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.
CPNRD 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.
Minutes for September 2009 - January 2007
September
24, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman
Barry Obermiller 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, Jim Shiers, Mike
Dobesh, Barry Obermiller,
Ed Stoltenberg, Alicia Haussler,
Ladd Reeves, Bill Vasey,
Brian Keiser, Marvion Reichert,
Jerry Wiese, Ed Kyes,
Mick Reynolds, Scott Woodman, Dwayne Margritz,
Jay Richeson. Board members absent/excused – LeRoy Arends, Bob
Schanou, Stephen Schuppan, 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, Matt Bohnenkamp
– GIS Program Director, Jon Michael Bosley – Geographic Specialist, Angela
Warner - GIS Assistant, Jesse Mintken – Resources Conservationist.
Others present – Daniel Runge – Kearney, Randy Zach – NE Public
Power District, James Huntwork – USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service,
Grand Island, Joe Krolikowski – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,
Grand Island, Bart Nichols – Sargent Irrigation, Gothenburg.
MEETING NOTICES:
Chairman Obermiller 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 September 3rd
minutes be approved as mailed.
Dick Mercer seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Bill Vasey
who abstained. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE
MEETINGS: Chairman
Obermiller asked if there were any announcements or other business for future
meeting agendas. There were none. PUBLIC
FORUM: Chairman Obermiller asked if
anyone wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda.
No one requested time to speak.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT:
Reports were given by James
Huntwork, NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island and Joe
Krolikowski, NRCS, Grand Island. (See
enclosed).
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Chairman Obermiller reported
that LeRoy Arends, Bob Schanou, Stephen Schuppan, and Steve Sheen had
requested to be excused from the board meeting. Alicia
Haussler 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.
CEASE & DESIST – REVIEW & TAKE ACTION:
Jim Bendfeldt reported on the Cease and Desist Hearing that had been held
earlier that day at which he served as the hearing officer.
He said there were presentations from staff and from Kevin Rumbeck
concerning a couple of years of non-compliance and Mr. Rumbeck’s reluctance to
meet with staff to go through the process to acquire a variance and provide the
offsets. Jim said a motion is being
proposed that was prepared with the assistance of our legal council.
Jim made the motion that:
1. Kevin and Deanna Rumbeck are the landowners/operators of the real estate
legally described as follows, to-wit: The
Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of Section 13, Township 10 North, Range 18 West of the
6th P.M., Buffalo County, Nebraska, which real estate is within the
area of the stay as imposed by the Central Platte Natural Resources District.
2. Kevin and Deanna Rumbeck failed to comply
during the 2008 and 2009 irrigation seasons with the stay as imposed by the
District’s Rules and Regulations as lawfully adopted by the Central Platte
Natural Resources District by irrigating land not certified as irrigated in
Section 13, Township 10 North, Range 18 West, Buffalo County, Nebraska.
3. The failure of Kevin and Deanna
Rumbeck to comply with the stay imposed by the District’s Rules and
Regulations represents a substantial and serious threat to the groundwater
and/or surface water supplies for two irrigation seasons in the area and the
public interest demands that such failure to comply immediately cease.
4. Good, adequate and sufficient
cause exists for the issuance of a cease and desist order commanding and
requiring Kevin and Deanna Rumbeck to comply with the District’s Rules and
Regulations and providing offset water for the depletion caused by
the non-compliance during the 2008 and 2009 irrigation seasons.
Good cause was not shown or given as to why such cease and desist order
should not be issued.
5. Kevin and Deanna Rumbeck shall be
ordered to cease and desist the irrigation of the above described agricultural
land within Central Platte Natural Resources District in a manner contrary to or
out of compliance with the District’s Rules and Regulations.
6. They shall, on or before November
1, 2009, file with the District, a signed affidavit that they have either a)
discontinued irrigating the real estate which is not certified as irrigated land
pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the District and which is subject to
this cease and desist order and show how they will offset all depletions caused
by irrigating the acres not certified during the 2008 and 2009 irrigation
seasons, or b) applied for and was granted a variance to irrigate the above
described real estate including the provision of all offsets, both past and
present, as required by the Central Platte Natural Resources District.
7. In addition, Kevin and Deanna
Rumbeck will also be ordered to provide two years of offset water caused by the
non-compliance during the 2008 and 2009 irrigation seasons. a) offset
water on land with Class 6E soils must be in an amount one and one half times
the depletion, with the land from which the groundwater is being transferred to
must have a Central Platte Natural Resources District approved grass cover, b)
offset water caused by the non-compliance during the 2008 and 2009 irrigation
season on the Class 4E soils must be offset with Class 4E soils or poorer, with
the land from which the groundwater is being transferred from must be planted to
Central Platte Natural Resources District approved grass cover.
8. Kevin and Deanna Rumbeck may also
provide documentation from the Farm Service Agency of land containing Class 6E
and 4E soils, which could be considered as offsets, was previously irrigated two
years between 1995 and 2004, but not irrigated in 2008 and 2009.
This documentation will be taken into consideration when determining the
offsets needed for compliance.
9. Kevin and Deanna Rumbeck shall on
or before November 1, 2009 file with the District a proposal acceptable to the
District, of how they intend to comply with the offset requirements.
Such proposal shall include a time table for providing the required
offset water.
10. That an Order be drafted
consistent with these findings and sent to Kevin and Deanna Rumbeck.
Dick Mercer seconded the motion.
VARIANCE/APPEALS –
REPORT & RECOMMENDATION:
Jim
Bendfeldt reported they also had a hearing on a variance request from Daniel
Runge to transfer the right to irrigate 3.56 new acres with offsets provided.
FSA RECORDS UPDATE: Ron said our legal counsel
has filed with District Court on the FSA records data.
He said since we have filed the Groundwater Management Coalition has
voted to pay half of the costs up to $10,000.00 and Twin Platte NRD has voted to
contribute $2,500.00 and Upper Elkhorn NRD voted to contribute $1,000.00.
Ron said he has also received word from Ground Water Districts in Kansas
and Mississippi that they would be interested in cost sharing with us also.
WATER BANKING UPDATE: Ron
gave a brief status report on the water bank acquisitions including those in the
over-appropriated of 1,304.37 acre feet accumulated to the river and said he has
three closings scheduled for next week; and in the fully-appropriated area below
Elm Creek a total of 264.99 acre feet. Most
of the water in the fully appropriated area has already been sold.
SENATOR CHRISTENSEN MEETING REPORT:
Ron reported on meetings he had attended with Platte and
Republican NRDs, Senator Christensen and a couple of other senators concerning
the ability of NRDs to use an occupation tax in order to pay for acquisition of
water. He said the ability of the
Republican NRDs to use an occupation tax is being challenged in court because it
was only available to the Republican Basin NRDs.
Senator Christensen is proposing to open up the use of the occupation tax
to other NRDs that have been declared either fully or over-appropriated so it
would give them the option to use that revenue to pay for the acquisition of
water rights in order to not have to use groundwater regulations.
Ron said he did not believe it would be an option that Central Platte
would need. He reviewed a resolution
that is going to be considered at the NARD conference that would include the
ability of all NRDs to use an occupation fee or tax.
He discussed the NRDs that do not have enough property tax valuation to
raise revenue to meet their obligations for providing offsets.
In answer to a question Ron said he thought the board should consider
supporting the resolution. He said
it is optional for the NRDs, it gives an option for getting funds to do water
banking instead of using all regulations. He
said the more tools the NRDs have, the more options they have for resolving the
problems. It was the consensus of
the board to support the resolution.
HIKE/BIKE TRAIL –
APPOINT DIRECTOR:
Milt Moravek reported that the Upper Big Blue NRD has now passed the same
motion that Central Platte NRD had passed on looking at the possibility of
setting up a Joint Action Agency for the proposed Central City/Marquette
hike/bike trail. Milt asked the
board to appoint a director to set on a committee of the potential participating
agencies (City of Central City, Upper Big Blue NRD, Merrick County, town of
Marquette and potentially Hamilton County).
The committee would work on developing recommendations for forming a
proposed Joint Action Agency. Milt
said it is being proposed that each agency have one director and one staff
member serve on the committee.
TRUCK BIDS RECEIVED: Milt Moravek reported
requests for bids had been sent out to dealers in the District for a 2010
4-wheel drive, ½ ton, full size extended cab pickup and one 2010 4-wheel drive,
¾ ton, heavy duty extended cab pickup with trade in of a 2004 Chevy 4-wheel
drive extended cab pickup and a 2003 Ford 4-wheel drive extended cab pickup.
He said only one bid was received which was from Dinsdale Chevrolet in
the amount of $36,297.00 for the two pickups with trade.
LONG RANGE
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:
The suggested changes were
presented at the August board meeting. No
other suggestions were presented. Following
a brief discussion Mick Reynolds said he would withdraw his suggestion to omit
the 2nd paragraph on Page 20, and his suggestion to remove the
paragraph dealing with the Central City/Marquette hike/bike trail on Page 39.
COST SHARE PROGRAMS:
Applications – Kelly Cole reported that we have received
applications for the following cost share programs: NE Soil & Water
Conservation Program, Center Pivot Incentive 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 they be approved. Marvion
Reichert made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported. Jay
Richeson seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried. Alicia Haussler and Jerry Wiese were absent for the
motion.
FINANCIAL REPORTS: Jim
Bendfeldt made the motion that the September financial report be approved as
presented. Marvion Reichert seconded
the motion. All board members
present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried. Alicia
Haussler and Jerry Wiese were absent for the motion.
August
Board Meeting held September 3, 2009
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Barry Obermiller 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: LeRoy Arends, Barry Obermiller,
Stephen Schuppan, Mike Dobesh, Ladd
Reeves, Steve Sheen, Alicia Haussler,
Marvion Reichert, Jim Shiers,
Brian Keiser, Mick Reynolds,
Ed Stoltenberg, Ed Kyes,
Jay Richeson, Jerry Weise, Dwayne Margritz,
Bob Schanou, Scott Woodman, Dick Mercer.
Board members absent/excused – Jim Bendfeldt and Bill Vasey.
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,
David Carr – Range Management Specialist, Angela Warner - GIS Assistant, Jesse
Mintken – Resources Conservationist. Others
present – Daniel Runge – Kearney, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub, Randy Zach
– NE Public Power District, James Huntwork – USDA, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Grand Island, Bart Nichols – Sargent Irrigation,
Gothenburg, Tim Montgomery – NE Game Parks
Commission, Lincoln.
MEETING NOTICES: Chairman Obermiller
reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the news media as
required by law. MEETING MINUTES:
Marvion Reichert made the motion that the July minutes be approved as mailed.
Alicia Haussler seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except
Brian Keiser, Mick Reynolds, Jay Richeson, Stephen Schuppan and Jim Shiers who
abstained. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS
FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman
Obermiller asked if there were any announcements or other business for future
meeting agendas. There were none.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman
Obermiller asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any item not included
on the agenda. Daniel Runge, 1403 15th
Avenue, Kearney, requested time to speak. He spoke of his dissatisfaction
with the fact that he had been scheduled to have a hearing on a variance request
today but it was postponed and rescheduled for September 24th.
He handed out correspondence from the office pertaining to the original
schedule and also the rescheduled Variance Committee meeting.
He said he had received a notice from Matt (Bohnenkamp), which said he
(Matt) would recommend that any new irrigation cease until a variance had been
decided. He said he had been told
the hearing was postponed because our attorney could not be present. Chairman
Obermiller asked Mr. Runge what he was asking from the board.
Mr. Runge said it was important that he get the variance approved because
he has a trial coming up in a few days that has to do with an easement that runs
through the irrigated acres. He
said, “One of the letters that Matt sent, it said that this driveway was an
issue and so they’re making it an issue instead of just figuring what the
irrigated acres are. For some reason
they think the driveway, because it’s an easement, is an issue and they said
the attorney could not be here today”. Milt
Moravek referred to a map of the area showing a five acre tract that is owned by
another individual. The tract
includes a farmstead and the owner has a perpetual easement giving him ingress
and egress. The perpetual easement
was granted prior to Mr. Runge’s ownership of the quarter.
It was explained that Mr. Runge had been irrigating the 3.56 acres
illegally for the past two years. Milt
said our attorney has requested that the board delay this matter until the next
meeting so it can be discussed in detail. Discussion
followed. Chairman Obermiller said unless a director made a motion to take
a recess in the
board meeting to have the Variance Committee go over this matter and bring it
before the board the item would be brought to the Variance Committee on
September 24th as previously rescheduled. No
action was taken on this item. It
will be before the Variance Committee September 24th.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT:
A report was given by James
Huntwork, NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island on the
Conservation Stewardship Program (see enclosed).
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT &
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Scott Woodman, committee
chairman, reported on their meeting held earlier that day.
Proposed Resolution for a Dept. of Natural Resources and a Natural Resources
Commission – Scott said there was a lengthy discussion on Twin Platte NRD’s proposed
resolution that pertains to separating the NE Dept. of Natural Resources
from the NE Natural Resources Commission. Scott
said the Water Resources Committee is recommending, and he made the motion, that
Central Platte NRD support the resolution at the NARD September conference.
Mick Reynolds seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
Difference Between Fully & Over-Appropriated – Scott
said the committee discussed hiring a consulting firm to do a study to determine
the actual amount of water needed to allow Central Platte and other partner NRDs
to become fully versus over-appropriated, and to give General Manager Ron Bishop
the authority to interview firms and to hire one to do the study.
Scott then made the motion to approve the recommendation from the Water
Resources Committee to authorize Ron to interview consulting firms and to hire a
firm to do a fully and over-appropriated study.
Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
Water Bank Update – Scott said Ron gave the committee a status report on the program.
Discussion was held on the purchases.
It was the concensus to stay on the present schedule and make the
purchases as they become available. Ron
reported that we have 1450 acre feet west of Elm Creek.
We only have two acre feet east of Elm Creek available to sell.
FSA Records – Scott said the committee discussed FSA’s denial for NRDs to have access
to their records. A discussion was
held concerning hiring an attorney and filing an appeal in Federal District
Court. Ron reported to the committee
that there are other NRDs interested in joining the appeal process.
He said Central Platte NRD’s share of the costs could range from
$15,000.00 to $20,000.00. Ron
said to put the cost into perspective Central Platte NRD has spent $340,000.00
to do what could have been done for approximately $20,000.00 if we would have
had access to the FSA records. In
answer to a question Ron said attorney’s in Washington D.C. are advising the
Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Ag and others at the federal level not to give
the information out because of the “privacy act”.
Scott made the motion that Central Platte NRD hire an attorney, and file
an appeal with the Federal District Court on
the FSA record denial with Central Platte NRD’s share not to exceed
$20,000.00. Marvion Reichert
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE – REPORT &
RECOMMENDATION:
Bob Schanou, committee chairman, reported on their meeting held earlier
that day.
WESTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT &
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dick Mercer, committee chairman, reported on their meeting held earlier
that day.
Update on the Proposed Elm Creek Project – Dick
said Kevin Prior with Olsson Associates gave the committee an update on the
study of the proposed Elm Creek Reservoir. He
said a meeting of the interested parties will be scheduled to discuss the
proposed project and how to proceed, including getting public input on the
proposed project.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Platte River Recovery
Implementation Plan – Dick said
the proposed memorandum of understanding was sent to the directors prior to the
meeting. Ron said the proposed MOU
has been approved by the PRRIP Governance Committee.
The Program would pay Central Platte NRD for a lot of the work that Kevin
Prior reported on for the proposed Elm Creek project.
They would pay 100% of the cost of looking at the reservoir enlargement,
100% looking at Elm Creek and the capacity of it to get the water back to the
river, 100% of the dewatering studies that need to be done, 75% of the inflow
delivery capacity (Dawson County Canal capacity).
Their contribution is not to exceed $100,000.00.
Ron also reported that they are not asking Central Platte NRD for any
commitment beyond the study. Ron
said the final draft was changed so that we are not committing to anything
beyond the preliminary studies.
BUDGET FISCAL 2010, SETTING PROPERTY TAX
REQUEST:
Chairman Obermiller resumed
the public hearing to set the property tax request at a different amount than
last year’s request. He again
asked for testimony on the proposed Fiscal 2009/2010 property tax request.
There was no testimony. He
closed the hearing. (See enclosed Property Tax Request Hearing minutes).
PLATTE RIVER INSTREAM FLOWS:
Mark Czaplewski reported
that, in accordance with Nebraska law, Central Platte NRD’s
instream flow water rights recently came up for a mandatory 15-year review.
The review is set up to look at whether or not the instream flow water
right continues to provide beneficial uses and continues to be in the public
interest. Central Platte NRD originally applied for these rights on July
25, 1990. The Department of Water
Resources (now DNR) granted certain of these rights on July 2, 1992.
The State of Wyoming appealed the ruling to the Nebraska Court of Appeals
and eventually to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Generally, the Courts affirmed the DWR order and remanded the matter back
to them. On September 23, 1994 the
DWR approved the applications. It’s
now 15 years later and current laws necessitate this review.
Working with the DNR, we published legal notices in area newspapers for
three weeks and solicited public comment. The
public could have requested a formal hearing before the DNR.
However, that window of opportunity is now closed and the only comment
filed with DNR was supportive of our instream flows.
The DNR is expected to soon issue an Order continuing the water rights.
PLATTE RIVER
RECOVERY PROGRAM – REPORTS:
Water Advisory Committee (WAC) – Duane Woodward reported that the Water Advisory
Committee that he is a member of has had several meetings in the last couple of
months. They review water related
issues for the Governance Committee. Some
of the things they have done so far include reviewing Nebraska’s, Colorado’s
and Wyoming’s depletions plans. He
said each of the three states are required to file a depletions plan to look at
new water uses and how they are being offset.
He said they are also working with the Headwater group staff to look at
the water projects, several of the projects that are ongoing, such as the
proposed Elm Creek reservoir, and reworking Elwood Reservoir.
There are several other projects they are getting started on.
One has to do with the Gothenberg and Dawson County Canal to look at
potential recharge and return flows to the river.
Duane said Wyoming is looking into doing some offset projects.
One of their water supply
projects for the program was to look at the Pathfinder enlargement.
A high flow release study was done this spring by the Headwaters Group,
and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The
WAC discussed the release options, they went through estimated effects from the
release program out of Lake McConaughy to generate peak flows.
The study was more of a timing and coordination issue looking at working
with NPPD and CNPP&ID to see how water moves through the system.
Land
Advisory Committee – Mark Czaplewski reported the Program is working on
management plans for various land complexes.
The plan is to try to incorporate habitat management efforts with plans
for research and adaptive management efforts on these same lands. Program
land acquisitions to date total approximately 1224 acres toward the Program’s
10,000 acre first increment land goal. Including
additional Program sponsorship agreements with NPPD on their 2650 acre
Cottonwood Ranch property and a 455 acre tract owned by Wyoming, total Program
lands come to around 4330 acres. Negotiations
are currently underway on another 2346 acres and the Land Advisory Committee
regularly evaluates additional tracts. To
date, all of these acquisitions have been fee title purchases, but the Program
is also considering leases and conservation easements.
Platte Basin Habitat Enhancement Project
(PBHEP) – Mark reported the Project sponsors continue to meet regularly to develop the various major
components of the Project. To date
we’ve not only finalized our Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, but we have
developed a set of conservation easement templates, and organized three
committees to deal with water tracking and accounting, habitat development and
monitoring, and education and outreach matters.
Mark said that yesterday the NE Environmental Trust provided them a
contract to sign, allowing us to receive the first year funding of $1,275,000.
They also have given preliminary approval for a second years funding of
$725,000 and a third year of $1,000,000. He
said their next Project meeting is scheduled for September 14th in
North Platte to try to come to terms amongst ourselves on the critical issues of
exactly how to account for saved water and establishing values for that water.
KEARNEY HIKE/BIKE TRAIL REQUEST TO REBUILD BRIDGE:
Tim Montgomery with the NE
Game & Parks Commission in Lincoln requested that the board consider
approving an amendment on the use of the $60,000.00 that Central Platte NRD had
committed in 2006 that was to be used in Phase 4 of the trail for paving of the
trail in the Fort Kearney area, and rehab of the north bridge and south bridge.
He reviewed the fact that there had been a fire that went through last
year that burned several acres of wildlife habitat along the north channel of
the Platte River, burned out the north bridge and a substantial part of the
trail that was going to be paved. He
asked that the board approve an amendment that would allow the funds to be used
to help rebuild the bridge across the north channel.
Tim said they are putting in a request with the Transportation
Enhancement Committee to amend the funding to allow them to replace the north
bridge with a new bridge and to rehab the south bridge.
He said at that point they would still need to come up with the funding
to pave the 1.4 miles of trail with concrete which was the original plan but
this would get them a step closer to getting a bridge back so they can connect
back to Kearney’s trail system.
Responding to questions from the board Tim said he did
not know if Central Platte NRD would be asked for additional funds for the
paving, nor whether The Nature Conservancy had agreed to help fund the
rebuilding of the bridge. Also
in answer to a question he said the same partnership that was originally set up
is still in place which is the City of Kearney, NE Game and Parks Commission,
Central Platte NRD and Transportation Enhancement Fund (federal highway money).
Under the original plan the cost was estimated at $624,000.00.
Tim said if the project as he presented it was done now the cost would
probably be in the range of $850,000.00. Also
briefly reviewed was the NRD’s $50,000.00 for the Phase 5 portion of the trail
which is the City of Kearney’s portion of the project.
The trail when completed will be about 14 miles.
Ladd Reeves made the motion to approve the NE Game and Parks
Commission’s request to use the previously committed $60,000.00 to rebuild the
north bridge that is part of the trail near Ft. Kearney.
Mike Dobesh seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Stephen
Schuppan who voted no. Steve Sheen
was absent for the motion. Motion
carried.
WATER LEVELS REPORT: Jesse
Mintken and Duane Woodward reported on this item.
They handed out information on changes in water levels from spring 2008
through spring 2009, and spring 2001 through spring 2009, in the groundwater
management areas the average accumulated change in depth to water 1982 through
2009 and groundwater management areas maximum acceptable decline by sub area
(see enclosed).
PRAIRIE/SILVER/MOORES CREEK FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT BID
LETTING:
Milt Moravek reported on the Prairie/Silver/Moores Creek Flood Control
Project bid letting that had been held August 20th.
He said 10 bids were received with Hooker Brothers Construction Co. of
Grand Island submitting the low bid in the amount of $1,720,914.00 (see
enclosed).
Phragmites on Platte River – Milt
reported that we were able to get enough funds from the NRD and other grants to
spray all the way from Elm Creek down to Columbus.
He said they will start spraying the following week, and plan to spray
the entire stretch of phragmites in the next 45 days.
He said they are also doing touch up work between Gothenberg and Elm
Creek. In answer to a question Milt said they are estimating a 97% kill rate on
the spraying that was done last year.
UPCOMING NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
HEARINGS: Milt
handed out the schedule for the hearings of the Legislature’s Natural
Resources Committee (see enclosed). Ron
said he has arranged a lunch and tour after the hearing in Kearney on October 7th
in Kearney. The proposed Elm Creek
reservoir site is one of the stops on the tour.
Ron said he hoped that four or five directors could plan to attend the
hearing, lunch and tour.
LONG RANGE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:
Marcia Lee reported the draft
had been sent to the directors about three weeks ago.
She handed out a summary of the suggested changes she has received so
far. Marcia asked that any comments
on the suggestions or any additional suggested changes be submitted to her at
least a week before the September 24th meeting so she can prepare a
draft copy. It is hoped that the
plan can be finalized and acted on at that meeting.
ORDER FOR THE BASIN WIDE PLAN:
Ron reviewed the fact that
the board had adopted the basin wide plan for joint integrated water resources
management of over-appropriated portions of the Platte River Basin a few months
ago. A copy of the Order that needs
to be published by September 16th was sent to the directors for their
review prior to the board meeting.
ATV BID RESULTS:
David Carr said requests for
bids were sent to four ATV dealerships in the district with the request that the
bids include the trade-in of the District’s two Arctic Cats.
He said when he took the bid information to the dealerships he also took
one of the Arctic Cats so they could come up with a trade value.
David said we only received one bid which was from Kearney Yamaha.
They submitted two bids, one was for two Polaris 500 ATV’s for
$7,570.00 including our trade and the other was for two Yamaha 550 ATV’s for
$11,400.00 including our trade. David
said he looked at the Polaris and Yamahas and said he would prefer the Yamaha
and listed the reasons for his preference. He
said $10,000.00 had been budgeted for the ATVs but because he had saved
$4,800.00 on a sprayer there would be money in the project equipment budget to
cover the $1,400.00. In answer to a
question David said Honda would have been his top choice but we had not received
a bid from either of the dealers.
COHYST REPORT – NE ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST
APPLICATION & INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT: Ron
said there is some additional information that we need on historic irrigated
uses, crops and pumping. Because of
the expense of hiring a firm to do the work it is being proposed by the COHYST
Sponsors that an application be submitted for NE Environmental Trust funds.
Ron said it is proposed that Central Platte NRD be the administrator.
He said Central Platte NRD would continue to pay our proportionate share
as we have done in the past. Ron
also said the interlocal agreement for the COHYST project needs to be revised
and updated. Partners would remain
the same (NE Dept. of Natural Resources, the five NRDs, NE Game & Parks
Commission, NE Public Power District and Central NE Public Power &
Irrigation District). Ron said it is
proposed that Central Platte NRD continue with the group and enter into a
revised interlocal agreement. Ron
said unless he heard otherwise he would go ahead and take care of the paper work
for the NE Environmental Trust Fund grant application and a revised COHYST
interlocal agreement.
NARD ANNUAL CONFERENCE - SELECT VOTING
DELEGATE & ALTERNATE: It was reported that it would be necessary to select a voting delegate and
alternate for the September 28-29 conference in Kearney.
COST SHARE PROGRAMS:
Applications – Kelly Cole reported that we have received
applications for the following cost share programs: NE Soil & Water
Conservation Program, Streambank Stabilization Program, Center Pivot Incentive
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 they be approved. Alicia
Haussler 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.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Upcoming Events - As listed
on the agenda.
OPEN HEARING: Chairman Barry Obermiller
opened the public budget hearing at 1:30 p.m. He stated that the public hearing
was an open meeting and abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business.
He reported that there was a copy of the Open Meetings Act displayed on
the south wall of the conference room as required by State law.
ATTENDANCE: (See 07/23/09
Board Meeting Minutes Attendance.) Chairman Obermiller reported that the purpose
of the hearing was to receive support, opposition, criticism, suggestions or
observations of taxpayers relating to the proposed budget and to consider
amendments relative to the proposed budget. He reported that notices of
the hearing and budget summary were published in the Grand Island Independent,
Kearney Hub, Central City Republican Nonpareil, Lexington Clipper Herald and
Tri-City Tribune. He entered the
hearing notice and summary into the record.
(See enclosed Grand Island Independent legal notice.) Barry
reported that the Budget Committee had met prior to the board meeting and asked
General Manager Ron Bishop to review the proposed budget, and the Budget
Committee’s recommendations. Ron
said that a “Budget Summary Comparison - Adopted Fiscal 2009 & Proposed
Fiscal 2010” was mailed to the directors prior to the meeting (see enclosed).
He reviewed the proposed budget that was advertised for purposes of the
public hearing, which would require a property tax request for both funds of
$4,502,834.92, and would have been a reduction in the property tax request of
$458,930.20 from last year. He
reviewed the fact that the proposed operating expenditures include new budgeted
expenses as well as liabilities as of June 30th.
Ron said the original estimate for County Treasurers’ balances was
$45,000.00, based on a four year average. However,
this year the ending balances were about $62,000.00 more than that.
Ron reviewed the Budget Committee’s
recommendations for the General and Sinking Funds.
He said they are suggesting an increase of $10,000.00 to the General Fund
item “Special Projects” for the invasive vegetation control project
(phragmites). This increase,
combined with the increased County Treasurers’ Balances, would allow for a
total property tax reduction from last year of a little over a half million
dollars. He also reported that in
order to hold to the board’s goal of having a conservative budget the
“Salary” line item was not increased from last year’s amount.
Ron explained that the top five salaries were frozen and that, along with
some other minor adjustments, allowed for modest increases for the other
employees. He said in order to
compensate for that the Budget Committee is recommending that two floating
holiday leave days be added for headquarters staff who get three fewer holidays
than city, county and state employees (Columbus Day, Martin Luther King
Birthday, Arbor Day). The floating
holidays for headquarters staff can be taken on a day of their choosing.
Ron explained that Central Platte NRD’s field office employees, who are
hired to assist the USDA Soil Conservation Service, get the same holidays as the
federal government, which include Columbus Day and Martin Luther King’s
Birthday, so they would not be eligible for the floating holidays. Chairman
Obermiller asked if any one in attendance wanted to provide any testimony or had
any questions or comments. There were no questions or comments at that time. He
suspended the hearing at 1:40 p.m. and said the hearing would be resumed when
the item was reached on the board meeting agenda. When
the item was reached on the board meeting agenda Chairman Obermiller resumed the
public budget hearing. He again
asked if there was any testimony on the proposed budget.
There was none. He closed the
hearing.
(See July 23, 2009 board meeting minutes for
action on the proposed Fiscal 2010 budget.)
