32,500. 

Rationale:  We have not received any applications or request for payments.

Rationale:  For the month of December, the District received $6,185.00 in annual park permit revenue. The year by year break down is listed below. 
 

Month	Monthly Total	YTD
December 2023	$6,185.00	$73017.50
December 2022	$5,045.00	$75262.50
December 2021	$4,725.00	$85681.85
December 2020	$4,470.00	$96317.50
December 2019	$4,585.00	$82252.50

Rationale:  For the month of December, the District received $1,734.74 in camping revenue. The year by year comparison is listed below.
 

Month	Month Total	YTD
December 2023	$1734.74	$127,792.00
December 2022	$2276.95	$129,922.83
December 2021	$2438.00	$118,152.11
December 2020	$1485.97	$134,027.78
December 2019	$1160.56	$93,337.36

Rationale:  The Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo was rented 9 times with 3 NRD events/meetings. Revenue for the month was $650.

Rationale:  The KTIC radio ads and Wahoo newspaper e-ads during January featured the upcoming nitrogen certification classes in the area. This will continue in February. The ads are attached.

Rationale:  The LPNNRD Facebook/Twitter pages, and the website are some of the fastest ways to get information out to the public. Tracking analytics are a way to see how many people are seeing the information. Sometimes a decrease in reach or impressions can mean there is an error with the Facebook/Twitter pages or the website. Facebook and Twitter posts range from 10 - 15 posts per month. If you are on Facebook or Twitter, please like, follow, share, or retweet the Lower Platte North NRD posts!

Total reach/impressions show how many people saw the post/tweet. Engagements include likes, comments, shares/retweets and link clicks.
 

FACEBOOK	Total Reach	Engagements	Followers
January 1-29	13,669	1078	1,513
December	2,381	135	1,501
November	4,072	138	1,501
October	3,103	137	1,499

Twitter is in the process of updating analytics still. Some of this data may not be measured the same as it was in the previous months.

TWITTER	Total impressions	Engagements	Followers
January 1-29	1438	80	417
December 2023	711	51	411
November 2023	682	16	411
October 2023	1,148	54	411
September 2023	1,490	69	406

Top Posts on Facebook and Twitter:
• Drought monitor map update
• February Coffee Lakeside flyer
• Upcoming Nitrogen certification classes
• Water Specialist job opening
• Ice fishing event flyer

 

WEBSITE	Users	Traffic Channel	Top Pages	Devices
January	1,614	Organic 51.06% Direct 1.06% Referral 63.3% Social 937.5%	Home Lake Wanahoo Downloads Czechland Staff	Desktop 51.4% Mobile 47.3% Tablet 1.3%
December 2023	1,075	Organic -20.26% Direct 3.1% Referral -2.27% Social -81.58%	Home Lake Wanahoo Downloads Staff Czechland	No data
November 2023	1,332	Organic -32.42% Direct -25.96% Referral -42.86% Social -81.58%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Lake Staff Downloads	Desktop Mobile Tablet
October 2023	1,328	Organic -31.36% Direct -0.54% Referral -21.79% Social +245.45%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Lake Staff Downloads	Mobile Desktop Tablet
September	1,726	Organic 75% Direct 20.1% Referral 4.1% Social 0.8%	Lake Wanahoo Home Czechland Lake Outdoor Recreation Staff	Mobile 59.9% Desktop 38.4% Tablet 1.7%

Traffic channels: organic traffic means they use a search engine then choose an option that includes lpnnrd.org, direct traffic means they type in lpnnrd.org directly (or have it bookmarked), and referral traffic is any other traffic not from a search engine or social (such as a link from another site). As of mid-September changes for traffic channels and devices will show increase or decrease for the month.

Top referral clicks from: visitnebraska.com 15, nrdnet.org 31, Wahoo newspaper website (LPNNRD digital ad) 0
Clicks from Facebook: 41.
Clicks from Twitter: 0.
 

Rationale:  The LPNNRD plans to have a booth at the Butler County Ag Expo held in David City on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. The booth is 10' x 8' for $150.

Rationale:  The Winter edition of the Lower Platte North NRD Viaduct is finished and will be in local newspapers January 31st, February 6th and 7th. The digital version has been sent via email to subscribers and is available at LPNNRD.org/downloads

Rationale:  On January 24, 10/11 took some footage in the LPNNRD office to add to the commercial for the Local Business Spotlight. On January 30, Eric, Sean, Ryan, and Lacey went to the 10/11 studio for an interview with Taryn Vanderford for the Local Everyday on-air spot. This will air on February 9th, just before 9 a.m.
The package includes a 30-second commercial to air on 10/11, MeTV, and CW during February.

