Board Meeting Minutes             
The NRD abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business.  
A copy of the Open Meetings Act is displayed on the south wall of the NRD conference room. 
January 2006-October 2007

 October 25, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bill Vasey called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. He reported that the NRD abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business and said that a copy of the Open Meetings Act was displayed on the south wall of the conference room.  
ATTENDANCE:  Board members present were:  Jim Bendfeldt                        Dick Mercer                          Stephen Schuppan           Alicia Haussler                      Barry Obermiller                   Keith Stafford              Ed Kyes              Jay Richeson                         Bill Vasey                    Dwayne Margritz                   Loren Schuett               
Board members absent/excused – LeRoy Arends, Brian Keiser, Dan Ohlman, Marvion Reichert, Bob Schanou, Steve Sheen, Jim Shiers, Ed Stoltenberg, Jerry Wiese and Scott Woodman. staff present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant Manager/Projects Director, Duane Woodward – District Hydrologist, Mark Czaplewski – District Biologist, Dianne Miller – Administrative Director, Sandy Noecker – Data Compliance Officer, Dan Clement – Water Resources Specialist, Kelly Cole – Programs Coordinator, Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist, Matt Bohnenkamp – GIS Program Director, Angela Warner – GIS Assistant, Bill Beckstead - Conservationist.   Others present – Kevin Prior – Olsson Associates, Grand Island, Randy Zach – NPPD, Columbus, Kevin Klingelhoefer – Amherst, Darin Messersmith – Sargent Irrigation, Gothenburg, Randy Knapp – CPA, McDermott & Miller, Hastings, Richard Heckman and Dorothy Heckman – Cairo, James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison D.C., Grand Island, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub.
MEETING NOTICES: Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the news media as required by law.  Note:  Because there was not a quorum present at the beginning of the meeting Chairman Vasey said the agenda items that did not require board action would be taken care of first.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS:  Chairman Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other business for future meeting agendas. Kevin Klingelhoefer from Amherst said he would like to request that the board issue a stay on any irrigation development progress that may commence on a tract in Buffalo County owned by Diana Phief with Roland Trampe as the tenant.  He asked to meet with the Variance Committee to provide more information.     
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Vasey asked if any one wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda. Harvey Langrehr said he was there on behalf of Hill Side Acres and Green Acres Company.  He expressed concern that a letter that he had brought in last Friday had not been included with the packet presented to the Variance/Appeals Committee. In the letter he asked several questions including what statute gave the NRD’s authority to determine certified acres, and asked about past actions of the board on appeals on acres assessed as dry land by the County Assessor. 
2007 AUDIT REPORT: Randy Knapp, CPA with the accounting firm of McDermott & Miller, Hastings reported on the Fiscal 2007 audit report and process.   
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: James Huntwork reported on NRCS activities (see enclosed).
MEETING MINUTES: Alicia Haussler made the motion that the September 17 and September 27 board meetings’ minutes be approved as mailed.  Dick Mercer seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Chairman Vasey reported that LeRoy Arends, Brian Keiser, Dan Ohlman, Marvion Reichert, Bob Schanou, Steve Sheen, Jim Shiers, Ed Stoltenberg, Jerry Wiese and Scott Woodman had requested to be excused from the meeting. Alicia Haussler made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.  Loren Schuett seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.  
EASTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Kevin Prior with Olsson Associates addressed the board concerning a proposed project in the village of Cairo.  The project would include renovation of the downtown business district as well as the reconstruction of Highway 11 to the south corporate limits.  Improvements would include new roadway surfaces, storm sewer, roadway lighting, replacing some water mains, improvements to sidewalks, pedestrian lighting and landscaping. The estimated cost is $2.1 million.  He reviewed the sources of funding assistance they have been able to come up with so far and said they are about $1 million short.  Kevin said they would also like to include improvements for the drainage problems in Cairo and asked whether the NRD could provide any assistance on that aspect of the project. He explained that the drainage proposal would take the water into Dry Creek. He said it is hoped the project bid letting can be done in late fall or early spring and that the project could be complete sometime in 2008.  In answer to a question Kevin said Cairo would be asking for assistance on part of the estimated $269,000.00 that the drainage portion would cost.  Milt briefly reviewed some of the drainage projects the NRD has provided assistance with in communities, and said in reviewing this year’s budget there would be the possibility of moving some funds from other projects if the board decided to provide assistance on this request.  The District’s Bylaws require a 30-day delay on any new funding requests not previously approved in the budget.  No action was taken on the request at that time. 
VARIANCE/APPEALS SUBCOMMITTEE–REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Barry Obermiller reported on the subcommittee’s meeting held earlier that day.  He said four individuals presented appeals on certification of irrigated acres.  The subcommittee is recommending that all of the appeals be denied because they were asking for more acres than what was registered as irrigated under FSA records. In answer to a question Barry explained that three appeals from Vern Svitak concerned three pivots and he wanted to change them to corner pivot systems.  FSA records showed only the pivots, they did not show the added acres in the corners as irrigated. Disputed acres are 9.4, 21.7, and 20.2.  
     Todd Meyer had non-irrigated alfalfa in 2004, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1995, non-irrigated native grass in 2003, 2001, 2000 and 1999.  It is in a sub-irrigated area.  It was not taxed as irrigated.  It also did not fall within the rules and regulations of 9 out of 10 alfalfa nor was it 2 out of 10 irrigated. Disputed acres are 27.4.
     James Burmeister, A-B Inc. involved land next to the river and is pretty much all surrounded by dry land.  Burmeister is the owner but someone else farms it and has irrigated it once in 1996 during the period 1995 – 2004.  They would have to lay out at least a quarter mile of pipe to get to it and the last couple hundred yards it has to cross an old river bed.  It is not taxed as irrigated land.  Disputed acres are 21.  On Bernard and David Hostler the aerial imagery shows they put a pivot on the ground.  In 2003 and 2004 the tract being disputed was not irrigated.  It was irrigated in 2005 when they put a pivot on.  It was not certified with FSA as irrigated in 2003 or 2004.  The well registration does not show a pump in the well, it shows as an inactive well.  Taxes were paid on the dry land rate. Disputed acres are 36.
     Barry Obermiller said the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is recommending, and he made the motion, that the appeals for additional certified irrigated acres be denied from:  Vern Svitak of Chapman (3 appeals), Meyer Brothers of St. Libory, James Burmeister, A-B Inc. of Harlan, Iowa, and Bernard & David Hostler of Central City.  Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Loren Schuett who abstained and Stephen Schuppan who voted no.  Motion carried.  Barry said the subcommittee also discussed the appeals from Harvey Langrehr that have been tabled for the last two or three months.  Barry said the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is recommending, and he made the motion, that the appeals from Harvey Langrehr be approved based on irrigated tax records, with the exception of an area in Section 26 where the acres will be deemed at 82.8 acres, the type of irrigated crops determination will be made using the best data available, as well as testimony presented by Harvey Langrehr.  Keith Stafford seconded the motion.  To clarify a question Barry said Harvey Langrehr’s appeals were on five different tracts.  The subcommittee is recommending that certified irrigated acres be allowed for what he paid irrigated taxes on, with the exception of the one tract in Section 26 on which he paid irrigated taxes on 95 acres but there are only 82.8 acres that were crop land that could have been irrigated, not 95. Harvey asked if those acres could be put somewhere else and also asked how reliable the assessor’s records are.  Barry said the acres could not be put on another tract.  He also explained that the Variance/Appeals Committee first looks to FSA records, if they do not show irrigated land we then go to the county tax records.  He said, “Basically what we are looking for is something to tell us that it has been irrigated, something legal, something written down that is consistent.”  Harvey referred to one of the half circle pivots that the assessor showed as dry land.  However, in answer to a question he stated that the pivot had been there since the summer of 1986 and was used from 1987 until 1991. 