July 23, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Barry
Obermiller 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: LeRoy Arends,
Dick Mercer, Steve Sheen, Jim
Bendfeldt, Barry Obermiller, Ed
Stoltenberg, Mike Dobesh,
Ladd Reeves, Bill Vasey, Alicia
Haussler, Marvion Reichert, Jerry Weise,
Ed Kyes, Mick
Reynolds, Scott Woodman, Dwayne Margritz,
Bob Schanou Board
members absent/excused – Brian Keiser, Jay Richeson, Stephen Schuppan.
Absent Jim Shiers. 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. Others
present – (See attached list).
MEETING NOTICES:
Chairman Obermiller 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 June minutes be approved
as mailed. Ladd Reeves seconded the
motion. Question was raised as to
whether Scott Woodman had voted yes or had abstained on the vote to table the
hike/bike trail item at the last meeting. (Tape
has been rechecked and vote was yes as recorded). All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Barry
Obermiller, Marvion Reichert, and Steve Sheen who abstained.
Motion carried. Ed
Stoltenberg was absent for the motion.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman
Obermiller asked if there were any announcements or other business for future
meeting agendas. There were none. PUBLIC
FORUM: Chairman Obermiller asked if anyone wanted to address the board on
any item not included on the agenda. There
were no requests to speak.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT:
Reports were given by Teri
Edeal, NRCS Resources Conservationist, Dawson County, and James Huntwork, NRCS
Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island (see enclosed).
BUDGET FISCAL 2010: Chairman
Obermiller resumed the budget hearing. He
again asked for testimony on the proposed Fiscal 2010 budget.
There was no testimony. He
closed the hearing. (See enclosed Budget Hearing minutes).
Dick
Mercer made the motion to approve the proposed Fiscal 2010 budget including the
recommendations from the Budget Committee as reported by General Manager Ron
Bishop. Jim Bendfeldt seconded the
motion. All board members present,
voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion
carried.
CENTRAL CITY/MARQUETTE HIKE/BIKE TRAIL:
Chairman Obermiller said information, including a map of the proposed
trail, had been sent to the directors prior to the meeting.
He said that because there were so many people in attendance that only
new information pertaining to the proposed trail be presented and that if the
information had already been presented last month he asked that it not be
repeated. Chris
Anderson, Central City Administrator, briefly addressed the board and gave a
power point presentation, outlining the benefits to Central City and surrounding
communities, presented information countering some of the opposition to the
proposed trail, and again requested the board consider support for a “joint
action agency” as reviewed at last month’s board meeting.
Jerry Gacke also spoke in support of the proposed trail.
Individuals voicing concerns or speaking in opposition were Todd Danhour
and Richard Carnes. Gene Griffith
also spoke of construction costs on trails. Items of concern were pivots
crossing over the trail, maintenance of the trail, potential harm caused by
chemical applications on crop land, personal safety issues on the trail,
concerns about law suits from injuries occurring on the trail.
Handouts were provided to the directors from some of those in opposition
to the proposed trail (see enclosed).
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT &
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier
that day.
Invasive Species – Scott said Kent Aden, with Central NE Public Power & Irrigation
District presented information on the joint project to control invasive species
on the Platte River. He explained
their control program, results, and chemicals being used.
As reported during the Public Budget Hearing the committee proposed
adding $10,000.00 to the program, which was done through the budget process.
Twin Platte NRD Resolution – The committee discussed the proposed resolution that pertains to
separating the NE Dept. of Natural Resources from the NE Natural Resources
Commission. This will be an
item of discussion at the next board meeting and the board can decide on whether
to be a cosponsor of the resolution.
VARIANCE/APPLEALS SUBCOMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION:
Jim Bendfeldt, chairman of the subcommittee, said they discussed two cases of
alleged violations of the District’s regulations on irrigation certification.
Both include Class 6e and 4e soils. One
is a 10.6 acre tract (Rumbeck) near Amherst, and the other is a 19.5 acre tract
(Streit) near Overton. The tracts
are not certified as irrigated acres. Letters
were sent to the landowners and operators but they have not come in to work with
staff. After reviewing the
information on both cases the subcommittee is recommending that hearings be held
prior to next month’s board meeting to determine whether cease and desist
orders should be issued. Following
a brief discussion Jim Bendfeldt made the motion to hold hearings just prior to
next month’s board meeting for the purpose of determining whether cease and
desist orders should be issued on the two alleged violators.
Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF PLANS – DISCUSSION &
ACTION: Ron said it will be
necessary for the board to take action to adopt the District’s Integrated
Management Plan. He said he was not
able to get all of the testimony out for the board to review.
He said the court reporter got the testimony to our office yesterday.
He asked for input from those who did attend as to what they heard at the
hearings. Ron said there was not
that much testimony. He said there
was testimony presented by NE Public Power District and Central NE Public Power
& Irrigation District and a board member from the Tri Basin NRD.
For the most part they talked about the Basin plan and their concerns
about how it might impact, or not, upstream NRDs.
Ron said today we have received a letter from the NE Dept. of Natural
Resources stating “Dear Mr. Obermiller – With this letter the Department
agrees to implement the IMP and to adopt and implement the controls in the same
programs without modification. To
move this process forward the NRD and the Department each need to write an Order
adopting the controls in the IMP and publish it for three consecutive weeks
according to NE Statute. The
Department appreciates the great effort and many hours put forth by your board
and staff to compose and complete the IMP. We
look forward to continued success with you while implementing the IMP.
Sincerely, Brian Dunnegan, Director.” Harvey
Langrehr spoke on the comments made by Don Adams, Director of Nebraskan’s
First, concerning why the NRD had put a stay on new irrigation wells beyond what
the State of Nebraska had imposed. Ron
said the original stay area was out to the 50/10 line.
The board chose to treat everyone equitably and extend it out to the NRD
boundary, because without doing that depletions that take place outside the
50/10 line have to be made up by the folks within the 50/10 line.
Bob Schanou made the motion to adopt Central Platte
NRD’s Integrated Management Plan and that the Order be issued accordingly.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
COHYST UPDATE: Duane Woodward gave a brief
status report on COHYST, Phase 3 (see enclosed).
PRAIRIE/SILVER/MOORES FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT UPDATE:
Milt Moravek briefly reported on the status of this project.
He said there are two contractors currently working.
They will both be completed with their work within the next three weeks.
He said there is another bid letting planned in August for the next
phase. Milt showed pictures and
showed a map of the work being done. He
said within the phases we are in at this time it was decided to install twin
three by seven box culverts, with a gate on one of them that is operated by
hydraulics. With the work that has
been done, and after the box culverts are installed, some flood control benefits
will be available to the people downstream from the area, including the northern
part of Grand Island. He said we
will have to be careful and may have to leave the second gate open so the system
is not overloaded because we still have about two point four million cubic yards
of dirt to move on the project.
COST SHARE PROGRAM: Applications
-- Kelly reported that we have received applications for the following cost
share programs: NE Soil & Water Conservation Program, Streambank
Stabilization Program, Center Pivot Incentive 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 they be approved. Marvion
Reichert made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported.
Alicia Haussler seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor,
except Ed Kyes who abstained. Motion
carried.
FINANCIAL REPORTS: Marvion Reichert made
the motion that the July financial report be approved as read by General Manager
Ron Bishop. Alicia Haussler seconded
the motion. All board members
present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS: Next Board Meeting –
Scheduled for the afternoon of September 3rd, one week late due to
budget levy hearing. Details to
follow.
June 23, 2009
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Chairman Ed Kyes 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.
MEETING
NOTICES:
Vice Chairman Kyes reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the
news media as required by law.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
& OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Vice
Chairman Kyes asked if there were any announcements or other business for future
meeting agendas. There were no announcements or items for future meeting
agendas. PUBLIC
FORUM:
Vice Chairman Kyes asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any item not
included on the agenda. There were
no requests to speak.
NATURAL
RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: Reports were given by Tom Schleif, NRCS Resources Conservationist, Merrick
County and James Huntwork, NRCS Liaison District Conservationist, Grand Island
(see enclosed).
WATER
RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held
earlier that day.
Memorandum
of Understanding for the Platte Basin Habitat Enhancement Program – Scott briefly reviewed the fact that the board had heard a proposal last
month concerning the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program’s interest
in participating in expanded studies on the proposed Elm Creek Watershed
Project, and that the board had authorized General Manager Ron Bishop to work
with Jerry Kenny, Executive Director of the PRRIP, to develop a draft memorandum
of understanding between Central Platte NRD and the PRRIP.
The memorandum of understanding would outline the Program’s involvement
in the project itself and financing assistance to the project. Scott said
the committee reviewed the draft and agreed that Ron should continue working on
it so that a final proposed agreement can be brought to the board at the July
board meeting for review and action.
Interim Study LR 181 – Scott said the committee heard a report from Ron on
the status of the study.
PROGRAMS
COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION:
Committee chairman Bob Schanou reported on their meeting held earlier
that day. He asked Kelly Cole to
report on the proposed policy change for all cost share programs.
Kelly said it is being recommended that before a cost share payment is
made the recipient must provide the NRD with proof that they have paid for the
practice or program. She said this
is already the policy on a couple of our cost share programs.
HIKE/BIKE
TRAIL: General
Manager Ron Bishop reviewed the past discussions and actions the board had taken
on the proposed Central City/Marquette hike/bike trail beginning in the spring
of 2007. In May 2007 the board
instructed staff to meet with representatives from the Upper Big Blue NRD,
Merrick County, Hamilton County, Central City and Marquette to see if there was
interest in establishing an interlocal agreement, which was done.
Ron said in May last year Milt Moravek reported to the board on this
item. He reviewed a proposed
interlocal agreement that had been developed.
The IA spelled out that Central Platte NRD would be responsible to hold
title to the land, act as the contracting local organization, and would apply
for the ISTEA grant funds. Maintenance
was also discussed. Ron reviewed the
discussion from that May board meeting. At
that meeting a motion was made concerning whether or not the board wanted Milt
to proceed with contacting the other entities about getting input from potential
participants on the proposed interlocal cooperative agreement.
Motion failed on a vote of 7 to 9. Ron
said as he recalled staff was instructed to not take the lead in developing an
interlocal agreement but to refer it to the city of Central City and the other
individuals that were interested and to see if they developed anything to bring
back to us.
Chris Anderson, Central City Administrator, addressed
the board. He reviewed the benefits
to Central City and area including adding to the quality of life, attracting
people and business to the community, etc. He
reported that the City Council has discussed becoming a member of a Joint Action
Agency. This would be a separate
agency, allowed by State statute, that could be formed and that would own the
trail. The new agency would be entirely separate from the entities that create
it. The city, village, counties and
NRDs could be founding members, with each having a board member on the new
agency. The agency would also not
have any taxing authority. Chris
said, “What we’ve done to this point is, we’ve voted to pursue membership
in it, that does not mean that the City has authorized us to join yet.
What we would like to do is see if there are other partners that would
like to do it; draw up the legal paper work if there is and then if that legal
paperwork looks acceptable to our elected officials then we could make the
decision on whether to join it or not”.
He also briefly discussed annual maintenance costs which are estimated to
be about $1,000.00 a mile.
An individual in the audience said there is a piece of
land that is needed to be acquired between Marquette and Central City.
Chris Anderson explained that the City of Central City has been
unsuccessful for the last several years in trying to negotiate the purchase of
land in between the city limits and the river.
It is part of a larger issue regarding the relocation of Highway 14.
When the highway is relocated the piece that the railroad owns in between
the city limits and river becomes a remnant that neither the Department of Roads
nor the railroad would have any use for. He
said, “If that project proceeded it is our hope that the city would acquire
that remnant”.
Ladd Reeves asked Chris if any other entities have been
approached. Chris said Hamilton
County was approached. It was his
understanding that they did not take action to support the project.
He said they went to the Upper Big Blue NRD and appeared before a
committee. The committee voted three
to six not to support the project. Ladd
asked what other entity they plan to talk to.
Chris said he thought Merrick County was the only one they have not
talked to so far.
FISCAL
2010 BUDGET – ADOPT PROPOSED BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES & SET HEARING: Ron said the budget worksheets had been sent to the directors.
He said the committees and Budget Committee took a very conservative
approach to this year’s recommendations. He
compared last year’s budget and NRD requirements to the recommended Fiscal
2010 requirements. He explained that
it will be June 30th before actual liabilities as well as ending
balances for cash, investments and county treasurers will be known.
Ron said it is estimated that the property tax requirements may be down
near a half million dollars. He said
the Budget Committee is recommending that the budget of expenditures be approved
for purposes of holding the public budget hearing.
Mick Reynolds said the worksheets that were mailed
did not have the two reductions that the Budget Committee recommended under the
Project Operation and Maintenance line item.
One was to reduce the maintenance for the ultra sonic flow meters by
$5,000.00 and the other was to eliminate the $600.00 for the pesticide/bacteria
lab. Ron said that was an oversight and would be corrected.
TREE
& WEED BARRIER REPORT:
Kelly Cole briefly reported on the 2009 tree sales and planting, and weed
barrier sales and installations (see enclosed).
COST
SHARE PROGRAM: Applications -- Kelly
reported that we have received applications for the following cost share
programs: Fertilizer Calibration Meters 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 they be approved.
Alicia Haussler made the motion to approve the cost share
applications as reported. Jay
Richeson seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
FINANCIAL
REPORTS: Jim
Bendfeldt made the motion that the June financial report be approved.
Dick Mercer seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
CONTACT
UPDATES: Marcia Lee handed out a sheet with the directors’
contact information. It was
requested that any changes or corrections be marked on the handout and returned
to Marcia.
GMDA
SUMMER CONFERENCE REPORT:
Ron briefly reviewed the discussions held at the GMDA conference
including the conflict on the Republican River.
He said the negotiators from Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska each explained
their state’s positions.
OTHER
BUSINESS: NARD Board Meeting and Tour – Bill Vasey, Central
Platte NRD’s NARD representative, briefly reported on their June board meeting
that had been held in Grand Island. He
said they had a two day tour. The
first day included the Silver Creek Flood Control Project, Warm Slough Flood
Control Project, a prescribed burn site at the Heartland Shooting Park, the Wood
River Flood Control Project, Eagle Scout Park that is part of the Moores Creek
Flood Control Project, and the Prairie/Silver/Moores Creek Flood Control
Project. The second day included
surface irrigation projects in Dawson County, Monsanto Learning Center south of
Gothenburg, drove through the area of the proposed Elm Creek Flood Control
Project, and the Platte River program farms.
District
Tour – General Manager Ron Bishop discussed having a one
day tour of district projects. An
early September date was suggested.
Next
Board Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of July 23rd.
Details to follow.
