January 13, 2025 at 1:30 PM - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

Rationale: 

NOTE: The agenda is on file at the LPNNRD office and may be changed up to 24 hours prior to the meeting as scheduled.

 

Rationale:  Are there any additions or corrections to the agenda?

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

Rationale:  Just a reminder that the NARD Legislative Conference is January 28 - 29 Lincoln.

 

Rationale:  The Annual Washington DC meeting is scheduled March 29 - April 2. 
Typically we send two staff and up to two directors.

Rationale:  Last year we did not participate in the shared reception with Lower Elkhorn, Upper Elkhorn, Lewis & Clark and Lower Niobrara NRDs and this year they have reached out again.  With two new Senators in our district this may be a good year to co-host again and share in the cost with the other districts.  Discussion and possible recommendation is requested.

Rationale:  Attached find Director Meduna's excuse of absence from the November Board Meeting.  

Rationale:  Moriah Brown will be giving a presentation on sampling she has done in Shell Creek. 
David Ruder with LiveWellGoFish and he would be available for our February meeting.

Rationale:  The monthly construction meeting was held on Monday, January 6th. Attached find Pay App 9 signed by JEO. 

Rationale:  Great Plains is finishing the appraisal for our existing office.  Discussion is requested on the preferred process moving forward on the sale of the property.

Rationale:  Chair Sabatka appointed Directors Birkel, Saalfeld, HIlger, Olson and Bailey to the Nominating Sub-Committee and report back at Board Meeting for officer elections.

Rationale:  Attached is Kelly Thompson's letter of resignation.  Recommendation is requested to accept, declare a vacancy and proceed with a search committee to replace Thompson with an appointed director until the next election cycle.

Rationale:  A moiton will be needed to ratify the hirning of Jacob Maslonka for the Water Quality Program Coordinator position. This is a grant-supported position.

Rationale:  We are currently advertising for a Water Resources Technician position with resumes due January 30th.

Rationale:  Discussion and direction whether to proceed to an RFP for assistance Coordinating Wahoo Creek Watershed dam projects

Rationale:  Union Bank has gotten back to me and informed me they were mistaken with their earlier line of credit offer. 

Effective December 1, 2024 change interest rate to 5.85% based on the Quarterly Variable Operating Farm Base Rate C minus 1.40% with a floor rate of 4.00%, adjusting January 1, 2025 and quarterly variable thereafter.   

Rationale:  There isn't any unfinished business to consider.

Rationale:  Nothing to report.

Rationale:  The O & M crew cleaned up some firebreak issues, cleared more trees in the wetland area, cut trees and inspected a couple dams, replaced a rubber seal on a gate valve on Sand/Duck Dam 13.

Rationale:  HDR submitted the Cultural Report to NRCS and made revisions to the plan based on NRCS comments. They anticipate a 90% completion meeting in January.

Rationale:  To get the de-watering process started as soon as possible in the Wanahoo basin, Houston Engineering recommends obtaining 3 -4 bids rather than going through a public bid, which is a lengthy and time-consuming advertising process.

Rationale:  Rieschick Well completed the rehab and testing of 11 relief wells. In summary, all wells showed some improvement; however, wells 17 and 18 did not. The rehab and testing information was sent to Olsson and NDNR Dam Safety for their review.
The Well Driller suggested that in the future, the NRD may want to consider testing a batch of wells and comparing the specific capacities before completing rehabs. Now that you have information on every well, data-based decisions can be made.
We received the final contracted invoice for these 11 wells for $134,244.
 

Rationale:  With the accumulation of trees and stalk debris from the May flood, the tree piles we have created on our prairies, the difficulty of obtaining burn permits and weather issues, we are trying to obtain bids to grind all the piles. We have received one bid from Barcel Enterprises at $16,600 and have another contractor, Hillside Solutions/Soil Dynamics, who may look at the area. Staff would like to proceed with this at the Board meeting, so the work can be accomplished this winter.
We can also post a percentage of this work on our FEMA reimbursement. 

