November 9, 2026 at 4:30 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:  The November Board Meeting will be held at the Schuyler High School starting at 4:30 p.m. 

Rationale:  GMDA Winter Conference — February 2-4 - Savannah, Georgia.  The meeting will be held at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront, Savannah, GA. Director McKnight is interested in attending. 

Rationale:  NACD Annual Meeting — February 6–10, 2027 — Las Vegas, Nevada. The Early Registration deadline is December 18th.  Please let Breunig know if you are interested in attending. 

Rationale:  This month's education program will be the Shell Creek Students' presentation on their ongoing Shell Creek Sampling.

Rationale:  Jovan has supplied his recommendation on addressing our Open Meeting public comment and meeting decorum policy.

Rationale:  Our normal Committee Meeting day would be New Year's Eve, December 31st. 

Potential dates - 
Monday, January 4,  2027 
Tuesday, January 5,  2027
 

Rationale:  Water Dept. is planning a date for a Water Retreat or a Water Retreat combined with other District topics for a date in February or early March.

Rationale:  Management has finally been informed by NDOT our temporary entrance to the Wanahoo Amphitheater construction area has been approved.  M.E. Collins is aware and will begin hauling dirt within the next few weeks.

Rationale:  Chair Sabatka appointed the following Nominating Sub-Committee to meet and bring forth candidates: Board Chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer, NARD Representative and NARD alternate.

Birkel, Hilger, Saalfeld and Sabatka

The Nominating Sub-Committee will give a report at the December 14th Board Meeting. 
 

Rationale: 

Staff have been developing proposed access and educational improvements at the NRD office stormwater detention basin. The project would improve public access and provide opportunities to educate visitors about stormwater management, water quality, runoff reduction, and the role of detention basins.

The proposed project includes an accessible pathway with two entrances and educational signage highlighting stormwater best management practices and the function of the basin. The preliminary project budget is capped at $100,000.

Staff have prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional services associated with the project. A motion is requested to solicit proposals.

Rationale:  Staff will update the committee on the status of our current RFP's

Rationale: 

2026 Flood Damage - Project Updates

FYI, as this it being handled in O&M committee.

Following the September 30-October 1, 2026, flooding event, staff continues to evaluate damage and pursue potential federal assistance for three projects. Letters requesting assistance under USACE Public Law 84-99 were submitted October 28, 2026. NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance request letters have also been drafted.

1. Camp Ashland Fuse Plug - Estimated Cost: $52,500

Floodwaters eroded approximately 60 feet of the fuse plug, which is part of the Platte River levee system. Repairs are needed to restore the structure. Staff is also discussing potential design improvements with USACE to improve future performance.

2. Sand/Duck Creek Site 16 - Estimated Cost: $20,000

Floodwaters displaced riprap downstream of the grade stabilization structure, creating concerns about continued erosion and potential headcutting toward the dam. Proposed repairs include replacing riprap and stabilizing the damaged area.

3. Keiser Dam / Union Township - Estimated Cost: Thousands to Millions

Flooding caused significant damage to the privately owned dam and surrounding drainage system. Staff is evaluating alternatives ranging from localized channel stabilization and sediment removal to more extensive grade stabilization or reconstruction. Costs could range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the selected scope and available funding. Potential project partners include Saunders County and the Clear Creek Dike and Drainage District. Staff will continue coordinating with these entities to evaluate potential improvements, funding opportunities, and project responsibilities. Pictures attached.

Next Steps: Staff will continue coordinating with USACE, NRCS, FEMA/NEMA, and other project partners to determine funding eligibility, refine repair alternatives, and develop project scopes and cost estimates.

Rationale:  Management is preparing to post our Water Technician position which is currently open.  Advertising will begin next week with the plan to have new position filled by early January.

Rationale:  Chair's establishment of a three member sub-committee to serve a two year term.

Rationale:  Grant will be available to review the September Financial Statements.

Kyle Overturf informed us he is waiting for the Feds to release the Compliance Supplement for the Single Audit. They cannot issue the financials until the Final Compliance Supplement comes out. 

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

Rationale:  We have nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  We are still anticipating a prescribed burn on the Snitily Wetland.

All the grass has been cut and baled on the Wanahoo property. We have found that Fort Robinson (G&P) can use all of our donated hay for their livestock. They are low on hay and most of their fence is still down. Staff has had difficulty locating an organization or agency to assist in finding away to deliver the hay to western Nebraska or locate where hay is needed. 