May 28, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Barry
Obermiller 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: LeRoy
Arends, Dwayne Margritz,
Jay Richeson, Jim Bendfeldt,
Dick Mercer, Stephen Schuppan,
Mike Dobesh, Barry Obermiller,
Steve Sheen, Alicia Haussler,
Ladd Reeves, Jim Shiers, Brian Keiser,
Marvion Reichert, Ed Stoltenberg,
Ed Kyes, Mick
Reynolds Board
members absent/excused – Bob Schanou, Bill Vasey, 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. Others
present – Jennifer Schellpeper and Jim Schneider – NE Dept. of Natural
Resources, Lincoln, Jeff Shafer – NPPD, York, Jerry Kenny – Platte River
Recovery Implementation Program, Kearney, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub, Grant
Linder – NRCS, Grand Island, Tania Bergos Hdz – NRCS, Grand Island, Bart
Nichols – Sargent Irrigation, Gothenburg, Kevin Prior – Olsson Associates,
Grand Island.
MEETING NOTICES:
Chairman Obermiller reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to
the news media as required by law. MEETING
MINUTES: Marvion Reichert made the motion that the April minutes be approved
as mailed. Jim Bendfeldt seconded
the motion. All board members
present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except LeRoy Arends, Brian
Keiser, Dwayne Margritz, Marvion Reichert, Jay Richeson, Jim Shiers and Ed
Stoltenberg who all abstained. Motion
carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman
Obermiller asked if there were any announcements or other business for future
meeting agendas. Mick Reynolds said
the South Central RC&D sent information on the NE Alliance for Conservation
Environmental Education Conference that was going to be held in Kearney that
evening through Saturday. He said if
any of the directors were interested he could provide them with information.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Obermiller asked if anyone
wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda.
There were no requests to speak.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT:
Grant Linder reported on the
2009 Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative.
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Chairman
Obermiller reported that Bob Schanou, Bill Vasey, Jerry Wiese and
Scott Woodman had requested to be
excused. Marvion Reichert 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.
WESTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dick Mercer, committee chairman,
reported on their meeting held earlier that afternoon.
B-1 Water – Dick said
that for several years we have been taking water into the B-1 reservoir every
three years. He explained that the
law states we can take water every five years and still maintain the
District’s water right.
Elm Creek Watershed – General Manager Ron Bishop said the committee heard a report from Jerry
Kenny, Executive Director of the Platte River Recovery Implementation
Program, on the Program’s interest in supplemental storage that would store
augmentation water to the river and the importance of that to the Platte River
program. Ron said the Western
Projects Committee is recommending that the board authorize him to work with
Jerry Kenny to develop a draft memorandum of understanding between Central
Platte NRD and the PRRIP. The
memorandum of understanding would outline the Program’s involvement in the
project itself and financing assistance to the project. The
draft would be brought back to the board for review and action.
Dick Mercer said the committee also had considerable
discussion on what this would mean to the area around Elm Creek and that it is
the intent that there would be no detrimental effects to the ground water level
in the area. He said, “It is an
excellent opportunity to cooperate with another group and it also increases the
benefits across the whole NRD when it comes to offsets and depletions.”
VARIANCE/APPEALS
SUBCOMMITTEE-REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Certified Acre Appeal -- Jim
Bendfeldt, chairman of the subcommittee, reported on the hearing held earlier
that day. He said Terrence
and Rebecca Trentman are requesting that the NRD certify 26 acres in Howard
County. The land has been in
continuous alfalfa since the 1980’s and is sub-irrigated.
They are not in the farm program and the land is not listed as irrigated
by the County Assessor; however, Mr. Trentman brought in receipts for propane
and pump repair for the well for the years 2003 and 2004.
This is the only land that they own.
Jim Bendfeldt made the motion to approve the Variance/Appeals
Subcommittee’s recommendation that the appeal from Terrence and Rebecca
Trentman be approved based on the receipts presented, the land has been in
continuous alfalfa, and is sub-irrigated. Marvion
Reichert seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried. Water Bank
Sale – Ron reported that Jack Theis from Merrick County wants to develop a piece
of ground over there and is willing to buy approximately 20 acre feet of water
from our water bank. We have
sufficient water available to make the sale.
Ron said he has the authority to make sales for 10 acre feet or less but
more than that has to be brought before the board.
He said he would recommend the board approve the sale.
BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT: Ron reported that the Budget
Committee had met earlier that day and had reviewed the recommendations from the
committees and staff. They have
developed a recommendation for the board’s consideration which will be sent to
the directors prior to the June board meeting.
Ron said it appears the request for tax funds may be down as much at
$250,000.00 from last year but we will not know for sure until the books are
closed at the end of June. At the
June board meeting it will be necessary to adopt a proposed budget for purposes
of holding the public budget hearing in July.
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN: Re-adoption of CPNRD’s
Integrated Management Plan with Recent Changes -- Ron reported that there
are some suggested changes to Central Platte NRD’s IMP that the board adopted
last month. Copies were handed out
to the directors. Ron reviewed the
suggested changes that he said make the IMP more clear and understandable.
He also said the suggestions have been agreed to by both the NE Dept. of
Natural Resources and Central Platte NRD staff.
Ron
asked Jennifer Shelpepper with DNR what the State thought of this plan.
She said the proposed plan, as it has now been presented, would be a plan
that the State would agree with. As
a point of clarification Ron said if the board approved this version, it would
be approval of the amendments to the plan the board approved last month.
He also reviewed the fact that the board had already approved the Basin
Plan. Following a brief discussion
Dick Mercer made the motion to approve the amended Central Platte NRD Integrated
Management Plan, version dated 5/27/09. Stephen
Schuppan seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
Public Hearing Dates for the Basin
Plan, the IMP, and the Rules & Regulations – Jay
Richeson made the motion to authorize General Manager Ron Bishop to work with
the NE Department of Natural Resources to set up the public hearings on the
proposed Basin Plan, Central Platte NRD’s Integrated Management Plan, and
Central Platte NRD’s Groundwater Management Plan Rules and Regulations
changes. Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
PLATTE
RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM:
Mark Czaplewski reported that the Governance Committee (GC) last met on
April 7-8 in Kearney, and will meet next in Cheyenne on June 2-3. The
Independent Science Advisory Committee will meet for the second time next week
and then will meet with the Governance Committee to address specific questions
posed to them and discuss their perspective on the science the Program is
relying on to guide and adaptively manage Program activities. Mark
reported that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed a planned flow
routing test that started with releases from Lake McConaughy on April 9th and
ran through April 16th. Over
this weeklong period the Service released approximately 23KAF of water from the
Environmental Account (EA) they manage in the Lake and tested their ability to
manage and track these flows through the central Platte.
Water was shepherded down the river producing a three-four day short
duration high flow of approximately 3700-3800 cfs at Overton.
Some of this water, approximately 1100 cfs, intentionally bypassed
Central NPP&ID’s facilities. Intense
monitoring occurred during the release, including participation by the Service,
Nebraska DNR, Program staff and other partners.
The estimated amount of EA water remaining in Lake McConaughy after the
release is 85KAF. The Service
considers the test effort successful and will use information gathered in this
effort to help with future planned releases for endangered species and channel
maintenance. The GC approved five-year management plans for the Wyoming
Property (located southeast of Kearney) and Cottonwood Ranch (located between
Overton and Elm Creek). The GC has approved moving forward with appraisals
and negotiations on several tracts and are in the process of finalizing
acquisition of those tracts. The GC
authorized final purchase and closing on Tract 815 (370 acres on the river west
of Overton) , Tract 839 (594 acres near Cottonwood Ranch) and
the Program has closed on and now owns four properties, Tract 803 (140 acres
south east of Elm Creek), Tract 842 (182 acres west of the Highway 10 bridge),
Tract 804 (360 acres west of the Overton Bridge), and Tract 847 (300 acres west
of the Highway 10 Bridge). These acquisitions would add a total of
approximately 1946 acres to the Program’s 10,000 acre first increment land
goal. Including the 2650 acre
Cottonwood Ranch property owned by NPPD and the 470 acre tract owned by Wyoming,
that would bring the Program land total to 5066 acres.
PLATTE BASIN HABITAT ENHANCEMENT
PROJECT (PBHEP): Mark
reported the Project sponsors continue to meet regularly to work out the fine
details between each other and with the Nebraska Environmental Trust.
He said a draft of the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for the PBHEP was
sent to the directors in advance of the board meeting.
He said the District has been working closely with the upstream NRD’s
in the basin as well as the Department of Natural Resources and Game and Parks
to complete the Agreement. He said
they are requesting the board’s approval for Ron Bishop to sign the Agreement
when it is finalized. There was one
item in the draft Agreement provided that was yet to be finalized on the bottom
of page 12. Mark said that item has
since been addressed and said they do not anticipate any substantive changes.
However, if one arises, it would be brought back to the board for
consideration. He said the Agreement
has received a thorough review by our legal counsel and is very similar in its
approach and form to the COHYST Interlocal Agreement. Alicia
Haussler made the motion that General Manager Ron Bishop be authorized to sign
the Platte River Habitat Enhancement Project Interlocal Agreement when it is
finalized. Jim Bendfeldt seconded
the motion. All board members
present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
LEGISLATION REPORT: Milt briefly reviewed the legislation affecting NRDs and natural
resources. He said Friday would be the final day of the session.
He said the final copy of the NARD Legislative Report would be sent to
the directors.
COST SHARE PROGRAM:
Request for Transfer of Funds – Kelly requested the board approve transferring $6,000.00 from the Flow
Meter Program to the Well Decommissioning Program and $200.00 from the
Fertilizer Calibration Meter Program to the Surge Valve Program.
FINANCIAL REPORTS: Marvion Reichert made
the motion that the May financial report be approved as read by Ron Bishop.
Alicia Haussler seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion
carried.
LR 181 – NRD REORGANIZATION: The
legislative resolution was briefly discussed (see enclosed).
Ron reported that NARD is sponsoring an information meeting in North
Platte on June 15th to discuss and get input on the resolution.
Ron asked if any of the directors would be able to attend.
Jim Bendfeldt, Dick Mercer, Marvion Reichert and Stephen Schuppan
indicated they would plan to attend.
AUGUST BOARD MEETING – DATE CHANGE REQUEST:
Ron recommended that the August board meeting be held a week later than
usual as was done last year. He said
this is because there might not be enough time to get the public hearing notice
to set the levy to the newspapers from the time we get the assessment
information from the counties.
UPCOMING EVENTS – As listed on the Agenda.
April 23, 2009
CALL
TO ORDER:
Chairman Barry Obermiller called the meeting to order at 3:00 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.
MEETING
NOTICES:
Chairman Obermiller reported that the notices of the meeting had been
sent to the news media as required by law.
MEETING
MINUTES:
Dick Mercer made the motion that the March minutes be approved as mailed.
Bob Schanou seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor
except Alicia Haussler who abstained. Motion
carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS
& OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman
Obermiller asked if there were any announcements or other business for future
meeting agendas. There was none.
PUBLIC
FORUM:
Chairman Obermiller asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any
item not included on the agenda.
NATURAL
RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT:
Mike Pavel, NRCS R.C., Kearney reported on their activities in Buffalo
County. James Huntwork, Liaison
D.C., Grand Island, reported on the 2009 EQIP, Nebraska Invasive Plant Species
Special Initiative.
EXCUSED
ABSENCES: Chairman Obermiller reported that LeRoy Arends, Brian
Keiser, Dwayne Margritz, Marvion Reichert, Jay Richeson, Jim Shiers, Ed
Stoltenberg, and Bill Vasey had requested
to be excused.
PROGRAMS
COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Bob Schanou, committee chairman, reported on their meeting held earlier that
day. They worked on their budget
recommendations which will be forwarded to the Budget Committee.
WESTERN
PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dick Mercer, committee
chairman, reported they had worked on their Fiscal 2010 budget recommendations,
which will be forwarded to the Budget Committee.
They also heard a status report from Miller and Associates on the
proposed Odessa drainage project.
WATER
RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Scott Woodman, committee
chairman, reported on their meeting held earlier that day.
CPNRD’s
Integrated Management Plan –
He said the committee had met April 2nd and recommended at that
meeting to recommend to the full board that the draft IMP be approved.
WASHINGTON D.C. LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
REPORT:
Dick Mercer, Mick Reynolds, Jim Bendfeldt and Ron Bishop gave brief reports on
the conference.
WATER
BANKING UPDATE:
Ron handed out a copy of the water bank status report, showing water
rights that have been acquired, that currently total 1269.95 acre feet back to
the river. A little less than one
half is from surface water but Ron said he is working to even that out.
He said a number of purchases are pending that involve about 300 acre
feet. Ron said he also had several
that are “potentials”. He also
reviewed the water rights that are available to users below Elm Creek.
PLATTE
BASIN HABITAT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT:
Mark
Czaplewski reported that on April 2nd the Nebraska Environmental
Trust Fund board met and awarded the PBHEP a three million dollar grant, one
half of the amount requested in the application.
He reviewed the fact that this will be a cooperative endeavor between the
NE Dept. of Natural Resources, the five NRDs in the Platte Basin, and the NE
Game and Parks Commission. Mark said
the draft interlocal cooperative agreement amongst the group is
still being developed and it is hoped that it can be brought to the board for
review and action next month. Mark
said Central Platte NRD will be the contract administrator for the NET and he
will act as coordinator for the PBHEP group.
The interlocal cooperative agreement being drafted calls for an
administrator be appointed for each member agency of the group.
It is being recommended that Ron Bishop be named as the administrator and
that he (Mark) be named as Ron’s alternate.
COOPERATIVE
HYDROLOGY STUDY (COHYST) REPORT:
Duane Woodward reported that the Sponsors Group will be meeting on May 1st.
He said they are developing the Phase 3 operating plan and related
budget. Duane also reported that the
Upper Big Blue NRD is going to drop out of the COHYST sponsorship because the
direction the project will take in the future does not have as much application
for that NRD as it did in the earlier phases.
LEGISLATION
REPORT: Milt Moravek briefly reported on proposed legislation dealing with natural
resources. He handed out a copy of
the latest NARD report and said the reports are mailed to the directors as they
are received from the Association.
COST
SHARE PROGRAM:
Request for Transfer of Funds – Kelly requested the board approve transferring
$3,000.00 from the Reuse Pit Program and $5,000.00 from the Urban Forestry
Program to go to the Well Decommissioning Program.
FINANCIAL
REPORTS:
The March financial report had been mailed with the meeting minutes.
Chairman Obermiller explained that he would abstain from voting on the
April financial report because his company had installed the gutters on the
office building (damaged from last year’s hail storm).
OTHER
BUSINESS: Next Board Meeting –
Scheduled for the afternoon of May 28th.
Details to follow.