Rationale:  The last hay contractor is making it a priority to remove his bales, weather depending. 

Rationale:  Krivanek Construction finished the repair on December 12. Attached are the before and after photos. The final invoice for the work is $11,500.00. This was approved in November at an estimated price of $14,075.00. A shorter pipe was used to reflect the lower cost.

Rationale:  The revenue the District received from RV camping at Czechland Lake from late February to late November was $13,477. This is from 11 electrical RV sites.

Rationale:  The 2024 M.E. Collins purchased $6,846.60 worth of dirt and sand from the Wanahoo borrow site.

Rationale:  With our move to our new office this year, we need to upgrade our 300-gallon, gravity-fed fuel barrel. We received quotes for a 500-gallon double-walled barrel with an electric pump. Quotes from Opp Oil Inc. and Breunig Supply Co. are $6,348.80 and $7,838.00 respectively. This does not include an electrician to connect power to it. 

Rationale:  We have not received any new applications or requests for payment.

Rationale:  For the month of December, the District received $1,283.00 in annual park permit revenue.  This number will likely change once we receive the month of December financial reports.

Rationale:  For the month of December, the District received $4,360.00 in camping revenue.  This number will likely change once we receive the month of December financial reports.

Rationale:  The Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo was rented 20 times in December. Revenue for the month was $1,925. There were 2 NRD rentals.

Rationale:  Review of 2024 recreation season and 2025 budget.

Rationale:  The KTIC radio ads and Wahoo newspaper e-ads for mid-December featured tree sales. The ads for January feature the upcoming nitrogen certification classes. The ads are attached.

Rationale:  The LPNNRD Facebook and X pages, along with the website are some of the fastest ways to get information out to the public. Facebook and X posts range from 12 -18 posts per month. If you are on Facebook or X, 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.

Top Posts included:
• Upcoming Groundwater Management plan open houses
• December 15 water use report deadline
• Nitrogen Certification Water Management class list
• Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act
• Education event flyers

Rationale:  The Winter newsletter will be inserted into local newspapers the week of January 13-17. A digital copy is also available lpnnrd.org/downloads

Rationale:  We have received 1 of the 4 transcripts needed for the Shell Creek Scholarship winners. The students must submit their completed first semester transcript with a GPA of B/3.0 or above to receive the second portion of their scholarship. Once this is received, we will issue the remaining $500 for each student. 

Rationale:  December 16th: Coffee Lakeside (10)
December 16th: Turtles of Nebraska Night (7)
December 17th: St. Wenceslaus Pre-K visit (28)
December 18th: Survival Club everyday carry kits (Postponed).

Rationale:  January 9th: Coffee Lakeside - Recycling.
January 16th: Presentation at Wahoo Senior Center
January 20th: St. Wenceslaus Pre-K visit.
TBD: Classroom dates for Survival Club, Wahoo 1st grade, and Cedar Bluffs 5th grade.

On the horizon:
Bees and Brews
Ice fishing event

 

Rationale:  This committee proposed a grant idea aimed at students (FFA, 4-H, community-based, etc.), who were completing natural resource-based projects in their communities. Attached is the final draft of the grant. Each student will need a statement of need; a description of the project; a detailed budget for the proposed project; a cover letter briefly introducing themselves, the project, and why it's important to them; and one letter of support. Please see the attached document. Any comments or suggestions will be taken at this point. 

We have $1000.00 budgeted towards this grant. As of right now, the allotted amount will be based off of the number of submissions, and further direction from this committee in the coming months. 

I would like to get this out to the schools and communities within our district by the end of January. As we move forward and the need is there, we can add additional funds to support more projects. 

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, bills mailed 12/31.

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, bills mailed 12/31.
 