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting - To work with Fort Robinson (G&P) to get our hay donation to them for their livestock as disaster relief after this years wildfires. 

Rationale:  The O & M staff has been spraying areas of noxious weeds, continue doing maintenance on watershed dams and maintenance on equipment. Monitoring beaver activity at two dams and the culvert head wall on the Rawhide Diagonal Ditch.

Rationale:  The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Cottonwood 21-A design phase of the project was issued, with proposals due October 16, 2026. Three proposals were received by Olsson, HDR and Hazard Engineering. The review committee met on October 20, 2026, to review and evaluate the proposals.
Following the review process, the committee recommended proceeding with hiring Hazard Engineering for the project.

Also, after the public meeting in Malmo, there was a 30-day public review period. Not hearing of any comments or adjustments to the plan, the Board needs to approve the Supplemental Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) of Cottonwood 21-A and a Watershed Agreement with NRCS which can be signed by the Board Chair or General Manager.

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting - To approve the Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment as presented, including any necessary revisions resulting from the public comment period, and authorize the General Manager to execute the Watershed Agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and any associated documents necessary to advance the plan through final approval and authorization.

Rationale:  We are still waiting for a response from FEMA on their review of repairs and mitigation.

Rationale: 

Following the September 30-October 1, 2026, flooding event, staff continues to evaluate damage and pursue potential federal assistance for three projects. Letters requesting assistance under USACE Public Law 84-99 were submitted October 28, 2026. NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance request letters have also been drafted.

1. Camp Ashland Fuse Plug - Estimated Cost: $52,500

Floodwaters eroded approximately 50 feet of the fuse plug, which is part of the Platte River levee system. Repairs are needed to restore the structure. Staff is also discussing potential design improvements with USACE to improve future performance.

2. Sand/Duck Creek Site 16 - Estimated Cost: $20,000

Floodwaters displaced rip rap downstream of the grade stabilization structure, creating concerns about continued erosion and potential head cutting toward the dam. Proposed repairs include replacing rip rap and stabilizing the damaged area.

3. Keiser Dam / Union Township - Estimated Cost: Thousands to Millions

Flooding caused significant damage to the privately owned dam and surrounding drainage system. Staff is evaluating alternatives ranging from localized channel stabilization and sediment removal to more extensive grade stabilization or reconstruction. Costs could range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the selected scope and available funding. Potential project partners include Saunders County and the Clear Creek Dike and Drainage District. Staff will continue coordinating with these entities to evaluate potential improvements, funding opportunities, and project responsibilities. Pictures attached.

Next Steps: Staff will continue coordinating with USACE, NRCS, FEMA/NEMA, and other project partners to determine funding eligibility, refine repair alternatives, and develop project scopes and cost estimates.

Rationale:  Stan Darling of Elkhorn Valley Trails was present to discuss their FEVR Trail Project. His handout is attached explaining the trail project from Fremont, Nickerson and Hooper. There is only 1 1/4 miles of the former FEVR track in the District (Aerial Map Attached). The committee stressed that our donation be spent on the portion in our district. Also attached are two pictures of bridges that will be re-decked later next year. 
The Districts Trail Policy is on a first come, first served basis at 50% cost-share up to $10,000.

Rationale:  Clear Creek D & D is concerned about Platte River bank erosion near the toe of the levee on the north end. The project will require Type "C" rock to line the bank and levee for approximately 200'.
This area is adjacent to the start of the MUD well fields. Staff has contacted MUD, but we have not heard back from them. Since the Clear Creek Levee is a federal levee, anytime improvements or alterations need to be made to a federal project, a 408 permit is required. Staff would like to request bids from three engineering firms to put these permit applications together.

Rationale:  We currently have the old Great Plains Grass Drill listed at $16,750.

Rationale:  We haven't received any requests.

Rationale:  For the month of September, the District received $3,935.50 in park permit revenue.

Rationale:  For the month of September, the District received $16,317.42 in camping revenue.

Rationale:  The Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo was rented 19 times in October, with 3 NRD events. Revenue for the month was $2,175.
Sabatka had 27 building inquiries via email and phone during October. 
 