March 19, 2009
CALL TO
ORDER: Chairman Barry Obermiller 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: LeRoy Arends, Ladd
Reeves, Jim Shiers,
Mike Dobesh, Marvion Reichert,
Ed Stoltenberg, Ed Kyes,
Mick Reynolds, William Vasey,
Dwayne Margritz, Jay
Richeson, Jerry Wiese, Dick Mercer,
Stephen Schuppan, Scott Woodman,
Barry Obermiller, Steve Sheen Board
members absent/excused – Jim Bendfeldt, Alicia Haussler, Brian Keiser and Bob
Schanou. Staff present: Ron Bishop –
General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant Manager/Projects Director, 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. Others
present – Grant Linder – NRCS, Grand Island, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub,
Justin Brei – Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, Bart Nichols –
Gothenburg, Jeff Shafer – NE Public Power District.
MEETING
NOTICES:
Chairman Obermiller reported that the notices of the meeting had been
sent to the news media as required by law.
MEETING
MINUTES: Dick Mercer
made the motion that the February minutes be approved as mailed.
Scott Woodman seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor
except LeRoy Arends, Mike Dobesh, Dick Mercer, Barry Obermiller, Marvion
Reichert and Jerry Wiese who abstained. Motion
carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS &
OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman
Obermiller asked if there were any announcements or other business for future
meeting agendas. There was none.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman
Obermiller asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any item not included
on the agenda. No one spoke at that
time.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION
(NRCS) REPORT: A
report was given by Grant Linder, NRCS, Grand Island.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Chairman Obermiller reported
that Jim Bendfeldt, Alicia Haussler, Brian Keiser and Bob Schanou had
requested to be excused. Marvion
Reichert made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.
Scott Woodman seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion carried.
OPENING PRAYER DISCUSSION &
POSSIBLE ACTION: General
Manager Ron Bishop reported that Mike Dobesh had requested this item be put on
the agenda for further discussion because he was unable to attend last month’s
meeting to present his support of having an opening prayer.
It was stated that a motion would have to be passed in order for the item
to be put on the agenda.
VARIANCE/APPEALS
SUBCOMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION:
Jay Richeson reported on the request from Leo and Roger Sylvan of Gothenburg.
They would like to put a pivot on a tract that has two areas that are
Class 7 soils. The total variance
was for approximately one-half of one percent of the total irrigated acres.
The slope that this would water is less than a five percent slope.
EASTERN
PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Mick
Reynolds, committee chairman, reported on their meeting held earlier that day.
He said they reviewed the budget recommendations for the eastern projects
and said they would be forwarded to the Budget Committee.
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE –
REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held
earlier that day.
Repeated Trips for Chemigation Inspection –
He said the committee discussed information that Dan Clement had presented
concerning a problem with repeat chemigation inspections.
There have been times they have had to go to the same site several times
before the system finally passes. The
cost of a new chemigation permit is $30.00 with $5.00 going to the State and
$10.00 for a renewal with $2.00 going to the State.
Stakeholders’ Comments & CPNRD’s Integrated Management Plan
– Scott said the committee also
discussed the latest draft of the Integrated Management Plan, dated March 17th,
and stakeholder’s comments. He
said the Water Resources Committee will be meeting April 2nd at 10:30
a.m. It is hoped the IMP can be to
the point where it can be presented to the directors at the April board meeting.
BASIN WATER RESOURCES MEETING
REPORT:
Jay Richeson, Dick Mercer, Ladd Reeves, Dwayne Margritz, Bill Vasey and
Ron Bishop briefly reported on the joint Water Resources Committees’ meeting
held in North Platte. The five
Platte Basin NRDs (Central Platte, North Platte, South Platte, Twin Platte and
Tri Basin) met to discuss such matters as the possibility of transferring water
from one NRD to another and the issues we are facing as part of the Integrated
Management Plan, the Platte River Recovery Program, and the LB 962 requirement
of getting back to fully appropriated. Having the five basin NRDs meet once or
twice a year was supported.
PLATTE BASIN HABITAT
ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT: Mark
Czaplewski reported that the sponsors and partners met on March 6th
to get things started. He said we do
not have final word on our application for the Nebraska Environmental Trust fund
grant. He said the group will know
April 2nd and it looks like one half of the $6,000,000.00 request
will be approved, to be paid out over a three year period.
The draft interlocal cooperative agreement is being reviewed by the
sponsors at this time. The agreement
will be brought to the board for review and action, probably in April.
Mark said the board will also be asked to name Central Platte NRD’s
representative on the sponsors group. He
said the recommendation will probably be that Ron be the representative with
himself as alternate. Mark said
Central Platte NRD will be the contract administrator for the NET and will act
as coordinator for the whole group.
LEGISLATION REPORT:
Milt Moravek briefly reported
on proposed legislation dealing with natural resources.
He handed out a copy of the latest NARD report and said the reports are
mailed to the directors as they are received from the Association.
COST SHARE PROGRAM:
Request for Transfer of Funds – Kelly requested the board approve transferring $4,000.00 from the Reuse
Pit Program to go to the Surge Valve Program, and $15,000.00 from the Prescribed
Fire Cost Share Program to go to the Center Pivot Incentive Program.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Due to the meeting being one
week early there was no financial report. It
was reported it would be mailed with the meeting minutes.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Reminder of Water Resources Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday,
April 2nd.
OTHER BUSINESS: Next Board Meeting –
Scheduled for the afternoon of April 23rd.
Details to follow.
February 26, 2009
CALL TO
ORDER: Vice Chairman Ed Kyes 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,
Mick Reynolds, Jim Shiers,
Alicia Haussler, Jay Richeson, Ed
Stoltenberg, Brian Keiser, Bob Schanou,
William Vasey, Ed Kyes, Stephen
Schuppan, Scott Woodman, Dwayne Margritz,
Steve Sheen, Ladd Reeves
Board members absent/excused – LeRoy Arends, Mike Dobesh, Dick Mercer,
and Barry Obermiller. Jerry Wiese
said he would try to get to the meeting but he would be late.
Note: Marvion
Reichert had requested to be excused from the meeting but his name was
mistakenly left off the list. Staff
present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant
Manager/Projects Director, 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.
Others present – James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison D.C., Grand
Island, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub, Justin Brei – Platte River Recovery
Implementation Program, Tom Schleif – NRCS Resources Conservationist, Merrick
County, Randy Zach – NPPD, Columbus, Dan Wagoner – Hall County Board, Bart
Nichols – Sargent Irrigation, Gothenburg.
MEETING NOTICES:
Vice Chairman Ed Kyes 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 January minutes be approved as mailed.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor
except Jim Shiers who abstained. Motion
carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER
BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Vice
Chairman Kyes asked if there were any announcements or other business for future
meeting agendas. There was none.
PUBLIC FORUM: Vice
Chairman Kyes asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any item not
included on the agenda. No one spoke
at that time.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION
(NRCS) REPORT: Reports
were given by Tom Schleif, NRCS Resources Conservationist, Merrick County and
James Huntwork, NRCS Liaison District Conservationist (see enclosed).
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Vice Chairman Kyes reported
that LeRoy Arends, Mike Dobesh, Dick Mercer, and Barry Obermiller had
requested to be excused. Jerry
Weise had indicated he would
try to be at the meeting later. Alicia
Haussler made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.
Bill Vasey seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Ed Stoltenberg
was absent for the motion. Motion
carried.
OPENING PRAYER DISCUSSION &
POSSIBLE ACTION: Vice
Chairman Kyes said that last month Mike Dobesh had suggested the board consider
having an opening prayer at the board meetings. Discussion followed. General
Manager Ron Bishop reported that he had asked our attorney Cathy Allen about
this matter and she said there would be nothing to prevent the board from having
an opening prayer; however, the name of Jesus Christ cannot be mentioned in the
prayer because there are other religions that do not recognize Jesus as their
Savior. Further discussion followed.
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE – REPORT
& RECOMMENDATIONS: Bob
Schanou, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held
earlier that day. He said they
continued their discussion of possible changes to some of the cost share
programs, including recommendations to eliminate some of them.
He said the Programs Committee is recommending, and he made the motion,
that the Fertilizer Calibration Cost Share Program be eliminated, effective July
1st. Mick Reynolds seconded the
motion. All board members present,
voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion
carried.
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE
– REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Scott
Woodman reported on their meeting held earlier that day.
Stakeholders’ Comments & CPNRD’s Integrated Management
Plan – Scott said Ron had gone
through the comments. The final
draft is not done. The Water
Resources Committee will meet before the March board meeting and again April 2nd
to continue working on the IMP.
Water
Banking Scott said Ron gave a status report on the water bank as well as the new
proposed federal program from the Natural Resources Conservation Service that
might be used to purchase water.
Water
Resources Meeting With Other NRDs Scott
said they discussed the water resources meeting with other NRDs that had been
held on Monday. They
talked about what the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program had for
potential water demands to meet the Fish and Wildlife Service’s target flows
and what the estimated water demands were for the basin to get back to fully
appropriated. They also talked about
the fact that there is not enough groundwater irrigated acres in Nebraska to
meet both demands if viewed as two separate demands.
Groundwater
Coalition Meeting Scott said
Ron had reviewed the fact that Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation
District has filed with the court appealing a decision that was made by the
North Platte NRD and are asking the court to overrule the position that the
North Platte NRD has taken regarding allocation levels.
CNPP&ID is asking the court to cause the NRD to adopt a position
where they do not irrigate land in Pumpkin Creek or at least cut back to the six
to eight inches that CNPP&ID folks are getting.
Ron said the concern of the coalition members is that in that hearing
process there might be some rulings made that impact other NRDs and their
authority to regulate groundwater under the Nebraska Groundwater Management and
Protection Act.
PLATTE
RIVER PROGRAMS REPORTS: Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Mark
Czaplewski reported that the Governance Committee (GC) last met on
February 10th and 11th in Kearney.
Highlights of the meeting included an annual review of progress made in
implementing the Program’s Adaptive Management Plan, a “learn by doing”
method of continuing to evaluate Program effectiveness in addressing endangered
species needs on the Platte. Numerous
monitoring and research efforts are underway, looking at everything from least
tern and piping plover populations to wet meadow vegetation and sediment
transport. As part of that adaptive
process, the GC agreed to revisit one of the Program’s objectives related to
whooping cranes. They will review
how the Program approaches its efforts to aid in the recovery of whooping
cranes, which currently looks at survivability of the species.
Another significant GC action related to the land component of the
Program, to date, the Land Advisory Committee has evaluated over 50 tracts of
land and has recommended to the GC that several be acquired.
The GC has approved moving forward with the appraisals and negotiations
on several of those tracts and has come to a meeting of the minds with four of
these landowners. They are in the
process of finalizing acquisition of those tracts.
If acquired, they would add a total of approximately 996 acres to the
Program’s 10,000 acre first increment goal.
Including the 2,650 acre Cottonwood Ranch property owned by NPPD and the
470 acre tract owned by Wyoming, that would bring the Program land total to
4,116 acres.On the water side of Program activities, the Water Advisory
Committee continues to evaluate Water Action Plan alternatives and work with the
US Fish & Wildlife Service in making plans for a pulse flow routing test
release in April.
Platte Basin
Habitat Enhancement Project – Mark reported that the Nebraska
Environmental Trust (NET) recently listed the Project as one preliminarily noted
for grant award – to the tune of $3 million over the course of the next three
years. The District, along with the
upstream NRD’s in the Platte Basin, as well as the DNR and Game and Parks
Commission, are co-sponsoring the Project, jointly contributing approximately
$13 million in an effort to transfer roughly 30,000 acres of irrigated cropland
to dryland cropland and native grassland habitats.
A key goal of the Project is to retire the consumptive use of water to
enhance stream flows in the Platte by an estimated 15,500 acre feet per year and
open 20,000 acres of land to public hunting. The sponsors will be meeting
next week to continue to hammer out a contract between each other and if the NET
maintains the Project in priority when they meet on April 2, the Project will be
off and running. Central Platte will
help coordinate the effort, with each NRD taking care of Project
responsibilities in their own area. Project
funds working to complement USDA programs like CREP and EQIP will work hand in
hand to move toward our goals for the permanent retirement of irrigated acres.
There’s a fair bit of ground work to be laid, but we hope to have the Project
up and running soon after the final NET decision.
PRAIRIE/SILVER/MOORES CREEK FLOOD
CONTROL PROJECT BID LETTING & STIMULUS FUNDS UPDATE:
Milt Moravek reported that
the bid letting for Phase 3 was held the previous Thursday.
Of seven contractors who submitted bids Shanahan Brothers Construction of
Lincoln had the low bid of $1,423,019.22. This
phase continues the construction of the cells at the ordnance plant.
He said the low bid was about $300,000.00 under the engineer’s
estimate. Milt said he would
recommend the bid be awarded to Shanahan Brothers Construction, subject to their
providing the required bond and proof of insurance.
He said we have worked with them before and they are a good company.
Ladd Reeves made the motion that the Prairie/Silver/Moores Creek Flood
Control Project, Phase 3 bid be awarded to Shanahan Brothers Construction Inc.
in the amount of $1,423,019.22 subject to their providing the required bond and
proof of insurance. Scott Woodman
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Jay Richeson was absent for the motion.
Motion carried.
Milt
explained that the contract was changed somewhat to reduce the amount of dirt
work that will be moved but we will build the outlet structure on 80th
Road so we can begin claiming benefits on the project sooner.
It had not been planned to construct the outlet structure until the cells
were completely done which would be about two or three years.
He said a third of the dirt has been moved and if we can get the
structure in that has a gate we can provide flood control benefits downstream
once it is installed.
LEGISLATION REPORT:
Milt Moravek briefly reported
on proposed legislation dealing with natural resources.
He handed out a copy of the latest NARD report and said the reports are
mailed to the directors as they are received from the Association.
COST SHARE PROGRAM:
Request for Transfer of Funds – Kelly requested the board approve transferring $3,000.00 from the Reuse
Pit Program with $2,000.00 going into the Center Pivot Incentive Program and
$1,000.00 going to the Well Decommissioning Program.
FINANCIAL
REPORT: Alicia Haussler made the motion that the February financial report be
approved as read by General Manager Ron Bishop.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present were in favor. Motion
carried.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
As listed on the agenda.
January 22, 2009
ATTENDANCE:
Board members present were: LeRoy Arends,
Dick Mercer, Stephen Schuppan,
Jim Bendfeldt, Barry
Obermiller, Steve Sheen, Mike
Dobesh, Ladd Reeves,
Ed Stoltenberg, Alicia Haussler,
Marvion Reichert, Bill Vasey,
Brian Keiser, Mick
Reynolds, Jerry Wiese, Ed
Kyes, Jay Richeson, Scott Woodman,
Dwayne Margritz, Bob
Schanou Board member
absent/excused – Jim Shiers.
Staff present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant
Manager/Projects Director, 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.
Others present – James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison D.C., Grand
Island, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub, Justin Brei – Platte River Recovery
Implementation Program.
MEETING
NOTICES:
Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to
the news media as required by law.