     Harvey again referred to the letter that he had brought into the office last Friday.  He said one of his questions was “What Nebraska statute are you relying upon to deny certification of irrigated acres on acres that have been irrigated?  Another question he had was “has this board, by board action, ever certified acres that were irrigated prior to 2004 and hadn’t met the regulations and the rules that were adopted in 2006.  Have they ever by board action certified irrigated acres in that classification?  If the answer would be yes then how can they deny it on something else later?  That’s my concern.” Stephen Schuppan asked if the half pivot Harvey was talking about was included in the appeal.  Barry said there were two half pivots, and he thought the one Harvey was referring to did not have any tires on it.  Stephen Schuppan asked if that had not been irrigated since 1991.  Harvey said that was correct. Harvey again expressed concern that the letter he had brought in last Friday had not been included in the packet given to the Variance/Appeals Committee.  Matt Bohnenkamp explained that General Manager Ron Bishop was going to respond to Harvey’s questions and also that Matt had intended to give a copy of the letter to the committee members at their meeting but Harvey had already given them a copy. The motion as stated by Barry was then voted on.  Board members voting in favor were:  Jim Bendfeldt, Alicia Haussler, Ed Kyes, Dick Mercer, Barry Obermiller, Jay Richeson, Keith Stafford and Bill Vasey.  Voting against were:  Dwayne Margritz, Loren Schuett and Stephen Schuppan.  Motion carried.
Deadline for Presenting Written Evidence – Barry reported that the committee had discussed setting a time limit for individuals who are appealing certifications or requesting well variances to present documentation to staff so it can be prepared for the committee.  Barry said the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is recommending, and he made the motion, that information to be presented to the subcommittee must be submitted to staff 10 calendar days prior to the hearing, anything presented less than 10 days will not be presented to the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee at the hearing. Jay Richeson seconded the motion.    All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
Second Requests for Variances – Barry said the sub-committee discussed options on handling requests for re-hearings on appeals and variances that have previously been denied by the board.  Barry said the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is recommending, and he made the motion that if an individual requests a re-hearing to present new evidence that the General Manager and Chairman of the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee will review the information to decide whether it is sufficient to warrant bringing it back before the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee.  Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
Kevin Klingelhoefer Request – Referring to Kevin Klingehoefer’s comments at the beginning of the board meeting concerning his request that the board issue a stay on any irrigation development progress on a tract of land that he had referred to Dick Mercer asked if Kevin needed to be informed of what was needed regarding his request. Ron asked Kevin to provide his information to staff so it can be prepared for the Variance /Appeals Subcommittee before their meeting.  The 10-calendar day deadline would apply.  Kevin said he would only need a week or 10 days to get the information prepared.    
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dick Mercer reported on the committee’s meeting held earlier that day.
Easement Available for the Water Banking Program – Dick said the District has an opportunity to purchase a water right on a tract in Dawson County owned by Harry Hart.  The District would get a perpetual easement for the water right and also in the easement it would stipulate that the limited use would only allow dry land wheat, soybeans, barley or oats.  It will provide 25.3 acre feet of water per year. Dick Mercer made the motion that the District purchase the water right through a perpetual easement from Harry Hart in Dawson County that will provide 25.3 acre feet of water per year, the easement will allow the planting of dry land wheat, soybeans, barley or oats.  Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
Integrated Management Plans for the Basin & the NRD – Dick said this has been delayed.  There has been a special subcommittee on surface and ground water that will be meeting.  The Basin Committee will then meet and hopefully be able to bring recommendations back to the NRDs for consideration. 
Proposed Changes for Rules & Regulations – Ron said that the majority of the proposed changes deal with where the offsets come from which are west of where the offset is needed or no more than one mile east of the north/south line of where the offset is needed.  The other proposed changes include setting a cut-off date of March 8, 2008 for getting irrigated acres certified, extending the District’s moratorium until November 20, 2008, and changes to clarify wording.  Dick Mercer made the motion that the proposed changes to the Groundwater Management Program rules and regulations be approved for purposes of holding the public hearing, and that the hearing be held just prior to the December board meeting.  Keith Stafford seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
Response to Incorrect News Articles & Guest Editorials – Ron briefly reported on the presentation that Duane Woodward had given at the NARD conference to share some of the technical information that is coming out of the COHYST study.  His presentation was based on a report from the Technical Committee, and that report had been approved by the Sponsor’s Group.  He referred to an article that had appeared in the Lincoln newspaper concerning the COHYST study and information that was in the article that was provided by one of the sponsors that insinuated that the COHYST information was wrong.  Ron said it has been suggested that we need to respond to some of those types of articles when they appear in the newspapers so that the misinformation does not go unchallenged.  He said a proposed letter in response to the article was discussed with the Water Resources Committee (see enclosed).  Dick Mercer said it is not standard policy that Central Platte NRD respond to every editorial or article that we are concerned about but it was felt that because of the importance of the COHYST study that a response should be made. Dick then made the motion that Central Platte NRD cosponsor with the Twin Platte NRD the letter that had been reviewed in the Water Resources Committee and that it be sent to the appropriate news media in order not to let misinformation go unchallenged.  Alicia Haussler seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
Pallid Sturgeon Biological Opinion – Dick also reported that Mark Czaplewski had given a status report on the pallid sturgeon biological opinion.  No action necessary.
PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM: Mark Czaplewski reported that authorizing legislation for federal Program funding was recently passed by the House of Representatives and now awaits action by the Senate.  A bill nearly identical to the House bill is now awaiting mark-up by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee and, optimistically, will be moved out of Committee within the next month.  A best guess is that the authorizing legislation would be passed by the end of this year.  Currently, the Program is being funded by existing Bureau of Reclamation funds and with funds from the states of Colorado and Wyoming.  The Program’s Land Advisory Committee met for the first time via conference call on October 4th.  One of the group’s first orders of business was to elect officers.  Scott Woodman was elected Chair and Mark Czaplewski was elected Vice-Chair.  Land rights acquisition awaits federal funding not currently available for land acquisition or maintenance use and so most land activities are on hold.  A panel has been formed to begin the process of selecting the individuals who will serve on the Program’s Independent Science Advisory Committee (ISAC).   The panel will return a recommendation on ISAC membership to the Governance Committee for their review and approval.  The ISAC will provide an independent scientific review to Program components, a key part of the Program’s adaptive management process.