Rationale:  The following request was received from NeDNR regarding a property buyout program.  Discussion is requested to see if LPNNRD would be interested in owning the mentioned property.  Staff will be meeting with DNR on 1-8-25 to discuss further and have questions answered.

A property owner has contacted DNR regarding the FMA Swift Current funding (see our initial communication attached). He would like to pursue a buy-out at 2696 Big Island Rd., Fremont, NE 68025. The property owner qualifies for 100% federal cost share (ie. No local match needed). Could you please give me a call about this potential project? I am wondering if the NRD would be willing to partner with NeDNR.

Rationale:  Doug Bartek received an approved expansion of acre variance (LPN-V024-0635 in NHCA area) for 64 acres located in the NE SW 23-16-8E, Saunders County on September 10, 2024.  Doug talked to a pivot and well drilling company about installing a pipeline from the existing well.  The well driller said that if he plans on running a pipeline for that distance, the pipe will keep coming apart with the amount of pressure within the pipe.  The well driller suggested that drilling a well would be more efficient.  Doug has applied for a well permit, which will be on Dalton Bartek land.  A map is attached showing the proposed location of the well.   
A motion is needed to change this variance from expansion to a new well variance, for 64 approved acres.   

Rationale: 

The total number of approved permits for 2024 is 36

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2024:  Correct as of 1/8/2025.  

County	Irrigation - New	Irrigation - Replacement	Stock	Commercial	Municipal	Other	Total
Butler	5	1					6
Colfax	1				1		2
Dodge	1	2				1	4
Boone	4						4
Madison							0
Platte	4	5				1	10
Saunders	5	4				1	10
Total	20	12			1	3	36

 

Rationale:  Mark with Tri-City Meters is continuing meter maintenance. 

Rationale:  Attached are upcoming certification classes. 

Rationale:  Staff have 2 situations that have arisen on flow meter installations.  

1.  One producer has an option on his field with an irrigation well for a solar farm, with the intention of the company starting development in the next year.  The committee directed staff to allow this producer 1 year to see if this solar farm actually gets developed.  
2.  A well that irrigates 3 acres and is only used periodically needs a flow meter?  Rules from Section G, Rule 5 in Phase Two Groundwater Management. "All operators will submit a Fertilizer Application Report to the District for each field 19 acres in size or larger, at the end of each crop year or by December 15 of each year."
The committee felt as this in a water quality area, then delaying the flow meter installation would be appropriated.  

Staff continue to receive applications and invoices from the Schuyler/Richland Management area.    

Applications that have been received:

 Flow Meter Applications: 

Thomas Fichtl	$1,000.00
Thomas Fichtl	$1,000.00
Thomas Fichtl	$1,000.00
Thomas Fichtl	$1,000.00
Jay Kment	$1,000.00
Jay Kment	$1,000.00
Beau Klug	$1,000.00
Gregg Melliger	$1,000.00
Gregg Melliger	$1,000.00
Dean Shonka	$1,000.00
Dean Shonka	$1,000.00
Tom Svatora	$1,000.00
Tom Svatora	$1,000.00
Tom Svatora	$1,000.00
Midland Land LLC	$1,000.00
Midland Land LLC	$1,000.00
Midland Land LLC	$1,000.00
Trish Vojtech	$1,000.00
Skytown Properties	$1,000.00
Lonnie Kitt	$1,000.00
Bonnie Wolta	$1,000.00

Cover Crop Applications. 
Cover crop applications are $5/acre over EQIP.