Rationale:  October: Annual well water testing/November trainings for ProducerConnect
November: Water use reports/ProducerConnect reporting

Rationale:  Targeted digital display ad schedule
ProducerConnect & Grant: October 17-November 15, 2026
Trees and shrubs orders open: November 16, 2026-February 15, 2027

Targeted digital display ads are banner ads delivered across multiple sites and apps. Below are just some of the sites these ads are shown on:
• News sites (Fox News, USA Today, NY Post)
• Local TV sites (KETV, WOWT)
• Apps (Newsbreak, Crossword)
These ads are targeted to 36 zip codes covering LPN district along with other demographics.
 

Rationale:  Top Posts for Facebook and X during September included:
• Land Judging contest (2 posts, 2,240 total views on Facebook and 81 on X)
• Bees and Brews event flyer (2 posts, 2,222 total views on Facebook and 51 on X)
• Reverse osmosis cost-share flyer
• ProducerConnect information/training dates
• Natural Resources grant flyer

Total posts for the month: 19
Total reach for the month: 8,953
Facebook followers: 1,942 (up 14)
X followers: 434 (up 2)

Because of Facebook’s ever-changing rules and limitations to free accounts, reach will no longer be available after October 31.

LPNNRD website top pages (besides the home page)
• Lake Wanahoo (1,350 views)
• Education (295)
• Producer Reporting (281)
• Downloads (250)
• Grants & Scholarships (227)

Traffic from other sites directed to LPNNRD.org
• Facebook (49)
• NARD (16)
• KETV (9)
• USDA-NRCS (8)
• Visit Nebraska (4)


 

Rationale: 

• October 7th: Land Judging Contest: Close to 360 competitors showed up to Homestead Lake for the contest. 
• October 13th: Wahoo 3rd grade field trip (75)
• October 14th: Seed Collecting Event (1)
• October 20th: Rescheduled Coffee Lakeside (12)
• October 21st: Bees and Brews (20)
• October 26th: Aquinas Catholic M.S. Lake Ecosystems (34)
• October 27th: St. Wenceslaus Pre-K Wooly Bears (22); Survival Club Foraging for Wild Foods ().
• October 28th: East Butler High School - Point and Nonpoint pollution; prairie habitats walk around at Timberwood. ()

Rationale: 

• November 2nd: Wahoo Kindergarten
• November 3rd: North Bend Student Job Shadow
• November 13th: Wahoo High School Careers
• November 17th: Bishop Neumann Survival Skills part 1 
• November 19th: Coffee Lakeside - Water Department; Bishop Neumann Survival Skills part 2
• November 20th: Mead High School

Rationale:  The Lower Platte North NRD covers the $3/person cost for the East Central Land Judging Contest every year we host. The total number of land judging participants this year was 280, bringing our total to $840 dollars. 

Rationale:  The City of Wahoo performed its annual system maintenance chlorination of its water system last month.  The RWD flushed hydrants within the Village of Colon the week of 10/19; this is done to ensure the valves remain functional and to flush out deposits that can build up within hydrant connection tee.
Routine monthly sampling completed, meters read and bills to be mailed 11/2.

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, meters read and bills to be mailed 11/2.

Rationale: 

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Regional Rural Water System Evaluation was issued, with proposals due October 16, 2026. The review committee met on October 27, 2026, to conduct consultant interviews.

Following the review and interview process, the committee recommended proceeding with contract negotiations with JEO Consulting Group for the project.

The NRD has been informed by DWEE that final reviews of funding agreement for the study is in review with EPA.  DWEE expects to have approval to move forward by end of November.  The funding for this study is coming from EPA's Emerging Contaminants and will cover the cost of this study due to Prague and Malmo being impacted by the two emerging contaminants (manganese and PFAS) that have been highlighted for Nebraska.

Rationale:  An invoice is attached for $3,897.75 per contract from Spheros for the SQS Groundwater Model. 

Last winter, staff, committee and producers discussed options for SQS #2 (Platte-Colfax Water Quantity) area.  Attached are the options discussed for this area. If changes are to be considered by the Groundwater Rules and Regulations, there is a December 15th deadline. 
Things to discuss are

• Changing the boundary as shown on the map.
• Changing the allocation to the area to the east of the green line to a 4 year 40 inch allocation
• Allowing new wells in the area to the west of the green line.

The Spheros company is finishing up a groundwater model in this area which is evaluating the effects of adding new wells in certain areas.  This should assist in determining boundary locations and the effects of adding more wells.  Staff will be meeting with them on November 4 for a preview of the model. Fall water levels will be conducted in this area in the next couple of weeks.  Do the Committee want staff to have a meeting with producers in the area for more input, which Committee members can attend?  