COST SHARE PROGRAMS:  Applications – Kelly reported that we have received applications for the following cost share programs: NE Soil & Water Conservation Program, Center Pivot Incentive, and Well Decommissioning (see enclosed report).  She said all of the applicants are in compliance with the District’s rules and regulations, funds are available, and recommended that they be approved. Alicia Haussler made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported. Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
FINANCIAL REPORT: Dick Mercer made the motion that the October financial report be approved as read by Ron Bishop.  Jay Richeson seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.  Keith Stafford was absent for the motion.
Fiscal 2007 Audit - Dick Mercer made the motion to accept the Fiscal 2007 Audit Report.  Keith Stafford seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
UPCOMING EVENTS: As listed on the agenda. 
Next Board Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of November 15th, one week early due to Thanksgiving.  Details to follow.
ADJOURN:  Chairman Vasey adjourned the board meeting.    

September 27, 2007 Special Board Meeting
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bill Vasey called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.  He reported that the NRD abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business and said that a copy of the Open Meetings Act was displayed on the south wall of the conference room.  (Note: Chairman would not be called on to vote unless needed to break a tie.)
ATTENDANCE:  Board members present were:  LeRoy Arends                         Dick Mercer                        Keith Stafford             Jim Bendfelft                          Jay Richeson                       
Ed Stoltenberg   Alicia Haussler                       Loren Schuett                      Bill Vasey                    Ed Kyes                                  Steve Schuppan                   Jerry Wiese             
Dwayne Margritz                   Jim Shiers          Scott Woodman      Board members absent/excused – Barry Obermiller & Brian Keiser.  Board members absent were Dan Ohlman, Marvion Reichert, Bob Schanou, Steve Sheen. Staff present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Mark Czaplewski – District Biologist, Dianne Miller – Administrative Director, Sandy Noecker – Data Compliance Officer,  Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist.   
MEETING NOTICES: Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the news media as required by law.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other business for future meeting agendas.  None reported.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Vasey asked if any one wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda. No one requested time to speak.        
EXCUSED ABSENCES:  Chairman Vasey reported that Brian Keiser and Barry Obermiller had contacted the office and requested to be excused from the board meeting.   Loren Schuett made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.  Jay Richeson seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
POSSIBLE LAND PURCHASE – WATER RIGHTS:  Ron explained that the purpose of the special board meeting was to discuss the possible purchase of approximately 202 acres in Dawson County in order to acquire the water rights.  He said 197.7 acres have been certified as irrigated, and indicated the area, which is south and east of Lexington, on a map.   The landowner, Rick Buehl, is not interested in selling only the water rights.  There is a center pivot and grain bin included on the property.  The ground is flat and level and there is a power line that runs across one end of the field that prevents having more than one center pivot on it.  Mr. Buehl is asking about $2,470.00 or $2,480.00 an acre, or one-half million dollars.  Ron said if the District acquires it and takes the water rights we will only have about $680.00 an acre in the ground and will have a center pivot and grain bin to sell which would help reduce the cost.  Ron said the water rights would amount to about 147 acre feet of water a year.  He said it would be his recommendation that the District acquire the property.  The board could consider various options for the land itself.  One would be to seed it back to grass and then sell it, keeping a perpetual easement on it for the water rights.  Crops would be limited under the easement.  In answer to a question Ron said under the perpetual easement the irrigation well would either have to be decommissioned or converted to one with 50 gallon per minute capacity or less.  However, if the board decided to plant the property to grass the center pivot could be used until the grass is established and then the pivot could be sold. 
     In answer to a question Ron said the land has been listed with a realtor.    It was also stated that the property is not fenced.  Scott Woodman said one possibility might be for the NRD to lease out the land as dryland for five or seven years, such as is done on school land.  Trading the property for water rights on other property was also briefly discussed.   In answer to a question Ron said the percentage of return to the river on this property would be near 88 percent.  Loren Schuett, Stephen Schuppan and LeRoy Arends indicated that they had been contacted by people who have expressed concerns about the NRD using tax dollars to purchase water rights in the west end of the District but in Grand Island the city is discussing using tax money or user fees to create dewatering districts.  Ron said that we have also had calls from individuals expressing those concerns.   Ron said if Grand Island does go forward with a dewatering project, and the project was designed so there was a steady flow to the river, the District might be able to acquire that offset water and there might be an opportunity to open up some new development from Grand Island down to Columbus. He said that, regardless of what takes place in Grand Island, in Dawson County we have to offset the depletions to get back to fully appropriated.  We also have to offset any new development or any increase in population, any new water uses that they have, in Elm Creek, Kearney, Gibbon, Shelton and Wood River.  Ron said “If you are going to acquire water then Dawson County is by far the best area to do it because you can use that offset anywhere from where you buy it clear to Columbus.”  Ron also reviewed the fact that State law says the NRDs will provide the offsets for any new uses that cause a depletion to the river.  He also said that in the case of Grand Island, which is mostly surrounded by irrigated land, most of any expansion would be offset by retiring irrigated acres, and in the case of a housing development the savings from irrigation would provide more offsets than what the housing development would use.  Ron also explained that we have to provide the offsets for new uses that come in during the next 20 years.  After that we have to provide offsets for population expansion but not for new commercial or industrial uses.
     In answer to a question Ron said it is estimated that it will take 6000 or more acre feet per year to get the area from Elm Creek west back to fully appropriated instead of over appropriated.  There was also discussion on options for purchasing water rights as well as the competition for water that will be getting even more intense. Dick Mercer said he thought the proposed purchase of the land in Dawson County was an excellent opportunity to get water but said he did not think that Central Platte NRD should become a landlord.  He said he would be more in favor of disposing of the land as soon as possible after the water rights are secured and also said it should not be too difficult to sell the property as dry land.  Dick Mercer then made the motion that Central Platte NRD purchase the approximate 202 acres in Dawson County as recommended by General Manager Ron Bishop and then we can look at how to dispose of the land after acquiring the water rights.  Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion.  Scott Woodman asked that the board not abandon the idea of looking at options for the land, such as leasing the ground, like is done on school land, for five or seven years.  He said this might be a way to get most of the District’s money back.  Jim Bendfeldt said if the board approved the purchase he would not be opposed to having a committee look at some of the alternatives for the land.  Dick said he would reword his original motion to:  Follow the General Manager’s recommendation to purchase the 202 acres in Dawson County from Rick Buehl.  Jim Bendfeldt agreed with the reworded motion.  Board members voting in favor were:  Jim Bendfeldt, Alicia Haussler, Ed Kyes, Dwayne Margritz, Dick Mercer, Jay Richeson, Jim Shiers, Keith Stafford, Jerry Wiese and Scott Woodman.  Voting against were:  LeRoy Arends, Loren Schuett, Steve Schuppan, and Ed Stoltenberg.  Motion carried. 
     Ron asked the board how they wanted to handle possible future water rights purchases if a situation came up again in which a landowner wanted to sell but did not want to wait until a regularly scheduled meeting for the board to make a decision.   He asked if they wanted to have special meetings, such as was done today, or would they rather have the Executive Committee be able to make a decision on behalf of the District. The information could be sent to all of the directors with the request that input be provided prior to the meeting of the Executive Committee.  Following a brief discussion it was the consensus that a special meeting should be called so the full board could discuss and make a decision on such acquisitions. 