Tom Svatara		66 acres	$  330.00	Wheat
Lanny Schmid		40 acres	$  200.00	Rye
Lanny schmid		120 acres	$  600.00	Rye
Lanny schmid		100 acres	$  500.00	Rye
Skytown Properties				Rye

Variable Rate Nitrogen Program: 
Variable Rate Nitrogen Program is an additional $10 over EQIP 

Trish  Vojtech

80 Acres

$800.00

Soil Moisture sensors

Jay Kment		$750.00
Midland Land LLC		$750.00
Trish Vojtech		$750.00
Skytown Properties		$750.00

Invoices Received: 

CMC Land Holdings LLC, 1 flow meter for $1,000.
Big Dog's Properties LLC , 1 Flow Meters. $1,000
MJM Farms LLC, 2 Flow Meters, $2,000
Edwin Slavik, 2 Flow Meters, $2,000.
Calvin and Karen Nelson Trust, 1 Flow Meter, $1,000
Leamder Rerucha, 1 Flow Meter, $1,000.
Lost Creek LLC, 1 Flow Meter, $1,000.
Daniel Zoucha, 1 Flow Meter, $1,000.

Rationale:  The Lower Platte North has a contract with NeDNR for $38,058.73 for the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program. Attached is a spreadsheet of applications received for 3,512 acres for a total of $42,581. Applications have come from Priority A, B and C with utilizing biologicals the practice majority of the producers checked.    
Ranking will be conducted with approval at the next Water Committee Meeting. 

• Rankings discussed at earlier water committee meetings have A being the top priority, followed by B then C. 
• Some of the producers have been using biological for a couple of years.  If they are approved, staff feel like they should soil sample and decrease nitrogen application from their recommendations.  
• Documentation will include past FSA records, NRD records and/or soil analysis.
• Total acres per producer in B and C will also be considered when ranking the applications.
• Other considerations?

Detailed review will be done at the next Water Committee Meeting. 

Rationale: 

2 new wells have been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

Rationale: 

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

Well Owner	Type of Well	NRD Cost Share Estimate	Shell Creek Cost Share	Total	County
Joe, Nick and Harry Schmit	Irrigation	$1000.00	0	$1000.00	Butler
Tony  Meister	Irrigation	$1288.29	0	$1288.29	Butler
Daryl Sander	Irrigation	$1375.35	$458.45	$1833.80	Platte

 

Rationale:  At the December Board Meeting, it was recommended that the Water Committee review an option to provide funding for the Water Leaders Academy for residents within the District.  Attached is a policy example from UBBNRD. 
The Committee would like to handle this case by case, for people that are interested in the Water Leader Academy. 

Rationale:  Jon Mohr from LRE presented an overview of the draft GWMP.  Discussion with staff and the committee involved confined and unconfined aquifers, aquifer sub-areas, variance scoring sheet and water quality.  More in-depth discussion for the Board and Committee will be held at the Groundwater retreat on Friday, February 7, from 10 to 3.  David Hume - PG from LRE will be in attendance to discuss numerous items on the agenda.  Please let staff know if you plan on coming for a food count and if a quorum will be present at the retreat.  It is encouraged for other Board members to attend.     
Tentative Agenda:

1. NRD topics 
2. Groundwater Basics
3. Groundwater Management Plan Review
4. Recommendations Discussion
   1. Triggers, scoring sheet, observation wells, sub-areas
5. Open Groundwater Discussion
6. NRD topics/ Discussion

Public meetings are scheduled for January 9 in Wahoo and January 16 in Platte Center.  Information gathered from the Board/Committee, staff, stakeholders and the public will be reviewed and presented at the Water Retreat on February 7.  Discussion is needed on the aquifer sub-areas so LRE can finish the graphs of the wells for the sub-areas.  Attached are sub-areas, draft GWMP and presentation for review.
Attached is an invoice for $2172.75 for November.  

Rationale:  Adam Brockman, NRD Field Technician, will be present to update committee on the status of SWCP projects.

Rationale:  Attached is an invoice for $60,000 and pictures of work completed to the Central Cutoff Ditch by the North Bend Drainage District.  We signed an interlocal with the Drainage District to fund $60,000.

Rationale:  Staff are meeting with NeDNR to discuss a potential residential property acquisition located in the Platte River floodway.  100% grant funds are available through the FEMA FMA Swift Current grant program.