MEETING
MINUTES: Marvion Reichert made the motion that the December minutes
be approved as mailed. Dwayne
Margritz seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Alicia
Haussler, Ladd Reeves, Mick Reynolds, Jay Richeson and Stephen Schuppan 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. Mike Dobesh made a suggestion that the Board meetings be opened
with a prayer. Chairman Vasey said
this could be discussed at next month’s meeting.
PUBLIC FORUM:
Chairman Vasey asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any item not
included on the agenda. No one spoke
at that time.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION
(NRCS) REPORT: James
Huntwork reported on the proposed NRCS Farm Bill (see enclosed).
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Chairman Vasey reported that
Jim Shiers had requested to be excused. Alicia
Haussler made the motion that the absence be excused as requested.
Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
ACTION TO ELECT BOARD CHAIRMAN &
VICE-CHAIRMAN:
Chairman Vasey said it had
been a privilege to serve as chairman for the past two years but when he became
chairman two years ago he stated that he would only serve one term.
He then asked Dick Mercer to report on the Board Officers’ Nominating
Subcommittee’s recommendations for board chairman and vice-chairman.
Board Secretary – Ron said that Ed Kyes had been serving as the Board Secretary.
He said the board could either hold an election for board secretary at
that meeting or could wait until next month if they chose.
COMMITTEE
SIGN-UP: A
sign-up sheet was handed out to the directors with the request that they
consider serving on at least two of the committees.
The four standing committees are: Eastern
Projects, Western Projects, Programs, and Water Resources.
WATER
RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Scott
Woodman reported on their meeting held earlier that day.
He said they had reviewed Central Platte NRD’s proposed Integrated
Management Plan and that they will meet again Thursday, February 19th
at 10:30 a.m. to continue the review and discussion of the proposed plan.
Dick
Mercer reported on the Water Resources Committee’s January 14th
meeting that Scott had asked him to chair in Scott’s absence. Dick said the
committee reviewed the proposed Platte Basin Integrated Management Plan.
The NRDs involved in the basin’s plan are:
Central Platte, Tri-Basin, Twin Platte, North Platte and South Platte
NRDs. The other NRDs are also in the
process of reviewing the plan to either approve or suggest changes.
Dick said the Water Resources Committee voted to recommend the basin plan
be approved subject to the inclusion of a couple of items which are maps and an
estimate of the offset needed to get back to fully appropriated.
He also said if there are other recommended changes from the other NRDs
those suggestions will be brought back to the board for a decision to approve or
oppose. Dick Mercer made the motion
that the board approve the proposed Platte River Basin Integrated Management
Plan, subject to the inclusion of the missing items and also if there are any
other recommended changes from the other NRDs that those recommendations will be
brought back to the board for a decision.
Bob Schanou seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
PROGRAMS
COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Barry Obermiller, chairman of
the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier that day.
He said they discussed suggestions for changes to some of the cost share
programs and will continue their discussion at their next meeting in February.
He said there are no recommendations for the board to consider at this
time. He said if anyone had any
suggestions on any of the cost share programs or want to suggest new programs to
be considered to get those ideas to a Programs Committee member or to Kelly so
they can be discussed at next month’s Programs Committee meeting.
ELM CREEK/TURKEY CREEK PUBLIC
HEARING DISCUSSION: Milt
Moravek reported that Kevin Prior with Olsson Associates had requested a public
meeting be set up in Elm Creek to get more information from the people in town
on ground water levels, basement elevations, etc. so the engineering firm could
enter the data into a model to see what it is going to take to dewater the town
and make sure that people do not get water in their basements in the future.
Milt said there were a lot of comments from the rural people.
He said Jim Bendfeldt and Steve Sheen had attended the meeting and asked
them to comment on their impressions of the meeting.
COOPERATIVE
HYDROLOGY STUDY (COHYST) REPORT:
Duane Woodward reported that
the Sponsors Group has been working to put together a new plan of study and a
new budget for a program to go from 2009 through 2012.
He briefly reviewed the goals and objectives, which would include putting
together an accounting model so that approximately every five years we would
show the changes that have been made to such things as water banking, land use
changes, crop pattern changes, etc. It
would be a tracking and accounting of water use changes to meet the goal of
getting back to 1997 levels. He said
another thing being considered is having a Project Management Coordinator who
would be responsible for lining up the tasks and directing technical people to
carry out the work. Duane
also said a new inter-local cooperative agreement is being drafted, which was
necessary because the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources thought their
authorities were being relinquished and because new legislation on inter-local
cooperative agreements has been passed. He
said the new agreement would contain a lot of the same things that are in the
current one but there will be some wording changes.
LEGISLATION
REPORT: Milt
Moravek reported on several proposed bills dealing with natural resources.
He handed out a copy of the latest NARD report and said the reports are
mailed to the directors as they are received from the Association.
REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL RC&D & LOUP BASIN RC&D:
Chairman Obermiller reported
that the District is a member of both the South Central RC&D and the Loup
Basin RC&D and both have requested that Central Platte NRD appoint a
director to represent the district. Question
was asked if any directors would be willing to serve on either of the
RC&D’s. Mick Reynolds said he
would be willing to serve on the South Central RC&D.
COST SHARE PROGRAMS: Applications
-- Kelly reported that we have received applications for the following cost
share programs: Nebraska Soil & Water Conservation Program, Center Pivot
Incentive Program, Fertilizer Calibration Meters, Flow Meters, Tree Planting
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 they be approved. Marvion
Reichert made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported.
Alicia Haussler seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORTS – DECEMBER
& JANUARY:
December Report – The December report had been mailed to the directors with the meeting
minutes. General Manager Ron Bishop
asked if anyone had any questions on the report.
There were none.
January Report -- Ron Bishop read the January financial report.
GMDA & FOUR-STATE
IRRIGATION CONFERENCES – REPORTS: Brief
reports were given by Ed Kyes, Dick Mercer, Jay Richeson and Dwayne Margritz on
the GMDA Conference. Bill Vasey
reported on the Four-State Irrigation Conference (Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado,
Wyoming) he had attended in Fort Collins, Colorado and handed out information
from the conference. He said the
main focus of the conference is with surface water but there are also a lot of
programs dealing with groundwater irrigation.
DIRECTOR E-MAILS & CONTACT
INFORMATION REQUEST FROM POLITICAL PARTIES:
Ron said that we have
received requests from political parties and others to give out directors’
contact information and e-mail addresses. Also
discussed was whether directors would prefer to receive their meeting minutes,
notices, etc. by regular mail or by e-mail.
The directors were requested to check the address and
contact list that was passed around and to write in any corrections on the list.
They were also asked to indicate on the list whether they wanted their
e-mail address given out, and whether they wanted to receive meeting minutes and
notices by regular mail or by e-mail.
OTHER
BUSINESS:
Upcoming Events – As listed on the agenda.
Next Board Meeting – Scheduled for
the afternoon of Thursday, February 26th.
Details to follow. March
Board Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, March 19th.
One week early due to conflict with the NARD Washington D.C. trip.
ADJOURN: Chairman
Obermiller adjourned the board meeting.
COMMITTEES SELECT CHAIRMEN:
The
following were selected to serve as committee chairmen:
Eastern Projects – Mick Reynolds, Western Projects – Dick Mercer,
Water Resources – Scott Woodman, Programs – Bob Schanou.
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: LeRoy
Arends, Dan Ohlman, Jim Shiers, Jim Bendfeldt, Marvion Reichert, Keith Stafford,
Brian Keiser, Jay Richeson, Ed
Stoltenberg, Ed Kyes, Bob Schanou, Bill Vasey, Dwayne Margritz, Loren Schuett,
Jerry Wiese, Dick Mercer, Steve Sheen, Scott Woodman, Barry Obermiller
Board members absent/excused – Alicia Haussler and Stephen Schuppan. Staff
present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, Milt Moravek – Assistant
Manager/Projects Director, Mark Czaplewski – District Biologist, Dianne Miller
– Administrative Director, Sandy Noecker – Data Compliance Officer, Kelly
Cole – Programs Coordinator, Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist,
Angela Warner – GIS Assistant, Jon Michael Bosley – Geographic Specialist. Others
present – Ladd Reeves – NE Dept. of Natural Resources Commission Member and
CPNRD director elect, Daryl Keiser – Gothenberg, Kevin Prior – Olsson
Associates Grand Island, Mike Dobesh – CPNRD director elect Wood River, Mike
Pavel - USDA NRCS Resources Conservationist Kearney, Jeff Shafer – York, Lori
Potter – Kearney Hub, Justin Brei – Platte River Recovery Implementation
Program.
MEETING NOTICES:
Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the
news media as required by law.
MEETING MINUTES:
Dick Mercer made the motion that the November minutes be approved as mailed.
Bob Schanou seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor
except Dwayne Margritz, Dan Ohlman, Marvion Reichert, Jay Richeson, Keith
Stafford, Ed Stoltenberg and Scott Woodman who all abstained.
Jerry Wiese was absent for the motion. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman Vasey
asked if there were any announcements or other business for future meeting
agendas. Mike Dobesh made a suggestion that the District look into providing a
cost share program to convert irrigation wells from oil lubricated to water
lubricated. Chairman Vasey said this
would be referred to the Programs Committee.
PUBLIC FORUM:
Chairman Vasey asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any item not
included on the agenda. No one spoke
at that time.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT:
Mike
Pavel briefly reported on NRCS activities (see enclosed).
SALE OF DAWSON COUNTY LAND:
Ron
reported that the closing on the sale of the Dawson County land was this
afternoon and that our attorney, Cathy Allen, had requested the board approve
the “Certificate of Board Resolution” concerning their action to approve the
sale prior to the closing. He
briefly reviewed the fact that 198.28 acres had been sold for $1300.00 an acre
and the grain bin and four acres had been sold separately for $30,000.00.
Marvion Reichert made the motion that the Certificate of Board Resolution
concerning the board’s approval of the sale of the Dawson County land be
approved and signed by the Board Chairman. Jim
Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Chairman
Vasey reported that Alicia Haussler and Stephen Schuppan had contacted the
office and requested
to be excused. Loren Schuett 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.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS:
Outgoing board members Dan Ohlman, Loren Schuett and Keith Stafford were
recognized and presented with awards for their dedication and service as NRD
directors. Dick Mercer was also
recognized and presented with an award for 35 years of service as an NRD
director.
EASTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE
– REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Updated Study on Prairie Creek
Flood Control Project – Jerry Wiese, chairman of the committee, reviewed
the discussion from last month’s meeting on the flooding problems along
Prairie Creek in Hall, Merrick and Platte Counties.
The committee had instructed Milt to get an estimated cost on a study to
look into trying to correct the problems. Milt
had visited with Kevin Prior with Olsson Associates, because that firm had
originally done a feasibility study on that area. At their committee meeting
that day Kevin reported on their proposed study.
Jerry said the cost of the study is $56,350.00.
Milt had explained that we have half of this amount in the current
Eastern Projects budget. The
committee discussed paying half this year and after July 1, 2009 pay the second
half. Jerry asked Kevin to briefly report to the board on that proposal. Kevin
explained that they would not have
real detailed information but will have some concepts and ideas that the board
can look at. He said the first part
would include an updated inventory of the channel and the bridges and the
comparison to what was done 20 years ago, and the re-establishment of the
hydraulic model that was developed 20 years ago.
Jerry said the Eastern Projects Committee is
recommending, and he made the motion that we enter into a contract with Olsson
Associates to do the first half of the study with funds from this year’s
budget. After the report from Olsson
the board can decide whether to go further with the study; if we do proceed the
second half of the study would be paid for after July 1, 2009 and we will also
seek help from the counties and cities involved.
Ed Kyes seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Jim
Shiers who voted no. Motion carried.
Jim Bendfeldt was absent for the motion.
WESTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE
– REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dick Mercer, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held
earlier that day.
City of Gibbon’s Request for Flood Drainage Project – Dick Mercer briefly
reviewed the discussion from last month on the city of Gibbon’s flooding and
drainage problems and the request from Gibbon for assistance to try to help
correct some of those problems. Dick said the committee again discussed the
project, that is estimated to cost $150,000.00.
He said the Western Projects Committee is recommending, and he made the
motion, that the NRD contribute $50,000.00 to the project to try to alleviate
the flooding and drainage problems in the city of Gibbon.
Steve Sheen seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Marvion
Reichert, who abstained. Motion
carried.
Funding Assistance for Elm Creek Reservoir Project – Dick reported that there has been
interest from the Platte River Recovery Program in the reservoir at Elm Creek.
He said Olsson Associates has come up with two proposed studies that
would help determine how to get the water to the Platte River and to solve the
high water table problems for Elm Creek. The
studies would cost approximately $23,150.00 and $16,820.00.
The Western Projects Committee is recommending, and he made the
motion that the District enter into a contract with Olsson Associates for
approximately $40,000.00 to do the two proposed studies.
Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT:
Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier
that day.
Basin Wide & Integrated Management Plans – Scott said that Ron had reported to
the committee on this item. He said
that the draft Basin Integrated Management Plan has been distributed and needs
to be reviewed by the board for possible suggestions, changes etc.
A Water Resources Committee will be scheduled to review the plan.
Water Banking Report
–
He said that Ron had reviewed the Water Bank purchases and sales.
Variance Subcommittee
–
Scott said the committee decided on the changes on the subcommittee that were
necessary because of changes on the board from the last election.
They selected Ladd Reeves to serve as Ed Kyes alternate in Merrick
County, Marvion Reichert was selected to replace Dan Ohlman in Buffalo County,
with Steve Sheen as his alternate. It
was decided that the subcommittee should select its chairman.
PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE REPORT:
Mark Czaplewski reported briefly on actions taken by the Governance
Committee of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program who last met in
Denver on December 2 and 3. The
Governance Committee spent considerable time working on and subsequently
approving the Program’s 2009 budget. Other
items of note included the Governance Committee’s approval of the recommended
membership of the ISAC (Independent Science Advisory Committee) who are charged
with ensuring the use of sound science in Program matters, and also approved the
membership of peer review panels to review specific Program monitoring and
research efforts and protocols. The
Governance Committee approved proceeding with the acquisition of its first land
purchase, Tract 0815, a 370-acre parcel of land west of the Overton, Nebraska
bridge. The next meeting of the Land
Advisory Committee is scheduled for January 15, 2009 in Kearney.
BOARD OFFICER NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Dick Mercer reported for the
committee (Dick, Alicia Haussler and Loren Schuett).
He said they are recommending Barry Obermiller for Board Chairman and Ed
Kyes for Board Vice-Chairman. The
election of officers will be at the January board meeting
FISCAL 2008 AUDIT REPORT: Dianne Miller
reported that the audit report had been mailed prior to the board meeting.
She asked if there were any questions or comments on the report.