FINANCIAL REPORT: Because the Special Board Meeting was held on what would have been the regular meeting date the financial report was acted on rather than mailing it with the September 17th meeting minutes.  Alicia Haussler made the motion to approve the September financial report as read by Ron Bishop.  Jay Richeson seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
OTHER:  Invasive Species – The programs to reduce the problem of invasive species in the river was briefly discussed.
Grand Island Dewatering Proposal – Ron briefly discussed how he thought the City of Grand Island might plan to operate a dewatering project.  He said they might pump only at certain times, when the water got too high, then discontinue pumping when the water got below a certain level.  He said this would not provide a steady flow of water to the river for offsets.  He said if we provided an incentive for them to make it a more steady flow, and acquired that steady flow for offsets, it would open up some development for new uses below Grand Island.  He asked if this was something the board thought should be pursued.  Question was asked if dewatering in Grand Island would create another flood plain somewhere downstream.  Ron said it would not.  He said that even the 6000 to 7000 acre feet per year needed to bring Dawson County back to fully appropriated would only raise the river stage about 1/16 of an inch throughout the year.  He said “It’s not much water in depth in the river, but it’s quite a little water when you have to pay $2,500.00 an acre foot for it.”  Chairman Vasey said he thought there was a consensus for Ron to discuss some of the dewatering possibilities with the City of Grand Island. 
Per Diem – Dianne reminded the directors to get their W-4 forms to her and if a director wanted to waive the payments, to get the waiver form in. 
OTHER BUSINESS: Next Board Meeting -- Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, October 25th.  Details to follow. 
ADJOURN:  Chairman Vasey adjourned the board meeting at 10:25 a.m.  

September 17, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bill Vasey called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. He reported that the NRD abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business and said that a copy of the Open Meetings Act was displayed on the south wall of the conference room.  (Note: Chairman would not be called on to vote unless needed to break a tie.)
ATTENDANCE:  Board members present were:   LeRoy Arends                         Marvion Reichert                         Jim Shiers              Alicia Haussler          Jay Richeson                                Keith Stafford       Brian Keiser                            Bob Schanou                                Ed Stoltenberg         Ed Kyes                                  Loren Schuett                   Bill Vasey    
Dwayne Margritz                    Steve Schuppan                    Jerry Wiese       Dick Mercer                      Steve Sheen               Scott Woodman            Dan Olman 
Board members absent/excused – Jim Bendfeldt and Barry Obermiller.  Staff present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant Manager/Projects Director, Duane Woodward – District Hydrologist, Mark Czaplewski – District Biologist, Dianne Miller – Administrative Director, Sandy Noecker – Data Compliance Officer, Dan Clement – Water Resources Specialist, Matt Bohnenkamp – Director of GIS Program, Kelly Cole – Programs Coordinator, Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist, Bill Beckstead - Conservationist. Others present: James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island, Joe Krolikowski – NRCS, Grand Island, Grant Linder – NRCS, Grand Island, Harvey Langrehr – St. Libory, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub. 
MEETING NOTICES: Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the news media as required by law.
MEETING MINUTES:  Alicia Haussler made the motion that the minutes of the August 23rd board meeting be approved as mailed.  Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Brian Keiser and Bob Schanou who abstained.  Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other business for future meeting agendas.  None reported.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Vasey asked if any one wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda. No one requested time to speak.       
NRCS REPORTS:  Reports were given by Grant Linder and Joe Krolikowski, NRCS Grant Island, and James Huntwork, NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island (see enclosed).               
EXCUSED ABSENCES:  Chairman Vasey reported that Jim Bendfeldt and Barry Obermiller had contacted the office and requested to be excused from the board meeting.  Scott Woodman made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.  Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
WESTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:  Dick Mercer, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier that day.   Elm Creek/Turkey Creek Watershed – Dick said that the committee is recommending that we take the information that has been accumulated from the study that Olsson and Associates has done and set up a public meeting in the Elm Creek area sometime in November for the purpose of discussing a proposed project with the people in the area, and getting input from them, and that prior to that meeting staff would research funding options for a potential project.   Dick Mercer then made the motion that a public information meeting be scheduled in the Elm Creek area to discuss a potential project and that staff research funding options prior to that time.  Bob Schanou seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
VARIANCE/APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dan Ohlman reported on the committee hearing held earlier that day. Requests for Appeal of Certified Acres – Dan said they had reviewed two appeals.  The one from Bruce Rodabaugh that involved 12.9 acres in Hamilton County was tabled because more information was needed on two affidavits that were presented.  The second appeal was from Brandes & Sons involving 2.5 acres in a corner system in Merrick County. Currently Central Platte NRD has certified 230.3 acres as irrigated.  Mr. Brandes purchased 232.76 acres in 2006 as irrigated land and he has been paying taxes at the irrigated rate on the 232.76 acres.  FSA in 2003 showed three acres of dry beans.  There was pipe laid out when he purchased the land and it was irrigated in 2007.  Dan Ohlman said the committee is recommending, and he made the motion, that the appeal from Brandes & Sons on the 2.5 acres in Merrick County be approved.  Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.   A decision on the appeal from Harvey Langrehr was postponed again until more information can be provided on some of the affidavits that he has presented.
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:  Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier that day. 
Water Banking Program – Scott said the District has the opportunity to acquire the water rights from two pieces of property, both in Dawson County.  One is south of Lexington and one is between Lexington and Cozad.  The acquisitions would total about $440,000.00 and would involve taking perpetual easements for the water rights.  The net water usage on one piece is 77.1 acre feet per year, and the other would be 99.1 acre feet per year. Scott said the Water Resources Committee is recommending, and he made the motion, that Central Platte NRD acquire the water rights through perpetual easements on the two pieces of property as discussed.  Bob Schanou seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
Integrated Management Plans for the Basin and the NRD – Scott said that it is planned to have one more meeting on the Basin plan to try to resolve some differences between some of the Stakeholders. 
Rules & Regulations – Policy Regarding Location of Offsets – Scott reported that the committee had also discussed a change to the Groundwater Management Plan Rules and Regulations which involved implementing a policy regarding the location of offsets. He said they discussed where offsets occur and their relationship to the river. Scott said the Water Resources Committee is recommending, and he made the motion, that the proposed rule change be approved which would require that the offset for a depletion be west of a straight north/south line, through the area of depletion or no more than a one mile to the east variance from that north/south line.  Dan Ohlman seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Marvion Reichert, who voted no.  Motion carried.