Rationale:  Bill Bos submitted three completed projects for payment, 75% cost-share amount in $red:
 

August Runge	Grade stab/WW	$9,184	$12,954.51
Don Marking	Grass waterway	$7,398	$5,587.49
Sharon Barjenbruch	Grade stabilization/seeding	$18,375	$17,961.98

The payments will be reimbursed through our Shell Creek 319/NET grants.
Our next SCWIG meeting is January 21st, 10:00am, Columbus NRCS office.

Rationale:  Newman Grove Students were accepted to present at the Nebraska Alliance for Conservation and Environmental Education.  Registration assistance is requested.

Also, fresh off the press - Wading the Waters of Shell Creek: Newman Grove's citizen science project dates back a quarter century.  PDF attached or: https://www.nebraska-advantage.org/wading-waters-shell-creek-newman-grove%E2%80%99s-citizen-science-project-dates-back-quarter-century

Rationale:  Dan Lightbody will be available to update.
Olsson met with DNR on 12/10 to discuss site 77 design and update on other sites.  
Bob Heinman, and Elliott met with Dan Lightbody on 1/6 to discuss specifics of drawdown valves and access requirements for maintenance spillways.
October and November invoices and progress reports attached.

Rationale:  Danielle Allen will be available to provide update on appraisal process for sites 55 and 84.
An invoice from Great Plains Appraisal for Site 55 appraisals is attached.

Rationale:  Highlights from the past month of work:

• Shanahan is focusing work on site 27; placing riprap on two shoreline stabilization areas, creek diversions for embankment/spillway construction and tree clearing.
• Grading impacts from auxiliary spillway over ammonia pipeline required Olsson to alter alignment of auxiliary spillway outlet north ~100'.
• Plans moving forward (weather dependent) will be continued riprap hauling/stockpiling and tree removal/burning.

Attached is an invoice from TCI for work completed under contract.

Rationale:  Matt Moser with USGS will be here to discuss the proposed continuous water quality agreement for data collection at Leahara for three years.  If all partners (LPS, Papio, MUD, LWS, LPN) are participating in the data collection effort, the cost per agency will be roughly $6,470 per year.

Rationale:  Round 2 meetings for jurisdictions will take place on Tuesday 1/7 in Wahoo at 2pm, 1/16 in David City, and 1/21 Virtual.  An invitation is attached.
Community drought worksheets were finalized with input from NeDNR and NDEE.  JEO and NRD staff have begun meeting with communities to assess their needs including Cedar Bluffs and Abie.  Meeting coming up include Lindsay and Bellwood.  Staff plan to meet with all communities in the NRD within the next few months.
An invoice and progress report is attached.

Rationale:  Update on potential funding for levee repairs.

Rationale:  At our last Board meeting, it was suggested that the NRD host a pesticide recycling event.  In 2024, Frontier Coop in Waverly collected containers from May through August, the City of West Point collects them year-round, and the City of North Platte also collects year around.  2025 collection sites are unknown.  There are many requirements for the containers and sites that can be found here: https://pested.unl.edu/recycling/ though pick up and recycling is paid for by the national coalition of pesticide manufactures.  A few requirement highlights:

• Only high-quality containers are accepted.  Upon arrival, containers are spread upon a tarp and inspected for "HDPE" with the plastic resting code number "2", must be triple rinsed and clean, held crop protection products or professional pesticide products.  Rejected containers remain the property of the vehicle's driver.
• At least 1,000 pounds of containers must be collected before being picked up (roughly 1,500 containers).
• Containers must be free of label booklets, plastic shrink-wrap labels, and caps.
• Containers will be bagged in provided bags.
• Bagged containers must be stored to avoid exposure to the elements.

Board guidance is requested.

Rationale:  At a monthly construction update meeting, it was requested to get a price on adding a second urinal in the Men's Restroom on the main floor.  This addition would cost $3,472. Discussion is requested. 

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.