There were none. Jim
Bendfeldt made the motion to accept and place on file the Fiscal 2008 Audit
report. Marvion Reichert seconded
the motion. All board members
present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
COST SHARE PROGRAM:
Applications -- Kelly
reported that we have received applications for the following cost share
programs: Nebraska Soil & Water Conservation Program, Center Pivot Incentive
Program, Surge Valve Program, Flow Meter Program, Tree Planting 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 they be approved.
Marvion Reichert made the motion to approve the cost share applications as
reported. Loren Schuett seconded the
motion. All board members present,
voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion
carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
It was reported that the November financial report had been mailed with
the minutes. It was asked if anyone
had any questions or comments on the report.
There were none. Dick Mercer
made the motion that the November financial report be approved as mailed. Loren
Schuett seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Jim Bendfeldt was absent for the motion.
Motion carried. It was
reported that the December financial report would be mailed with the meeting
minutes.
MIDDLE PLATTE RIVER BASIN CAUCUS:
The
upcoming basin caucus was briefly discussed.
Ron said that Ladd Reeves is currently the Middle Platte River Basin’s
representative on the Natural Resources Commission.
Following a brief discussion it was decided to also hold a Water
Resources Committee meeting that day. Ron
said the board would be mailed reminder cards.
ELECTION:
NARD Legislative Conference Voting Delegate & Alternate – Barry
Obermiller made the motion that Jerry Wiese be selected as the voting delegate
and Jim Bendfeldt as the alternate for the January NARD Legislative Conference.
Brian Keiser seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Jim
Bendfeldt and Jerry Wiese who both abstained.
Motion carried.
NARD Board Member
– Dick
Mercer made the motion that Bill Vasey be selected as Central Platte NRD’s
NARD board member. Jay Richeson
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Upcoming Events – As listed on the agenda.
Next Board Meeting –
Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, January 22, 2009.
Details to follow. ADJOURN:
Chairman Vasey adjourned
the board meeting.
November 20, 2008
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: LeRoy Arends, Dick
Mercer, Stephen Schuppan, Jim Bendfeldt, Barry
Obermiller, Steve Sheen, Alicia Haussler, Bob
Schanou, Jim Shiers, Brian Keiser,
Loren Schuett, Bill Vasey, Ed Kyes
Board members absent/excused – Dwayne Margritz, Dan Ohlman, Marvion
Reichert, Jay Richeson, Keith Stafford, Ed Stoltenberg, Jerry Wiese and Scott
Woodman. Staff present: Milt
Moravek – Assistant Manager/Projects Director, 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, Jon
Michael Bosley – Geographic Specialist. Others present – Ladd Reeves
– NE Dept. of Natural Resources Commission Member and CPNRD director elect,
John Jefferson – Merrick County Board, Michael Meyer – Central City, Teri
Edeal – USDA NRCS Resources Conservationist, Robert Poore – GI Independent,
Mike Dobesh – Wood River CPNRD director elect, 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 October minutes
be approved as mailed. Jim Bendfeldt
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Barry Obermiller
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. There were none.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Vasey asked if anyone wanted to address the board
on any item not included on the agenda. Ladd
Reeves, the Middle Platte Basin representative on the Natural Resources
Commission addressed the board on the number of projects in line for funding
from the Resources Development Fund and the lack of funds available for those
projects, as well as the funding needed for the funding needs of the Resources
Development Fund as well as funds needed for the Inter-related Water Program
Planning. He asked that the
directors contact the senators on the need for additional funding for those
programs.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT:
Teri Edeal reported for James
Huntwork. She handed out copies of
the Nebraska Draft Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Nebraska
Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP) for fiscal year 2009.
Teri also gave a power point presentation on pasture management and
grazing incentives.
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Chairman
Vasey reported that Dwayne Margritz, Dan Ohlman, Marvion Reichert, Jay
Richeson, Keith Stafford, Ed Stoltenberg, Jerry Wiese and Scott Woodman
had contacted the office and requested to be excused. Alicia
Haussler 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.
EASTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT
& RECOMMENDATIONS: Loren
Schuett reported that the committee had met that morning.
He said there were a number of people in attendance who reside along
Prairie Creek in Hall, Merrick and Platte counties.
He said they have experienced numerous floods over the years and are
hoping that something could be done to help alleviate some of those problems.
The Eastern Projects Committee discussed the possibility of a study to
see what could be done in the area. Ed
Kyes asked Milt if it would be possible to get an estimated cost on a study by
next board meeting. Milt said the
firm he would probably talk to would be Olsson Associates because they did study
of the area a few years ago. He said
if they were hired to do a study they would just have to update some of the
data, and might have some additional ideas for the committee to consider.
Milt said he would have something to present to the Eastern Projects
Committee for a December committee meeting.
WESTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE –
REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dick
Mercer reported on the committee’s meeting earlier that afternoon.
He said there was an engineer from Olsson Associates at the meeting who
was representing the city of Gibbon. Gibbon
has periodically had flooding and drainage problems when the Wood River floods
and runs back into the city. During
the last time this happened it destroyed their storm sewer pump system.
At this time the estimated cost of the project is $150,000.00.
They did not present a specific monetary request to the committee.
Dick said they were requested to come back with a specific request and
said the Western Projects Committee will discuss this at their December
committee meeting. He said they
should have a recommendation for the board’s consideration after that meeting.
PRAIRIE/SILVER/MOORES FLOOD
CONTROL PROJECT – STATUS REPORT: Milt
gave a report and showed several slides of the project. He showed the two areas
where approximately 2.5 million cubic yards of dirt have been piled that were
taken from Cell 7 and Cell 5 and Cell 4. He
said they are working on Cell 4. He
said on the next contract they will do the rest of the work on Cell 4.
He said the reason for that is because they are going to go ahead and put
the gates in so we can start claiming benefits from the project earlier than was
estimated. He also showed the
problems the contractors have had getting the work done due to the amount of
rainfall. In answer to a question
Milt said we have not been able to sell any of the excavated soil.
He said there has not been much interest because of the heavy clay
content. He said the City of Grand Island and Hall County have used some but not
much. He said we will probably end
up planting native grass and shrubs on it and turning it into wildlife habitat.
He also said the project has been slowed down somewhat because Resource
Development Funds have not been available in sufficient amounts to meet the
original schedule.
DAWSON COUNTY LAND SALE REPORT:
Chairman Vasey asked Milt to report on this item for Mark Czaplewski.
Mark had assisted in setting up the land auction but was out of state at
a conference. Milt reported that on
November 11th the auction was held on the approximate 202 acres that
the District had purchased in Dawson County.
The District kept the water rights and the land was sold as dry land with
some restrictions on what can be grown. He
said 198.28 acres were sold to Clyde Lueking
for $1300.00 an acre for a total of $257,764.00. The
grain bin and four acres were sold separately to Reynolds Inc. for $30,000.00.
DONATION REQUEST FROM THE
GROUNDWATER FOUNDATION: Marcia
Lee reported that Dean Edson, NE Association of Resources Districts Executive
Director, had sent a request for funding to help with the Groundwater
Foundation. She said that Susan
Seaquest, who started the foundation, was retiring and Dean has asked each NRD
to consider donating to the Foundation in honor of Susan’s work and
dedication. The Groundwater
Foundation is a nonprofit organization. Marcia
said in the I&E budget there is $200.00 that is not earmarked for another
program. Alicia Haussler made the motion to contribute $200.00 to the
Groundwater Foundation. Jim
Bendfeldt seconded the motion. A brief discussion followed on the
possibility of a larger donation. The
motion was withdrawn. Dick Mercer
made the motion to donate $500.00 to the Groundwater Foundation. Alicia Haussler
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
DIRECTORS’ ELECTION RESULTS:
Marcia handed out a copy of the final election results.
Directors in Subdistricts 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 were unopposed.
The results in the contested races were:
Subdistrict 4 - Mike Dobesh, Subdistrict 6 - Michael (Mick) Reynolds,
Subdistrict 9 - Ladd Reeves, Subdistrict 10 – Barry Obermiller.
Directors’ terms will begin in January.
ELECT NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Chairman
Vasey reviewed the fact that it was necessary to elect a board officer
nominating subcommittee. This year
it will be necessary to elect board chairman and vice-chairman.
The three member nominating subcommittee will report to the board at the
December board meeting with the officer election to be held at the January board
meeting. Bob Schanou made the
motion that Alicia Haussler, Dick Mercer, and Loren Schuett be elected to serve
on the Board Officer Nominating Subcommittee.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Alicia
Haussler, Dick Mercer, and Loren Schuett who abstained.
Motion carried.
COST SHARE PROGRAM: Applications
-- Kelly reported that we have received applications for the following cost
share programs: Nebraska Soil & Water Conservation Program, Center Pivot
Incentive Program, Streambank Stabilization Program, Surge Valve 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 they be approved. Bob
Schanou made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported.
Barry Obermiller seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT: It was reported that because the November board meeting was a week early
there was no financial report. The
report will be mailed with the meeting minutes and acted on at the December
meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Upcoming Events – As listed on the agenda.
Next Board Meeting – Scheduled for
the afternoon of Thursday, December 18th (one week early due to
Christmas). Details to follow.
ADJOURN: Chairman Vasey adjourned the board meeting.
October 23,
2008
ATTENDANCE:
Board members present were: LeRoy Arends,
Dan Ohlman, Jim Shiers, Jim Bendfeldt, Marvion
Reichert, Keith Stafford, Alicia
Haussler, Jay Richeson,
Ed Stoltenberg, Brian Keiser,
Bob Schanou, Bill Vasey, Ed
Kyes, Loren Schuett, Jerry Wiese, Dwayne
Margritz, Stephen Schuppan, Scott Woodman,
Dick Mercer, Steve
Sheen Board member absent/excused –
Barry Obermiller. Staff
present: Ron Bishop – General Manager, 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, Jon Michael Bosley – Geographic Specialist.
Others present – Mike Pavel – NRCS Resources Conservationist, Buffalo
County, Doreen Pfost – Kearney, Randy Zach – NPPD.
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 September minutes be approved as
mailed. Marvion Reichert seconded
the motion. All board members
present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Brian Keiser, Stephen
Schuppan and Scott Woodman 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. Chairman
Vasey briefly reported on the board officer election.
The board will need to elect a three-member nominating committee in
November, the committee will report to the board in December and the election of
board officers (chairman and vice-chairman) will be done in January.
PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Vasey asked if
anyone wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda. No
one requested time to speak.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT:
A report was given by Mike
Pavel, NRCS Resources Conservationist, Buffalo County (see
enclosed).
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Chairman
Vasey reported that Barry Obermiller had contacted the office and requested
to be excused. Alicia Haussler made
the motion that the absence be excused as requested.
Dwayne Margritz seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
GRAND ISLAND AREA
CLEAN COMMUNITY SYSTEM: Betty
Curtis, Executive Director, presented the District with a Certificate of
Appreciation for the financial support that was used to secure the grant for the
Clean Community System Household Hazardous Waste Collection event, and presented
General Manager Ron Bishop with a “Service to the Environment” award.
(See enclosed data summary for the event).
VARIANCE/APPEALS
SUBCOMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION:
Dan Ohlman said the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee had heard requests from
Raymond and Harry Galusha of Central City for an appeal to the irrigation
certification on approximately 12 acres in Merrick County. Dan said the
Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is recommending, and he made the motion, to
approve the appeal on the irrigation certification from Raymond and Harry
Galusha for approximately 12 acres in Merrick County, pending the registration
of the irrigation wells on the property and that a seal be installed on one of
the wells. Jim Bendfeldt seconded
the motion. All board members
present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
CONSIDER CEASE
& DESIST ORDER:
Dan Ohlman reported on the formal hearing that was held just prior to
the board meeting for the purpose of gathering evidence on whether or not a
Cease and Desist Order should be issued to James Riley of Wood River. It
was reported that Mr. Riley had applied for an appeal to an irrigation
determination in April, 2008 and was denied.
The District’s 2008 aerial photography is showing that not only did Mr.
Riley irrigate the land that was denied (12.7 acres), but he also removed trees
and a farmstead and irrigated that area also for a total of 18.6 acres of land
not certified for irrigation. The
majority of the land not certified is Class 4E soils and there are some 6E
soils. Mr. Riley has some land in
alfalfa in this area that is currently certified for irrigation and was not
irrigated in 2008, but it will not qualify for transfer on the 4E soils because
the transfer the land comes from must be 4E or worse soils.
Based on the information presented at the
hearing Ron said it would be staff’s recommendation that a cease and desist
order be issued to James Riley for the approximate 18 acres that were irrigated
illegally, and that he be required to offset the 18 acres that were irrigated
this year at the rate of 1.5 times per acre. The
Cease and Desist Order states: On or
before December 1, 2008, Mr. Riley must file with the District, a signed
affidavit that he has either 1) discontinued irrigating the real estate which is
not certified as irrigated land pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the
Central Platte Natural Resources District and which is subject to this cease and
desist order and show how he will offset all depletions caused by irrigating the
acres not certified during the 2008 irrigation season; or 2) applied for and was
granted a variance to irrigate the above described real estate including the
provision of all offsets, both past and present, as required by the Central
Platte Natural Resources District. The
Board further orders that James D Riley will also provide offset water in an
amount one and one half times the depletion caused by the non-compliance during
the 2008 irrigation season and shall on or before December 1, 2008 file with the
District a proposal acceptable to the District, of how he intends to comply with
the offset requirement. Such
proposal shall include a timetable for providing the required offset water. Bob
Schanou made the motion to issue a cease and desist order on James Riley as
proposed. Dick Mercer seconded the
motion. A discussion followed on the type of center pivot equipment Mr.
Riley used, information shown on the aerial photography, the number of times he
irrigated the acres in question. Question
was also asked whether or not the board could chose to only make him provide
offsets at the rate of 1 times the depletion.
It was answered that the board could.
Jerry Wiese made a motion to amend the original motion
to require James Riley to offset 1 times the depletion instead of 1.5 times.
Steve Sheen seconded the motion. Board
members voting in favor were LeRoy Arends, Marvion Reichert, Loren Schuett,
Stephen Schuppan, Steve Sheen, Ed Stoltenberg and Jerry Wiese.
Board members voting opposed were Jim Bendfeldt, Alicia Haussler, Brian
Keiser, Ed Kyes, Dwayne Margritz, Dick Mercer, Dan Ohlman, Jay Richeson, Bob
Schanou, Jim Shiers, Keith Stafford and Scott Woodman.
Motion to amend the original motion failed 7 to 12. The original
motion was then voted on. Board
members in favor were LeRoy Arends, Alicia Haussler, Brian Keiser, Ed Kyes,
Dwayne Margritz, Dick Mercer, Dan Ohlman, Marvion Reichert, Jay Richeson, Bob
Schanou, Loren Schuett, Steve Sheen, Jim Shiers, Keith Stafford, Jerry Wiese and
Scott Woodman. Voting opposed were
Stephen Schuppan and Ed Stoltenberg. Jim
Bendfeldt abstained. Motion carried
16 in favor, two opposed, one abstaining.