Water Rights – Deed of Conservation Easement -- Scott also said that the committee had reviewed the proposed deed (see enclosed) that will have to be agreed to and signed by the grantors of the water rights in Dawson County and Central Platte NRD.  A copy was handed out to the directors not at the committee meeting.  He asked if anyone had any questions on the proposed easement.  There were none.  Marvion Reichert asked if there could be crops added to those listed on Exhibit B.  Ron said there could be crops added.  He said it would have to be determined in each case how far it is to groundwater and what the root depth of the crop was.  If the crop was not sub-irrigated it could probably be approved. Scott then made the motion to approve the “Deed of Conservation Easement” when water rights are purchased.  Bob Schanou seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
FISCAL 2008 BUDGET LEVY: Chairman Vasey resumed the hearing to set the property tax request.  The proposed “Resolution Setting the Property Tax Request” was briefly reviewed.  The budget adopted at the August 1st board meeting would require a total levy of 0.05876.  (See enclosed Public Hearing to Set Property Tax Request Minutes).  Chairman Vasey closed the hearing at 2:35 p.m.   Following a brief discussion Dick Mercer made the motion to approve the proposed Resolution Setting the Property Tax Request for Fiscal 2008.  Loren Schuett seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
WATER METER REQUEST FROM CITY OF WOOD RIVER:  Milt Moravek reported that the district has received a request from the City of Wood River asking the NRD to consider cost sharing on water meters, in order to help reduce the consumptive use of water in the community. A copy of the request was handed out to the directors. Following some discussion Bob Schanou made the motion that the request for cost sharing on water meters in the City of Wood River be denied.  Brian Keiser seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
VOTING DELEGATE & ALTERNATE FOR THE NARD ANNUAL CONFERENCE:  It was reported that it would be necessary for the board to select a voting delegate and alternate for the conference to be held in Kearney the following week.  Following a brief discussion Alicia Haussler made the motion that Dick Mercer serve as the voting delegate and Bill Vasey serve as alternate.  Steve Sheen seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Dick Mercer, who abstained.  Motion carried.
LONG RANGE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:  Marcia Lee reviewed the fact that the LRIP outlines the District’s goals and procedures for the next five years and is required to be submitted to the State before October 1.  A draft copy had been provided to the directors at the August 23rd meeting.  Marcia said that she had not received any suggestions for changes or corrections.  Marvion Reichert made the motion that the Long Range Implementation Plan be approved as drafted.  Alicia Haussler seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
COST SHARE PROGRAMS:  Applications – Kelly reported that we have received applications for the following cost share programs: NE Soil & Water Conservation Program, Flow Meter Program, Surge Valve Program, and Well Decommissioning (see enclosed report).  She said all of the applicants are in compliance with the District’s rules and regulations, funds are available, and recommended that they be approved. Alicia Haussler made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported. Bob Schanou seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Ed Kyes, who abstained.  Motion carried.  Marvion Reichert and Keith Stafford were absent for the motion.
PER DIEM REPORTING REQUIREMENTS & POLICY: Dianne Miller reviewed the fact that directors’ per diem payments must be reported on W-2s, and that directors need to complete a form W-4 before the per diem payments can be made.  Some directors have indicated that they do not want to receive per diem payments.  Dianne said she discussed that with Milt Willnerd of Willnerd & Associates, Certified Public Accountants, and said that Mr. Willnerd had recommended that the board amend their previously adopted resolution with the statement that a board member could waive the right to receive the per diem payment by signing a waiver each year. Alicia Haussler made the motion that the per diem policy be amended to include the ability for a director to decline the per diem payments by signing the waiver form each calendar year that they did not want to receive the payment.  Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Due to the fact that the board meeting was early there was no financial report.  It was stated that it would be mailed to the directors with the minutes. 
UPCOMING EVENTS: As listed on the agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS: Next Board Meeting -- Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, October 25th.  Details to follow. 
ADJOURN:  Chairman Vasey adjourned the board meeting at 3:00 p.m.  

August 23, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bill Vasey called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. He reported that the NRD abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business and said that a copy of the Open Meetings Act was displayed on the south wall of the conference room.  (Note: Chairman would not be called on to vote unless needed to break a tie.)
ATTENDANCE:  Board members present were:
LeRoy Arends                         Dan Ohlman                                Jim Shiers              
Jim Bendfeldt                          Marvion Reichert                        Keith Stafford       
Alicia Haussler                        Jay Richeson                               Ed Stoltenberg
Ed Kyes                                   Loren Schuett                             Bill Vasey    
Dwayne Margritz                    Steve Schuppan                          Jerry Wiese
Dick Mercer                            Steve Sheen                                Scott Woodman 
Barry Obermiller                                           
Board members absent/excused – Brian Keiser and Bob Schanou.  Staff present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant Manager/Projects Director, Duane Woodward – District Hydrologist, Mark Czaplewski – District Biologist, Dianne Miller – Administrative Director, Sandy Noecker – Data Compliance Officer, Dan Clement – Water Resources Specialist, Matt Bohnenkamp – Director of GIS Program, Kelly Cole – Programs Coordinator, Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist. Others present: Nebraska Senator Mark Christensen – Imperial, James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island, Teri Edeal – NRCS Resources Conservationist, Dawson County, Harvey Langrehr – St. Libory, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub, John Munforf – Mullen, Bill Keuhner – Doniphan, Darin Messersmith – Sargent Irrigation, Gothenburg, Frank Kwapnioski – NPPD, North Platte, Mike Placke – JEO Consulting Group, Lincoln, Bill Kuehner – Doniphan, Jim Stulken – Doniphan. 
MEETING NOTICES: Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the news media as required by law.
MEETING MINUTES:  Alicia Haussler made the motion that the minutes of the August 1st board meeting be approved as mailed.  Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Alicia Haussler, Steve Schuppan and Keith Stafford who all abstained.  Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS  Chairman Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other business for future meeting agendas.  None reported.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Vasey asked if any one wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda.  Chairman Vasey introduced Nebraska Senator Mark Christensen of Imperial.  The Senator spoke briefly of water issues in Nebraska and said that he looked forward to working with the directors and staff on those issues.  Ron Bishop introduced Jesse Mintken who began his employment as Resources Conservationist with the District in mid-July.
NRCS REPORTS:  Reports were given by Teri Edeal, NRCS Resources Conservationist, Dawson County, and James Huntwork, NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island (see enclosed).                
EXCUSED ABSENCES:  Chairman Vasey reported that Brian Keiser and Bob Schanou had contacted the office and requested to be excused from the board meeting. Scott Woodman made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.  Dan Ohlman seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
PRESCRIBED BURN TASK FORCE – NEBRASKA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST GRANT: David Carr reported that the Prescribed Burn Task Force plans to submit a grant proposal to the NE Environmental Trust for a three-year grant totaling a little over $145,000.00.  They have asked Central Platte NRD for a formal letter of support and also are asking that the District serve as the fiscal agent for the project sponsors as has been done on other NET grants.  He said the estimated amount that the District would contribute to the three-year grant would be $1,500.00 at the rate of $500.00 per year.  He said the District has contributed $500.00 per year in the past to the PBTF.  He said most of the grant funds would be spent to purchase equipment that would be used to make the prescribed burns safer and for burn school expenses.  David said this proposed project would begin in July 2008 and end June 2011.  The funds would be included in next year’s budget with expenditures being reimbursed by the NE Environmental Trust.  He explained the research he had done concerning the proposed grant application and said he felt it would be beneficial to the District to sponsor the application and serve as fiscal agent. Following a brief discussion Alicia Haussler made the motion that the board approve the letter of support for the Prescribed Burn Task Force application for NE Environmental Trust monies and to agree to serve as the fiscal agent if the grant is awarded.  Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
WESTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:  Dick Mercer, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier that day.   Elm Creek/Turkey Creek Watershed – Dick said that Kevin Prior with Olsson Associates had reported on the status of the engineering study to date.  Dick said at this time the committee does not have a recommendation on the proposed project.  Odessa Drainage Improvement Project – Dick said the committee had discussed the drainage problem in and around the village of Odessa.  He said that funds had been included in the budget for a possible engineering study to try to develop some alternatives to help alleviate the problem.   Dick said the Western Projects Committee is recommending, and he made the motion that $10,000.00 be used to begin a study on the drainage problems in the Odessa area.    Keith Stafford seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
VARIANCE/APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dan Ohlman reported on the committee hearing held earlier that day.   Irrigation Well Variance Request – Dan reported that Diana Phief had submitted a request for a variance on a tract of land in Section 26, Township 10, Range 17 in Buffalo County.  He said that there are some Class V soils involved but work had started on the tract before the board had changed the rules on Class V soils.   Dan Ohlman said the committee is recommending, and he made the motion, that the request for a variance from Diana Phief be approved.  Barry Obermiller seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.  Dan said that staff was instructed to contact the NRCS about slope problems on the tract just to make sure it does not get overlooked.