Committee Discussion:

The committee feels that it is best to wait for the model from Spheros and the new AI model that is being proposed before making decisions on the SQS2 boundary. The committee would like to have more data in order to make the most informed decision possible. 

Rationale:  Staff met with Tri-City Meter to plan for the 2027 maintenance season. Staff provided a list of meters that will need serviced in 2027. Tri-City Meter provided information on battery replacements, including different battery options. Staff feel that it is best to continue using OEM batteries when they need to be replaced, even if they're more expensive, due to their fuse protection and for protecting factory warranties. 

Rationale:  The NET grant that was submitted was deemed eligible for scoring, and was scored on Oct. 21, 2026. It will be advanced to the NET board on Nov. 5, 2026 for the selection process. 

Rationale:  Staff went through training for the new OneRed program on October 22nd. There will be another training session held in November.

Pre-enrollment is now open, and enrollees will be contacted in November/December to become eligible for the grant voucher.

There has been a lot of interest in the program, and we have had a number of pre-enrollments.
 

Rationale: 

2026 is the twenty-second 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 10.01 to 15 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen greater than 15 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)	14% (44 of 107)	26%
2014	0 to 22.3 ppm	51% (55 of 108)	13% (14 of 108)	18% (39 of 108)	20%
2015	0 to 32.3 ppm	43% (31 of 72)	8% (6 of 72)	14% (35 of 72)	33%
2016	0 to 35.1 ppm	34% (25 of 74)	11% (8 of 74)	26% (41 of 74)	26%
2017	0 to 23.5 ppm	36% (27 of 74)	15% (11 of 74)	19% (36 of 74)	22%
2018	0 to 30.9 ppm	40% (25 of 63)	11% (7 of 63)	22% (31 of 63)	28%
2019	0 to 24.5 ppm	46% (22 of 48)	10% (5 of 48)	28% (21 of 48)	22%
2020	0 to 20.5 ppm	33.33% (20 of 60)	13.33% (8 of 60)	35% (21 of 60)	18.33% (11 of 60)
2021	0.12 to 27.7 ppm	40.6% (26 of 64)	15.6% (10 of 64)	25% (16 of 64)	18.8% (12 of 64)
2022	0.13 to 23.0 ppm	43.75% (28 of 64)	12.50% (8 pf 64)	26.56% (17 of 64)	17.19% (11 of 64)
2023	0 to 19.8 ppm	50.8% (32 of 63)	15.9% (10 of 63)	20.6% (13 of 63)	12.7% (8 of 63)
2024

Rationale: 

2025 is the tenth year of this Phase 3 Area.  This Phase 3 area went into effect September 1, 2015.  The 55 sections of this area first went into a Phase 2 Area in 2004.  The ten sections that were in Phase 2 are now in Phase 3.  As such, the 2020, 2021 and 2022 numbers (at bottom of table) are for 65 sections.

Year	Nitrate-nitrogen Range	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 0 to 8.0 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 8.01 to 10.00 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen 10.01 to 15 ppm	Percent Nitrate-nitrogen greater than 15 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)	30% (150 of 241)	31%
2013	0 to 94.0 ppm	25% (63 of 252)	9% (23 of 252)	31% (166 of 252)	36%
2014	0 to 101.0 ppm	27% (68 of 251)	9% (22 of 251)	27% (161 of 251)	37%
2015	0 to 53.3 ppm	23% (55 of 238)	12% (29 of 238)	25% (154 of 238)	41%
2016	0 to 50.5 ppm	25% (58 of 228)	10% (22 of 228)	26% (148 of 228)	40%
2017	0 to 53.4 ppm	25% (60 of 238)	6% (14 of 238)	29% (164 of 238)	41%
2018	0 to 56.9 ppm	26.5% (50 of 189)	6.3% (12 of 189)	25% (127 of 189)	42%
2019	0 to 39.4 ppm	25% (53 of 209)	11% (22 of 209)	23% (134 of 209)	42%
2020	0 to 50.8 ppm	26% (69 of 261)	6% (15 of 261)	26% (66 of 257)	43% (110 of 257)
2021	0 to 43.0 ppm	25.5% (67 of 263)	8.4% (22 of 263)	24.3% (64 o 263)	41.8% (109 of 263)
2022	0 to 58.5 ppm	23.0% (57 of 248)	6.45% (16 of 248)	29.43% (73 of 248)	41.12% (102 of 248)
2023	0 to 46.5 ppm	26% (68 of 263)	6% (17 of 263)	24% (63 of 263)	44% (115 of 263)
2024

 

Rationale:  Staff met with Nebraska Extension personnel to plan the 2027 Nitrogen  Certification Training sessions. Nebraska Extension will work on a presentation and educational material for the trainings. The trainings are planned for the following dates, times, and locations:
 

Rationale:  The coalition is planning a technical committee meeting in December. Staff will attend the meeting. 