Rationale:  January 11th: Coffee Lakeside, Renewable and Non-renewable Energy Sources. Three people attended.
January 17th: Survival club. 16 students learned about every day carry kits and received one at the end. 
January 18th: St. Wenceslaus Pre-K classroom. Talked about wild vs domestic animals and went on a classroom safari. 
January 21st: Ice Fishing Event - 20-30 people attended this event. 
 

Rationale:  February 8th: Coffee Lakeside: Snakes of Nebraska. Flyer attached.
February 12-13th: East Butler, test your well night prep.
February 13th: Survival Club.
February 14th: North Bend Career Fair.
February 21st: Test your well night event at East Butler.

TBD: St. Wenceslaus Pre-K classroom visit; survival club. 

 

Rationale:  I will be presenting at the NACEE conference held at Ponca State Park on February 28th. My presentation, Creating Unexpected Partnerships, will highlight the Story Walk at Lake Wanahoo; the quarterly Science and Scenes program; and the Movement in Nature night we held back in September. This will be a twenty-minute bright spot presentation. To see more of the preliminary schedule you can go here: https://www.nacee.org/conferenceschedule. 

Rationale:  Working with UNL's herpetology lab and Dr. Ferraro, I will be receiving a western fox snake in the upcoming weeks to use for classroom visits and outreach events. Western fox snakes are native to the eastern part of Nebraska, they are very docile especially when handled frequently, and the best part, it will be FREE from UNL. They will also provide the mice, some of the set-up necessities, and health check-ups for the snake. I will be purchasing a forty gallon tank with a wire lock lid, as well as any other needs that are not provided to me by UNL. 

Rationale:  Joe Luck - UNL gave an update on three projects that were conducted within the District.  Two of the projects utilized Sentinel's variable rate nitrogen application with satellite imagery.  The other site compared a field with manure application as the primary source of nitrogen.  
Shane Ohlde from VariMax Realtime Crop Management conducted a demonstration on a field in the Schuyler-Richland Area using crop-based nitrogen and irrigation management.  He presented information from his project utilizing satellite imagery.  

Rationale:  A new well permit application from Merle Blum with Mike Conrad as tenant was submitted for the SWSE S2-T16N-8E, Saunders County.  The tract of land is currently being irrigated by well G-037875 in the NE1/4 S11-16N-8E. There are 57.90 certified irrigated acres in Section 2, but they desire to have this pivot with its own well.  The new well will be located in Woodcliff's Wellhead Protection Area, with the map attached.  Attached is an AEM profile map along with a geological log from the well in Section 11.  They would not be adding acres and a flow meter would be required.  Well G-02123A is Woodcliff's water supply well. 

Staff did reach out to Lonny Mahrt - President of Woodcliff's SID, which he plans on visiting with JEO as they are their engineers, but initially he did not have an issue.  Lonny responded by email on Thursday, February 1st, asking for well depth, pumping and geological information which staff provided.  He also asked about the possibility of utilizing this well for emergency fire protection well.  Staff directed him to contact Mike Conrad for this as an option.  

Rationale:  Discussion and possible action on allocation overage.  A producer in SQS #2 water use was 17.28 inches in 2022 and 11.53 inches in 2023.  The 2-year total would be 28.81 inches for the 3-year rolling allocation.  

The committee discussed the option of deducting the 6-inch penalty and the consequences.  A motion at the December Board Meeting increased the allocation to 30 inches over 3 years. The Committee felt that if this producer is allowed to go to 30 inches, a requirement for soil moisture sensors is required and, if possible, work with the local extension on irrigation management.  Staff will also investigate if the flow meter is working correctly and visit the producer.  

Staff conducted an informational meeting for producers about the SQS#2 area at Humphrey.  Jesse Korus presented information from the study conducted by his students. NRD staff presented current rules for this area and water level information.  There were about 20 individuals and 1 Committee member in attendance.  
Some of the comments from the meeting:

• Consider allowing banking of water not used, instead of a rolling allocation.  A set amount would be given yearly.  
• 4 year allocation instead of 3 years to allow 2 corn and 2 soybean years.
• Cost-share on variable rate irrigation systems. 
• Domestic well users should understand the issues when living in a rural area.  
• Assist in drilling domestic wells deeper.  
• All areas of the district should have meters and allocations. 
• NRD data is biased when showing certain water level information.  