Certified Irrigated Acres Appeal – Dan said the committee had reviewed several appeals from Bill Kuehner.  Field #7 – Dan said there is a pivot on a tract of land in Section 25, Township 10, Range 9 referred to as Field #7 that is in compliance.  The pivot runs through a former building site involving about 4 acres and was irrigating in 2004.  Dan Ohlman made the motion that the appeal for certification of irrigated acres from Bill Kuehner involving about 4 acres on a tract of land in Section 25, Township 10, Range 9, known as Field #7, be approved.  Barry Obermiller seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.  Dan reported that there were several other tracts that Mr. Kuehner had submitted appeals on.  They involved pastureland that he wanted to be considered as irrigated land.  There was no proof that the pivots ran through them on the correct dates (04 or 05) even though there are some new pivots on them.  There were some affidavits submitted, but the information in them was not sufficient to determine locations, how many acres, etc.  There were also discrepancies between what Mr. Kuehner told the Variance/Appeals Committee and what he had indicated on three well permit applications.  The well permits indicated that the acres involved had not been irrigated.  Dan Ohlman made the motion that the remaining appeals for certification of irrigated acres submitted from Bill Kuehner be denied.  Barry Obmiller seconded the motion. A discussion followed, including several questions.  In answer to a question from Marvion Reichert, Dan said that there are no FSA records to back up the claim of the acres having been previously irrigated.  Discussion was also held on whether the pivots had been run and when. Dan said there was a question about that also.  He said the aerial imagery shows they did not run in 2005.  Dan said that some of the pivots were not put in in 2004, they were not there.  
Aerial photos were taken in August and September of 2005 and they were not running.   Ron Bishop said, “Matt (Bohnenkamp), on that piece (referring to a tract about five miles northeast of Cairo), they had to be, if it’s an old well, he had to irrigate it in ’04, not ‘05”.  Matt indicated that this was correct.   Dan Ohlman said, “So that one is clear out of compliance.  The pivots on the new places, where the new wells were put in, had to be irrigated in ’05.  There is no proof that it was ever irrigated in ’05 either”.  So that is why I moved that we deny all of the rest of the requests.  Until he can bring us proof that it was irrigated.”   Marvion Reichert asked if the ground would need to be certified at the FSA.  Dan said it was certified as grass land.  If it was certified as irrigated grass land Mr. Kuehner needs to bring that information to the committee.  Marvion also asked if Mr. Kuehner would have the right to appeal again if the board denies him at this time.  Dan indicated that was correct.   Steven Schuppan said, referring to the pivots, that he had seen them running but could not remember whether it was in 2005 or not. Dan said, “Yes, and that brought another deal too, I won’t get into that.  They ran in ’06 and ’07.  Anyway, we bent over backward trying to sort this out and we made the best judgement call we could make on this.  It was to deny the request at least until we get more substantiated evidence.” Question was asked as to what Mr. Kuehner would have to bring for more substantiated evidence.  Dan said he would have to bring records from the FSA that it was irrigated grass land, or he would have to bring signed affidavits that show legals of the property, how many acres were irrigated, dates, etc.  He said Mr. Kuehner had presented an affidavit from a John Deere dealer stating that he sold Mr. Kuehner three power units; however, Mr. Kuehner told the committee that he had brought three units over from Hamilton County to use.  The affidavit from the fuel supplier also did not have sufficient information.   Ed Stoltenberg said that Mr. Kuehner had bought the pivots from his company and said that the John Deere power units came to them so they could put generators on them.   Dan said that because of the inconsistencies in information presented by Mr. Kuehner the committee is recommending that the remainder of the appeals be denied. The motion was then voted on.  Board members voting in favor were LeRoy Arends, Jim Bendfeldt, Alicia Haussler, Ed Kyes, Dwayne Margritz, Dick Mercer, Barry Obermiller, Dan Ohlman, Jay Richeson, Steve Sheen, Jim Shiers, Keith Stafford, and Scott Woodman.  Voting opposed were Loren Schuett, Steve Schuppan, Ed Stoltenberg and Jerry Wiese.  Marvion Reichert abstained.  Motion carried 13 in favor, four opposed and one abstaining.
Certified Irrigated Acres Appeal -- Dan reported that the committee also reviewed a resubmitted appeal from John Mundorf from Mullen involving approximately 58 acres of grass.  The tract used to be subirrigated and in alfalfa but since 1993 it has been in grass and certified as grass with the Farm Services Administration office (FSA) and has not been irrigated.  Dan Ohlman made the motion that the appeal from John Munforf be denied.  Barry Obermiller seconded the motion.  Alicia asked if there was a policy concerning resubmitting appeals on the same tracts.  Dan said there was some discussion on that at their meeting and said the committee may have a recommendation for the board’s consideration at some future meeting.  Dan said this tract is subirrigated but it is not in alfalfa, it is in pasture and there are no wells and is not gravity nor sprinkler irrigated.    Barry said that Mr. Mundorf had shown that the field had approximately 20 percent alfalfa but the committee had looked at the photos and did not believe the field could be considered as being in alfalfa.  John Mundorf referred to the maps that he had submitted from the FSA office showing that it was irrigated corn in the 1980’s and irrigated alfalfa in the early 1990’s, but was reverted to pasture.  Dan said that because it was in the 1980’s it did not meet the criteria that it be irrigated two out of the last 10 years, beginning in 1995 to 2004, or in alfalfa at least nine out of the last 10 years beginning in 1995.  Ron explained that he did not feel staff could make the call on whether the field could be considered as sub-irrigated alfalfa when it was shown that it contained approximately 20 percent alfalfa and had suggested that Mr. Mundorf bring the revised appeal before the Variance/Appeals Committee.   The motion to deny the appeal from John Mundorf was then voted on.  Board members voting in favor were LeRoy Arends, Jim Bendfeldt, Alicia Haussler, Ed Kyes, Dwayne Margritz, Dick Mercer, Barry Obermiller, Dan Ohlman, Marvion Reichert, Jay Richeson, Jim Shiers, Keith Stafford and Scott Woodman.  Board members voting against were Loren Schuett, Steve Schuppan, Steve Sheen, Ed Stoltenberg and Jerry Wiese.  Motion carried 13 to 5.  Dan also reported that a recommendation from the subcommittee on the appeal from Harvey Langrehr had been postponed until next month because Harvey had brought quite a bit of information in the day before which the committee had not had an opportunity to fully review. 