Rationale:  Staff is conducting fall water level measurements throughout the district. Staff also conducted the Wann Basin sampling day on October 27, 2026 with other partners.

Rationale: 

• A map is attached below showing our 2026 Todd Valley nitrate sampling results. These results will be mailed to well owners next week. 
• Staff is creating RO yard signs. These will be utilized at the front of neighborhoods that are primarily domestic wells with high nitrates. An RO promotional video will also be created between winter and early spring. 

Rationale: 

# new wells has 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	Cost Share Estimate	County
Marilee Polacek	Hand-dug	$2,681	Butler
Marilee Polacek	Stock	$987.55	Butler
Marilee Polacek	Stock	$846.85	Butler

 

Rationale:  With the approved WSF grant scope change, staff has received quotes for vadose zone sampling equipment from several manufacturers. Information on this equipment, along with pricing, is outlined below for review:
 

Manufacturer	Model	Weight (lbs)	Field Transportation Method	Sample Depth	Price	Other Comments
AMS	9120-RAP	1,200	UTV/Pickup	40ft	$46,728
AMS	9520-VTR	9,500	Tracks	60ft+	$197,560	Could drill shallow monitoring wells
Geoprobe	540MT	~800	Dolly	30ft	$69,165
Geoprobe	6011DT	4,800	Tracks	50ft	$202,424	Could drill shallow monitoring wells
Geoprobe	6712DT	6,200	Tracks	60ft+	$267,029	Could drill shallow monitoring wells
Geoprobe	7822DT	8,160	Tracks	60ft+	$307,541	Could drill shallow monitoring wells
Eprobe	EP1000D	2,000	Tracks	30	$40,000
Eprobe	EP1000+	5,000	Tracks	60ft+	$85,000	Could drill shallow monitoring wells

Staff also looked at one other option for mud rotary bit drilling, which would be a better option for monitoring well installation:
 

Manufacturer	Model	Weight (lbs)	Field Transportation Method	Sample Depth	Price	Other Comments
SIMCO	2400	6,000	Tailer	200ft	$182,123	Drilling monitoring wells only. 25% deposit required, balance at delivery. 3-5 month build time.

Staff recommends considering the AMS 9120-RAP due to its price, inclusion of tooling needed for direct-push vadose sampling, manufacturing in the USA for reliability and availability of servicing options, and the ability to install it in a UTV for ease of field transportation. 

Committee Discussion:

The committee would like more information from the manufacturers, but would like to pursue equipment that could do both vadose zone sampling and well drilling for shallow monitoring wells. The committee asked staff to get additional information on drilling depths, price, tooling, delivery, payment terms, and possible government pricing. They would like also like to look at the used market. 
 

Rationale:  Staff has prepared a comprehensive request for proposals (RFP). It is prepared to be published in either December or January, depending on the timing of the board of director's retreat. This will allow the interviews to be scheduled around the same time. Staff is seeking feedback on whether to publish on 12/15/2026 and conduct interviews on 2/18/2027, or publish 1/4/2027 and conduct interviews on 3/18/2027. 

Committee Discussion:

The committee feels that the earlier date would be better, as the March date could interfere with spring farming activities. 

Rationale:  Beach Watch sampling season has ended. 

Rationale:  We have received the bill from Dvorak Well in the amount of $86,350 for drilling the monitoring wells in Newman Grove which came in under contract.  

Rationale:  Staff proposes doing a water committee retreat to review rules and regulations on 2/17/2027 or 3/17/2027, and would like feedback from committee members on which date would be best. 

A selection of proposed changes for rules and regulations for groundwater quantity are attached for review and discussion.

Committee Discussion:

The committee would like to continue to simplify the wording by removing extraneous words, such as "the". 
 

Rationale:  The next SCWIG meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 17.