Rationale:  Received a flow meter invoice from Nathan Oelrich which is eligible for a $1,000 NRD cost-share through the WSF grant.

Attached is an updated boundary and proposed rules and regulations for the proposed Phase 4 management area.  The map shows nitrate results and the area that has uranium contamination over the MCL drinking water limit.  One of the rules would require a producer's best management agreement.  A draft of this agreement is attached for review. Staff recommends that the Committee considers approving the proposed boundary and rules, so information can be distributed to the public.  

A public informational meeting is planned for Thursday, February 22nd, starting at 5 pm.   The plan is to have tables and displays setup for people to visit with presentations at 6 pm.
Tentative Agenda for this meeting:

• Variable Rate Nitrogen Application
• Soybean Physiology and PH soils
• Proposed Phase 4 Boundaries and Rules
• Cost-share and Field Demonstrations Opportunities
• Question and Concerns from Public 

Attached is a soil sample received with 2023 nitrogen reports.  How should this be handled in Water Quality management areas?

Staff will be participating in a "test your well" event on February 18th at Schuyler High School during a Pancake Feed. (Flyer Attached)

Rationale:  Committee members would like some discussion on the following practices.

• Updating irrigation nozzles that are over 10 years old.  At the meeting in Humphrey, Bruno from Platte County Extension showed some demonstration fields where you could see dry strips in the field and then, after replacing them, increase the profitability of the field.  
• Used pivots to replace gravity irrigation in the corners of the field.  
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Units Cost-share.  NDEE has been offering cost-share for RO Units for nitrate water over 10 ppm.  Some of the issues are getting the information out to the public that do not have registered wells and the initial cost of the unit and continuing maintenance. 
• An idea was brought forward was to provide bottled water at a least expensive cost from a company that handles bottled water. 
• NRD staff is planning on conducting an extensive water sampling project within areas that have shown higher nitrate results from NRD water sampling.  Four Corners Health Department out of York has reached out to help in getting this information out to the public.  Other health departments could also assist in this effort.  An example of a door hanger is attached for individuals that might not be home.  
• Giddings Soil Sampling Rig to assist in spot checks on fields and analysis of nitrate leaching.  Attached is a picture.  
• Other thoughts?

Rationale:  TRI CITY Meter was just in the process of starting the second week of January.  They will get started when the fields are accessible.  

The agreement is attached and ready for signatures.

Rationale:  One of the requirements of the LPN Groundwater Rules and Regulations is that all producers that irrigate or apply nitrogen are required every 4 years to attend a NRD Operator Certification class. 
 
Classes being held in 2024:
January 16 - Fremont Extension Office - done
February 1 - ENREEC Mead
February 8 - Lindsay Village Hall
February 16- Ag Park Columbus
February 22 - David City Butler County Event Center
March 14- ENREEC Mead

Rationale:  Staff and Jovan have reviewed the contract with LRE with signatures still needed. 
During the interview process, a comment was given that the Water Committee should have some basic discussion on changes to the plan. 
Groundwater Quality:
        Current Trigger Levels:

• Phase I - 0 to 8 PPM
• Phase II - 8 to 10 PPM
• Phase III - 10 to 15 PPM
• Phase IV - Greater than 15 PPM

1. Number of wells that need to be sampled
2. Utilizing domestic wells for implementing regulations
3. Where do health regulations get implemented?
4. Other considerations

Groundwater Quantity:
        Current Trigger Levels:

• Unconfined Aquifer
  • Level Two - 10% drop in saturated thickness
  • Level Three - 15% drop in saturated thickness
• Is 100 foot saturated thickness the same as 15 feet when considering declines?
• Confined Aquifer
  • Level Two - 7% drop in  potentiometic-aquifer thickness
  • Level Three - 10% drop in potentiometic-aquifer thickness
• Should in-season pumping be considered in NRD regulations?
• Water use information.
• Stakeholder Group

The committee gave staff some direction on what changes should be considered.  

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

 

Rationale:  Staff had a request from a Committee Member to gather information for an UTV to collect geological information.  Staff received some information from Jared of AGF about doing 80 acres or 25 miles.

Jared.'s response:  

As long as there are not many obstacles and an UTV can drive over the area that is a one-day job.  Depending on the crews location it could be a bit less or a bit more.  You still need to be aware of powerlines and fences and other metallic objects as the towed systems area also impacted.

The best way I represent the technologies is the AEM is a township mapping tool, and the pulled systems are section mapping tools.

The Wallaby is out of service and Collier has switched to the tTEM, which is a good thing.