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:  Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier that day. 
Water Banking – Scott said that Ron had given a status report on the water banking program. 
Integrated Management Plan – Scott said that there are still some issues involving the basin IMP that need to be worked out, particularly relating to some special interest groups.  He said that Central Platte NRD’s plan is very close to being done but will not be completed until the basin plan is complete so our plan does not conflict with the basin plan.  Scott said the committee is recommending, and he made the motion, that Central Platte NRD request a one-year extension for the District’s Integrated Management Plan.  Dick Mercer seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.  Keith Stafford was absent for the motion.  
DIRECTORS’ PER DIEM POLICY: Chairman Vasey said that when the Fiscal 2008 budget was approved last month an amount had been included for director per diem payments.  He said there are quite a few differences in the policies of the other NRDs concerning per diem payments and said Dianne had been asked to research some options. Dianne said that the draft per diem policy with two potential options was being presented as a starting point for the director’s discussion.  The draft was as follows:  It shall be the policy of the Central Platte NRD Board that per diem will be paid to directors attending approved functions of the District, including meetings, conferences, training programs, hearings, educational workshops and other official functions.  Approved functions of the District will be those authorized by the board of directors and/or board chairman. The payment of per diem will be allowed for in-state functions only.  Option 1 - Payment shall be based on $70.00 a day, or Option 2 - A payment of $70.00 per day shall be paid for those functions lasting three hours or longer, including travel time; a payment of $35.00 shall be paid for those functions lasting less than three hours, including travel time.  Payment of per diem shall be made to the directors on a quarterly basis.  Payment shall not exceed $3,600.00 per year.Jerry Wiese made the motion that the second option be adopted as Central Platte’s policy.  Dan Ohlman seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.  One of the items discussed was whether the directors would receive W-2’s or 1099’s.  It was stated that we have received conflicting information but that this would be researched to make sure that the federal tax is reported correctly.  The motion was then voted on.  Board members voting in favor were LeRoy Arends, Dwayne Margritz, Dan Ohlman, Marvion Reichert, Loren Schuett, Steve Schuppan, Steve Sheen, Keith Stafford, Ed Stoltenberg and Jerry Wiese.  Board members voting against were Jim Bendfeldt, Alicia Haussler, Ed Kyes, Dick Mercer, Barry Obermiller and Jim Shiers.  Jay Richeson and Scott Woodman abstained.  Motion carried 10 to 6 with 2 abstaining.
COOPERATIVE HYDROLOGY STUDY (COHYST) REPORT:  Duane Woodward reported the completion of a new COHYST document was done as of July 2007.  The document presents Platte River gains in flow based on cutting back acres irrigated across the COHYST area from 1997 and seeing what type of yield that would provide back to the river system.  He said they hired new modelers at the North Platte NRD office and at Twin Platte NRD and have been training them on the modeling work.  He said they will be doing some model update work from 1997 to 2005 to do an assessment of the calibration of the existing models.  He said that Dick Luckey (High Plains Hydrology) is doing an update of the new depletions work that was completed for the State Dept. of Natural Resources previously but he is breaking out stream depletions by NRD and giving information, such as what the effect of development is in the over-appropriated areas, the numbers will need to be included in the Integrated Management Plan process. Duane said the other part of COHYST that they are starting to look at is more of the surface water runoff component and how that is affecting stream flow in the Platte River.  As we change land uses, what is the effect of runoff into the streams and drains?   
PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY PROGRAM UPDATE:  Mark Czaplewski reported that as of last month Dr. Jerry Kenny has taken over as the Program’s Executive Director, replacing Dale Strickland who resigned his position.  Dr. Kenny has set up an office in Kearney and has started to put together his Program staff. Mark said that Federal legislation to authorize funds for the Program have been introduced in the Senate (S752) and House (HR1462) and continue to move slowly through channels there.  A best guess is that the legislation would pass by the end of this year.  Currently, the Program is being funded by existing Bureau of Reclamation funds and with some funds from the states of Colorado and Wyoming.The Governance Committee’s Water and Technical Advisory Committees, and Adaptive Management Work Group have been activated and are up and working.  The Land Advisory Committee, which will include Scott Woodman, Mark Czaplewski, and Dan Ohlman (as an alternate) will likely meet and organize before long, maybe this fall.  Right now federal funds are not available for land acquisition or maintenance use and so most land activities are on hold. He also reported that the Governance Committee is in the process of contracting with the Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) to act as their Financial Management Entity and may also act as the Land Interest Holding Entity for the Program.  The NCF acted as the money handler for the Governance Committee during the Cooperative Agreement timeframe.
LONG RANGE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM:  Marcia Lee reported that the LRIP, which outlines the District’s goals and procedures for the next five years, has to be submitted to the State before October 1.  She handed out a copy of the draft report to the directors and asked that they contact her before September 11th with any suggestions or corrections.  She said the plan will need to be approved, or amended and approved, at the September board meeting. 
COST SHARE PROGRAMS:  Applications – Kelly reported that we have received applications for the following cost share programs: NE Soil & Water Conservation Program, Flow Meter Program and Well Decommissioning (see enclosed report).  She said all of the applicants are in compliance with the District’s rules and regulations, funds are available, and recommended that they be approved. Scott Woodman made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported. Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.  Keith Stafford was absent for the motion.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Alicia Haussler made the motion that the August financial report be approved as read by Ron Bishop.  Loren Schuett seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.  Keith Stafford was absent for the motion.
SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING:  Ron asked the board to consider moving the September board meeting up in order to submit the budget to the State Auditor’s office and County Clerks’ offices by September 20th along with the levy documents.  He explained that a special hearing is needed to set the levy at a different rate than last year’s rate.  Following a brief discussion Scott Woodman made the motion that the September board meeting be scheduled for the afternoon of the 17th.  Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.  Keith Stafford was absent for the motion.
UPCOMING EVENTS: As listed on the agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS: Next Board Meeting -- Scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, September 17th.  Details to follow. 
ADJOURN:  Chairman Vasey adjourned the board meeting at 3:40 p.m.  

July Meeting Held Aug.1
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bill Vasey called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. He reported that the NRD abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business and said that a copy of the Open Meetings Act was displayed on the south wall of the conference room.  (Note: Chairman would not be called on to vote unless needed to break a tie.)
ATTENDANCE:  Board members present were:
LeRoy Arends                         Dan Ohlman                                Jim Shiers              
Jim Bendfeldt                          Marvion Reichert                        Ed Stoltenberg       
Ed Kyes                                   Jay Richeson                               Bill Vasey    
Dwayne Margritz                    Bob Schanou                               Jerry Wiese
Dick Mercer                            Loren Schuett                              Scott Woodman 
Barry Obermiller                     Steven Sheen                            
Board members absent/excused – Alicia Haussler, Brian Keiser, Steve Schuppan, Keith Stafford.   Staff present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant Manager/Projects Director, Duane Woodward – District Hydrologist, Mark Czaplewski – District Biologist, Dianne Miller – Administrative Director, Sandy Noecker – Data Compliance Officer, Dan Clement – Water Resources Specialist, Matt Bohnenkamp – Director of GIS Program, Kelly Cole – Programs Coordinator, Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist. Others present: James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island, Harvey Langrehr – St. Libory, Mike Placke – JEO Consulting Group, Lincoln, Bill Kuehner – Doniphan, Jim Stulken – Doniphan. 