Rationale:  Bill Bos submitted paperwork for a completed onsite wastewater upgrade:

Lisa Henke

Onsite Wastewater

$10,200

$9,085.52

Rationale:  Bill Bos submitted an application for cover crops:

Craig Foltz

Cover Crop (30ac)

$900

Rationale:  On 10/21 DWEE Dam Safety toured WCW sites 26A & B for a "pre-substantial completion" walk through (checklist attached).  The purpose of the visit is to ensure that the structures are at a state of completion to function during a significant storm event.  Olsson has completed preliminary as-built surveys that confirm both structures have been constructed to design specifications; e.g. top of dam elevation, upstream/downstream toes, inlet elevation.
DWEE expressed no concerns during the visit.  Once final items on checklist have been completed, Olsson will submit required paperwork to DWEE.  
TCI submitted a change order request (attached) to account for extension needed for substantial completion and final completion of project.  Expected substantial completion for sites 26 A&B is November 30 and site 27 is December 31.  Final completion for all three sites is May 1, 2027; this is to account for buffer area planting which is a native, warm season, mix that will be drilled mid-spring, and any necessary earthwork.
Construction highlights for the month:

• Shanhan installed riprap on sites 26A&B and 3" crushed aggregate walkways to inlets
• Shanahan continued embankment fill on site 27
• TCI installed riser stem guides, ladder, valve stem and actuator stand at 27
• Discussion about foundation drain seepage on 26B and plans to mitigate.  Olsson believes that groundwater is infiltrating the gravel layer and not entering the tile drain.  Plan to mitigate will involve Shanahan/TCI excavating behind riprap and placing flowable fill (cement mix) to a level that will cut off groundwater flow and force into tile drain.

TCI invoice attached
Olsson invoice attached

Rationale:  Olsson is working through final comments from DWEE Dam Safety for sites 77 & 84 and expects to have permits by end of November.
On 10/14 the NRD hosted a pre-bid conference with potential bidders for WCW Sites 55, 77 & 84.  There were 13 contractor representatives in attendance, as well as, Olsson and NRCS staff.  Lacey Sabatka developed a video montage of all three sites from drone footage to give contractors a visual perspective of the sites, in particular, the necessary tree removal.  The video led to good discussion on extents of tree removal, and other potential challenges, specifically, at site 55.
Olsson invoices attached

Rationale:  We were notified by Title Services of Saunders County that they have all the required documentation needed for the Maahs acquisition.  Once all parties have signed we will finalize easement transfer with Library Foundation.
Olsson invoices attached

Rationale:  Final easement documents are being finalized and landowner offers are expected the first week of November.  Additional survey work occurred to finalize permanent access easements.  A conversation is expected at the November Board meeting regarding timing of letting the bid.  Invoices attached.

Rationale:  Attached is a list of Nebrask Buffer Strip Program contracts that are due for their annual payment.  As a reminder, the NRD acts as administrator for the contracts and all funding for contracts comes from DWEE.

Rationale: 

2026 Flood Damage - Project Updates

FYI, as this it being handled in O&M committee.

Following the September 30-October 1, 2026, flooding event, staff continues to evaluate damage and pursue potential federal assistance for three projects. Letters requesting assistance under USACE Public Law 84-99 were submitted October 28, 2026. NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance request letters have also been drafted.

1. Camp Ashland Fuse Plug - Estimated Cost: $52,500

Floodwaters eroded approximately 60 feet of the fuse plug, which is part of the Platte River levee system. Repairs are needed to restore the structure. Staff is also discussing potential design improvements with USACE to improve future performance.

2. Sand/Duck Creek Site 16 - Estimated Cost: $20,000

Floodwaters displaced riprap downstream of the grade stabilization structure, creating concerns about continued erosion and potential headcutting toward the dam. Proposed repairs include replacing riprap and stabilizing the damaged area.

3. Keiser Dam / Union Township - Estimated Cost: Thousands to Millions

Flooding caused significant damage to the privately owned dam and surrounding drainage system. Staff is evaluating alternatives ranging from localized channel stabilization and sediment removal to more extensive grade stabilization or reconstruction. Costs could range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the selected scope and available funding. Potential project partners include Saunders County and the Clear Creek Dike and Drainage District. Staff will continue coordinating with these entities to evaluate potential improvements, funding opportunities, and project responsibilities. Pictures attached.

Next Steps: Staff will continue coordinating with USACE, NRCS, FEMA/NEMA, and other project partners to determine funding eligibility, refine repair alternatives, and develop project scopes and cost estimates.

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.