We have access to two systems that we can run and have all the software if you want to try it before going down that road.  We are very happy with the system. It can only see ~ 60 meters (depends how much clay rich till).

It boils down to labor and skilled operator and processors.

Jared D. Abraham, MS, PG, PGP
Aqua Geo Frameworks, LLC
10848 Ridge Rd.
Fort Laramie, WY 82212
jabraham@aquageoframeworks.com
(303)-905-6240
www.aquageoframeworks.com

 

Rationale:  Annual dues are attached for $30,000.

Rationale:  Attached is a report from Daryl and Will (mostly Will).

Rationale:  One project NRCS certified for SWCP reimbursement:
 

23-S-4

MARK KASPAR

$                     10,996.77

TOT/WASCB TO

Rationale:  A JWMAB meeting occurred on January 18th at 10:00 am at Fremont Council Chambers.  The agenda, project summary including financial, and a copy of the presentation is attached.
Also, from Tom Smith, Dodge County Emergency Manager

Afternoon, at last week’s Joint Water Management Advisory Board meeting, I mentioned the National Weather Service webpage for ice jam risk.  The page contains multiple tabs including risk indicator, river levels, snowpack, temperature outlook, and river cameras.  It is very convenient to have all this information in one location.
This page is updated at least weekly, Wednesdays, this time of year;
https://www.weather.gov/oax/icejamrisk
This is public information.  Please feel free to share.

We will push out some social media posts regarding this.

Rationale:  JEO recently submitted 90% draft documents to NRCS.  NRD staff have not had a chance to review them yet.  A meeting with NRCS is set for February 8th to provide comments to the documents.
JEO is proposing to survey four properties on the west side of the Cutoff Ditch with concerns of negative consequences if the road raise happens.  There is a map attached showing these properties.  JEO did not proposed to survey any other properties (properties to the North) because they are not showing an adverse impact when looking at flood inundation elevations upstream of Cutoff Ditch.  Meaning post project, they do not show a rise in water elevations from existing.  We are working with Dodge County as this effort may take additional funds if we wish to do it at this time and we have been asked to contact the four homeowners for permission to survey.  Typically elevations and refinement like this is conducted during the Design and Permitting phase.  Committee direction is requested.

Rationale:  On 1/23 SCWIG met at Columbus FO, agenda attached.  Discussion held over:

• Project status
  • Shell Creek south bench
  • OWT 
  • Bos projects
  • Wolfe Jetty
• September Shell Creek Project showcase
• Outreach: mailings/brochures

Rationale: 

Kenneth Nelson	OWT Upgrade			60/40	$7,500.00
Rick Loseke	OWT Upgrade			60/40	$7,500.00
Dean Sander	OWT Upgrade			60/40	$7,500.00

Rationale:  NRCS is planning to be at the LPNNRD office at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 27th for the Skull & Bone PIFR kickoff meeting.  They suggested inviting interested partners.

Rationale:  Attached are this month's progress report and invoice 484643: $23,004.23.  

Rationale:  Danielle Allen will be available to update committee on easement acquisition status.
We are still awaiting USACE approval of language within our form of easement for mitigation areas.
We need to define precedence for future negotiations that have impacted cost-share work, eg terrace/tile outlet systems.
The likelihood of earthwork/construction activity to begin during growing season is less likely now, do we "allow" farming within easement areas this (2024) year?
Olsson invoice attached for $9,232.53

Rationale:  Staff are working on updating the NDEE 319 Watershed Management Plan and a Project Implementation Plan (work plan) for funding.  Meetings are also ongoing with NRCS to better define NWQI assistance needed from the NRD and funding to request from 319.

Rationale:  Matt Moser will be present to discuss a potential trend analysis for Platte River water quality.  Attachement is from November LPRCA meeting.

Rationale:  It appears that Dan Melanson will be leading the project.  Here is a recent email from Dan along with 11/11/2023 meeting minutes attached.  We will keep the committee updated regarding upcoming meetings and progress.

Another meeting date/time is in the works to continue our initiative to secure resources and funding to rebuild the Morse Bluff levee.  From this last meeting and previous, many ideas have surfaced in order to accomplish this, and the team agrees more focused and active engagement is necessary.

With the recent activity around the rescheduled January meeting, I’ve included Ryan Sabatka and Senator Bruce Bostelman in this email communication for awareness.  Also, as we solidify participants for the next meeting and follow-up action items, we can formalize communication distribution lists for the primary team as well as community updates.   

We appreciate everyone’s time and support as we continue forward.

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.