MEETING NOTICES: Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the news media as required by law.
MEETING MINUTES:  Loren Schuett made the motion that the minutes of the June board meeting be approved as mailed.  Jay Richeson seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Dwayne Margritz, Marvion Reichert, Steve Sheen and Ed Stoltenberg who all abstained.  Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS Chairman Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other business for future meeting agendas.  None reported.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Vasey asked if any one wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda. No one addressed the board. 
NRCS REPORTS:  A report was given by James Huntwork, NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island (see enclosed).                
EXCUSED ABSENCES:  Chairman Vasey reported that Alicia Haussler, Brian Keiser, Steve Schuppan, and Keith Stafford had contacted the office and requested to be excused from the board meeting. Scott Woodman made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.  Bob Schanou seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
BUDGET FISCAL 2008 – ACTION ON PROPOSED BUDGET:  Chairman Vasey reopened the public budget hearing at 2:15 p.m.  He said that earlier at the beginning of the public hearing Ron had explained the proposed Fiscal 2008 budget.  No testimony had been presented during that portion of the hearing that started at 1:30 p.m. and was suspended at 1:40 p.m.  He again asked if any one in attendance wanted to present any testimony on the proposed Fiscal 2008 budget.  No testimony was presented.  Chairman Vasey closed the public budget hearing at 2:18 p.m.  Ed Kyes made the motion that the Fiscal 2008 budget be approved as presented.  Dan Ohlman seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Marvion Reichert, who abstained.  Motion carried.
VARIANCE/APPEALS SUBCOMMITTEE – REPORT: Dan Ohlman reported on the committee hearings held earlier that day.
Well Variance – Dan said the Goldenrod Council of the Girl Scouts requested a variance for a well at their camp south of Grand Island.  Their request was for a new well that will be used for domestic use at the camp (restrooms, drinking water, etc.) and not for irrigation.  The current well capacity is approximately 50 to 70 gallons per minute and the new well will have a capacity of 150 gallons per minute.  The new well will serve the same purpose as the current well.  In answer to a question, Dan said he did not believe they plan to use the old well after the new one is put in and later on they would abandon it.  Dan Ohlman made the motion that the request for a variance be approved for a new well at the Goldenrod Council Girl Scout camp south of Grand Island.  Scott Woodman seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.
Certified Irrigated Acres Appeal -- Dan reported that the committee reviewed an appeal from Delbert Stueven of Alda.  FSA records show he has 258 irrigated acres but he said the number should be 263 irrigated acres.  We use the FSA records and it was determined that he will have to work with the FSA office on this dispute.  Dan said that at this time the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is recommending, and he made the motion, to deny the appeal for the additional acres from Delbert Stueven.  Jay Richeson seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. In answer to a question Dan said that if FSA determines that Mr. Stueven has 263 acres he can come back to us and re-appeal his certified acres.  He also reported that there are two other individuals who have submitted appeals on their certified acres.  The appeals from Harvey Langrehr and Bill Kuehner have been tabled until the August 23rd board meeting. 
CENTRAL NEBRASKA ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLEX – REPORT: Milt Moravek briefly reviewed the request presented last month by Betty Curtis with the Clean Community Systems concerning the proposed Central Nebraska Environmental Complex, which would handle household low level hazardous waste.   They were not successful in getting a grant from the NE Environmental Trust but they do have a chance of getting some funds from the NE Dept. of Environmental Quality.  They have downsized the facility from the original plan.  Milt said it would be staff’s recommendation that the proposed letter of support (see enclosed) be approved.  It was the consensus of the board that the letter be approved.  
2007 TREE PROGRAM REPORT:  Kelly Cole briefly reported on the District’s 2007 tree planting and weed barrier installation program (see enclosed).
COST SHARE PROGRAMS: Transfer of Funds – Kelly Cole reported that we have received more applications for the Well Decommissioning and Fertilizer Calibration Meter programs than funds are available for.  She asked the board to approve transferring $6,100.00 from the Surge Valve Program with $5,300.00 going to the Well Decommissioning Program and $800.00 going to the Fertilizer Calibration Meter Program.   Bob Schanou made the motion to approve the transfer of funds as requested. Dan Ohlman seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried.   
Applications – Kelly reported that we have received applications for the following cost share programs: NE Soil & Water Conservation Program, Surge Valve Program, Center Pivot Incentive Program, Streambank Stabilization Program, Urban Forestry Program, Flow Meter Program, and Well Decommissioning (see enclosed report).  She said all of the applicants are in compliance with the District’s rules and regulations, funds are available, and recommended that they be approved. Jay Richeson made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported. Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
FINANCIAL REPORT: Jay Richeson made the motion that the July financial report be approved as read by Ron Bishop.  Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
UPCOMING EVENTS: As listed on the agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS: Next Board Meeting -- Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, August 23rd.  Details to follow. 
ADJOURN:  Chairman Vasey adjourned the board meeting at 2:47 p.m. 

June 28, 2007

CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bill Vasey called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. He reported that the NRD abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business and said that a copy of the Open Meetings Act was displayed on the south wall of the conference room.  (Note: Chairman would not be called on to vote unless needed to break a tie.)
ATTENDANCE:  Board members present were: LeRoy Arends                         Barry Obermiller                          Jim Shiers             
Jim Bendfeldt                          Dan Ohlman                                 Keith Stafford    
Alicia Haussler                        Jay Richeson                                Bill Vasey
Brian Keiser                            Bob Schanou                                Jerry Wiese|
Ed Kyes                                  Loren Schuett                                Scott Woodman 
Dick Mercer                            Steve Schuppan   Board members absent/excused – Dwayne Margritz and Ed Stoltenberg.  Board members absent – Marvion Reichert and Steve Sheen. Staff present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant Manager/Projects Director, Duane Woodward – District Hydrologist, Mark Czaplewski – District Biologist, Dianne Miller – Administrative Director, Sandy Noecker – Data Compliance Officer, Dan Clement – Water Resources Specialist, Kelly Cole – Programs Coordinator, Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist. Others present: James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island, Tom Schleif – NRCS Resource Conservationsit, Merrick County, Darin Messersmith – Sargent Irrigation, Gothenburg, Doreen Pfost – Kearney, Leland Greving – Central City, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub.   

MEETING NOTICES: Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the news media as required by law. 
MEETING MINUTES:  Alicia Haussler made the motion that the minutes of the May board meeting be approved as mailed.  Bob Schanou seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Dan Ohlman and Keith Stafford who abstained.  Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other business for future meeting agendas.  None reported.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Vasey asked if any one wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda. No one addressed the board. 
NRCS REPORTS:  Reports were given by James Huntwork, NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island (see enclosed) and Tom Schleif, NRCS Resource Conservationist, Merrick County.              
EXCUSED ABSENCES:  Chairman Vasey reported that Dwayne Margritz and Ed Stoltenberg had contacted the office and requested to be excused from the board meeting. Bob Schanou made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.  Alicia Haussler seconded the motion.  All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.  Motion carried. 
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS: Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier that day.