September 25, 2008
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: LeRoy Arends, Barry
Obermiller, Steve Sheen, Jim
Bendfeldt, Dan Ohlman,
Jim Shiers, Alicia Haussler,
Marvion Reichert, Keith Stafford,
Ed Kyes, Jay Richeson,
Ed Stoltenberg, Dwayne Margritz, Bob Schanou,
Bill Vasey, Dick Mercer,
Loren Schuett, Jerry Wiese
Board members absent/excused – Brian Keiser, Stephen Schuppan and Scott
Woodman. Staff present: 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, Jesse Mintken – Resources Conservationist. Others
present – James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison D.C., Grand Island, Joe Krolikowski
– NRCS, 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.
MEETING
MINUTES: Marvion Reichert made the motion that the August minutes be
approved as mailed. Dwayne Margritz
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Alicia Haussler,
Dan Ohlman and Bob Schanou who all abstained.
Keith Stafford was absent for the motion.
Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER
BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman Vasey asked if there were any
announcements or other business for future meeting agendas.
There were none.
PUBLIC FORUM:
Chairman Vasey asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any item
not included on the agenda. No one requested time to speak.
NRCS REPORT:
Reports were given by James
Huntwork, NRCS Liaison D.C. (see enclosed), and Joe Krolilowski, NRCS, Hall
County.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Chairman Vasey
reported that Brian Keiser, Stephen Schuppan and Scott Woodman had contacted the
office and requested to be excused. 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.
PROGRAMS
COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Barry Obermiller, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting
held earlier that day. He said they discussed making a few changes to the
District’s scholarship program and adding dollars to the scholarship in order
to get more individuals interested in applying.
He said the budgeted item was increased from $2,000.00 to $10,000.00.
The amount per scholarship will be raised from $500.00 to $1,000.00.
Some of the policy changes are: The
checks will be sent to the college, one half of the scholarship will be paid per
semester, the scholarships are geared to degrees in the natural resources field
but they will be looked at on a case-by-case basis, a scholarship can be awarded
to a student in any grade in college, freshman through senior, applicants can
reapply. Barry said no action would
be necessary on this item.
WESTERN
PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dick Mercer, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held
earlier that day. He said the committee discussed the proposed Odessa
drainage project and the three firms that had submitted proposals to do the
final design on the project. Dick reviewed the problem area that starts about a
quarter mile east of Odessa on the south side of the railroad tracts on the
south side of Highway 30 and heads southeast. Dick
said the Western Projects Committee is recommending, and he made the motion,
that the engineering firm of Miller and Associates be hired at a cost of
approximately $15,000.00 to do the final design on the Odessa project. Bob
Schanou seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
PRESCRIBED
FIRE PRESENTATION: Dave Carr
gave a power point presentation and report on the District’s prescribed
burning program (see enclosed summary).
DAWSON
COUNTY LAND SALE SUB-COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Jim Bendfeldt reported for the subcommittee (Jim Bendfeldt, Dick Mercer
and Jay Richeson) and said they had met earlier that day.
He said that Mark Czaplewski had provided them considerable assistance.
He contacted area auctioneers and asked them to provide proposals for
auctioning the land in Dawson County. Jim
said proposals were received from Marshall Auction Service and Reuters Auction.
He said after reviewing the information the subcommittee is unanimously
recommending that Marshall Auction Service be hired, not only because they
submitted the low bid but also because of their extensive experience and
outstanding reputation. Jim said they
discussed selling the grain bin separately and how many acres should be included
if that were done. In Dawson County
if the grain bin is sold separately from the other acres the site would have to
include a minimum of 10 acres. He
said he just spoke to Marshall Auction Service and they will offer it either
separately, or combined, whichever will bring the District the most money.
Jim said the cost will be based on a two percent commission plus
$3,000.00 for advertising. Marshall’s
is recommending a November 11th date. Jim Bendfeldt said he
would make the motion to accept the subcommittee’s recommendation to hire
Marshall Auction Service to handle the auction of the land in Dawson County, and
that the sale be November 11, 2008. Jay
Richeson seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
VEHICLE BIDS
RECEIVED: Milt Moravek reviewed
the fact that this year’s budget included funds to replace the 2001 Ford
Taurus and the 2003 Ford Expedition, each vehicle has about 80,000 miles.
Information was sent to all new vehicle dealers in the District.
Four dealers submitted bids with the low one submitted from Grosshan’s
Inc. of Central City for a 2009 Chevy Trailblazer and a 2009 Malibu at a total
cost with trade-in of $32,875.88. (See
enclosed bid list). Following a brief discussion Alicia Haussler made the
motion to approve the bid from Grosshan’s for the two vehicles as reported.
Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
2009
LONG RANGE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – ACTION TO APPROVE:
Marcia Lee, I&E Specialist, reported that a draft of the LRIP had
been mailed to the directors prior to the meeting with a request that if there
were any suggestions, questions, or corrections to let her know prior to the
meeting. Marcia said she had not
received any suggested changes and said it would be her recommendation that the
plan be approved so it can be submitted to the NE Department of Natural
Resources as required. Alicia
Haussler made the motion to approve the 2009 Long Range Implementation Plan as
proposed. Jim Bendfeldt seconded the
motion. All board members present,
voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Marvion Reichert who abstained.
Motion carried.
SENATOR
TOUR REPORT: Dick Mercer and
Milt Moravek reported on the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee’s
public hearing on natural resources related issues that had been held at the NRD
office the previous week. Following
the hearing some of the NRD staff gave presentations on some of Central Platte
NRD’s programs and then the Senators were given a tour of the Wood River Flood
Control Project, the Moores Creek Flood Control Project and the
Prairie/Silver/Moores Creek Flood Control Project.
COST SHARE PROGRAM:
Applications -- Kelly reported that we have received applications for
the following cost share programs: Nebraska Soil & Water Conservation
Program, Surge Valve Program, Center Pivot Incentive 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 they be approved. Alicia
Haussler 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: Marvion Reichert made the motion to approve the
September financial report as read by Assistant Manager Milt Moravek.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
OTHER
BUSINESS: Upcoming
Events – As listed on the agenda. Next
Board Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, October 23rd.
Details to follow. ADJOURN:
Chairman
Vasey adjourned
the board meeting at 3:15 p.m.
August 28,
2008
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: LeRoy Arends
Barry Obermiller Jim Shiers
Jim Bendfeldt
Marvion Reichert
Keith Stafford
Brian Keiser Jay Richeson
Ed Stoltenberg Ed Kyes Loren
Schuett Bill Vasey Dwayne
Margritz Stephen Schuppan
Jerry Wiese Steve Sheen
Scott Woodman Board
members absent/excused – Alicia Haussler, Dan Ohlman 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, Kelly Cole – Programs Coordinator, Marcia Lee –
Information/Education Specialist, Matt Bohnenkamp – GIS Program Director,
Angela Warner – GIS Assistant, Jesse Mintken – Resources Conservationist. Others
present – James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison D.C., Grand Island, Grant Linder –
NRCS Resources Conservationist, Grand Island, Gary Mader – Grand Island
Utilities Department, 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: Loren Schuett made the motion that the July minutes be
approved as mailed. Jim Bendfeldt
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Marvion Reichert
and Ed Stoltenberg 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.
There were none. PUBLIC
FORUM: Chairman Vasey
asked if anyone wanted to address the board on any item not included on the
agenda. No one requested time to speak.
NRCS REPORT:
Reports were given by James
Huntwork, NRCS Liaison D.C. (see enclosed), and Grant Linder, NRCS Resources
Conservationist, Hall County.
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Chairman
Vasey reported that Alicia Haussler, Dan Ohlman and Bob Schanou had contacted
the office and requested to be excused. Dick
Mercer 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.
VARIANCE/APPEALS
SUB-COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Jim Bendfeldt reported on the subcommittee’s hearing held earlier
that day. He reported that Darrell
Widman has made a request to purchase 10.4 acre feet of water from the
District’s water bank. Jim
reviewed the District policy which allows General Manager Ron Bishop to sell up
to 10 acre feet of water without coming to the Board for approval.
He explained that Mr. Widman wants to put up a 150 acre pivot on land
that has not been irrigated, the land does not have any soils issues, and is
currently in dryland corn. The water
bank currently has 24 acre feet of water available for sale.
Jim said the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is recommending approval of
the sale. Jim Bendfeldt made the
motion to approve the sale of 10.4 acre feet of water from the District’s
water bank to Darrell Widman. Marvion
Reichert seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried. Jim
reported that the District has a complaint of an alleged violation by James
Riley for irrigating land that the Board of Directors had denied an appeal on
earlier this year. The appeal
involved 18.6 acres in Buffalo County. Jim said the Variance/Appeals
Subcommittee is recommending, and he made the motion, that the Board hold a
formal hearing prior to next month’s board meeting on the issue of whether or
not to issue a cease and desist order to James Riley.
Keith Stafford seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
WATER
RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held
earlier that day. He said Duane
Woodward had given a status report on the Conjunctive Management Study and also
the status of the evaluation by HDR on the fully appropriated status of the
Platte River below Elm Creek.
Sale of Property in Dawson County
– Scott reported that Mark Czaplewski had reviewed some options on how to
sell the property in Dawson County, which included expanding the acres
associated with the grain bin and selling that tract separately from the
remainder of the property, or selling the entire piece as a single unit
including the grain bin, or concurrently listing both the expanded acres
associated with the grain bin and the remainder of the property.
The center pivot was sold this spring. Scott
said the Water Resources Committee is recommending, and he made the motion, that
the property in Dawson County be sold at auction using the three options that
were suggested; that Jim Bendfeldt, Dick Mercer, Steve Sheen and Jay Richeson
serve on a subcommittee to interview and make a recommendation on which
auctioneer to hire for the sale; and that the auction be held in mid-November
2008. Brian Keiser seconded the
motion. All board members present,
voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion
carried. Jim Bendfeldt was absent
for the motion.
PLATTE
RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM:
Mark
Czaplewski reported that the Governance Committee met on August 12-13 in
Scottsbluff. He said regarding
Program land
and habitat activities, the Governance Committee approved moving forward with
the appraisals and negotiations on four tracts of land along the Platte.
These are the first parcels of land the Program is considering
acquisition of (“acquisition”, here, meaning purchase in fee simple,
conservation easements, or lease). To
date, the Land Advisory Committee has reviewed some 30 tracts and started
detailed evaluations on maybe half that many.
The Governance Committee also is considering another tract, not for
development or management as wildlife habitat, but rather for possible
acquisition of water rights. They
have asked the Water Advisory Committee to assist them in establishing a process
for evaluating and acquiring surface and ground water for the Program through a
conservation easement (possibly similar to the approach used by CPNRD in its
water banking). Regarding monitoring
and research, the Program is conducting a variety of new and continuing studies
on the Platte including: Vegetation, geomorphology, ongoing least tern and
piping plover monitoring, whooping crane monitoring, forage fish, pallid
sturgeon, and water quality. Mark also reported that the Governance Committee
has also hired a firm to assist them in establishing the Independent Science
Advisory Committee and various peer review panels to help review Program science
to ensure technically sound science coming out of the Program.
Recommendations on the make-up of these groups should be brought before
the Governance Committee this fall.
TRANS
CANADA PIPELINE IN MERRICK COUNTY – REPORT: Mark Czaplewski reported that
representatives from the Trans-Canada Co. have approached us asking if we would
be interested in learning more about, and possibly providing input on, a 36-inch
buried pipeline that they are proposing to build in partnership with
Conoco/Phillips Petroleum to transport crude oil.
The pipe will be a minimum of four feet underground with pumping stations
along the route. It is about a seven
billion dollar project that would transport as much as 500,000 barrels of crude
oil a day. The pipeline would start
in eastern Alberta, Canada, the proposed route would cross our NRD a couple of
miles east of Central City, then cross the Platte River and head down to Steele
City, NE. At the Kansas border
another pipeline would take it down to the Gulf Coast at Huston and to
Louisiana. Mark said they are proposing a meeting be held in York on September
30th. He said he would
send the directors information when we receive it.
SET
LEVY FOR THE 2009 BUDGET: Chairman Vasey resumed the public hearing to set
the property tax request for Fiscal 2008/2009.
He asked if there was any one who wanted to present testimony.
There was no one. He closed
the hearing at 2:43 p.m. Dick Mercer made the motion to approve the
“Resolution Setting the Property Tax Request” that set the property tax rate
at 0.05592 for both the General and Sinking Funds.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
VOTING
DELEGATE & ALTERNATE FOR NARD ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Chairman Vasey reported that the board needs to select a voting
delegate and alternate for the NARD September conference. Jay
Richeson made the motion that Jim Bendfeldt be selected to serve as the voting
delegate and Dick Mercer serve as the alternate.
Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor,
except Jim Bendfeldt and Dick Mercer, who abstained.
Motion carried.
COST SHARE PROGRAM:
Applications -- Kelly reported that we have received
applications for the following cost share programs: Nebraska Soil & Water
Conservation Program, Surge Valve Program, Streambank Stabilization Program,
Center Pivot Incentive 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. Barry
Obermiller made the motion to approve the cost share applications as reported.
Scott Woodman seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Marvion Reichert made the motion to approve the
August financial report as read by General Manager Ron Bishop.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Upcoming Events – As listed on the agenda. Next Board
Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, September 25th.
Details to follow.
ADJOURN:
Chairman
Vasey adjourned
the board meeting at 2:50 p.m.
July 24, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Barry Obermiller
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:
Dan Ohlman Jim Shiers
MEETING NOTICES: Vice Chairman Obermiller reported
that the notices of the meeting had been sent to the news media as required by
law.
MEETING MINUTES: Ron reported that Keith Stafford
had requested to be excused from the June meeting but his name had mistakenly
not been added to the list.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS:
Vice Chairman Obermiller asked if there were any announcements or other business
for future meeting agendas. There
were none.
PUBLIC FORUM: Vice Chairman Obermiller asked if
any one wanted to address the board on any item not included on the agenda. No
one requested time to speak.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: James
Huntwork, NRCS Liaison D.C., reported on the Federal Food, Conservation and
Energy Act of 2008 (see enclosed).
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Vice Chairman Obermiller
reported that Marvion Reichert, Ed Stoltenberg and Bill Vasey had
requested to be excused.
HIKE/BIKE TRAILS:
Dan Schulz, staff member of the Lower Platte South NRD, Lincoln, was
requested to report to the board on their trails system.
Dan discussed the cost share programs available for trails
from the NE Game and Parks Commission and from the federal ISTEA program that is
administered through the NE Department of Roads. The application for the grant
program must be applied for by a local governmental entity. Concerning
insurance, Dan said the trails are added to the district’s insurance coverage
the same as other projects owned by the district. He said some of the rules have changed since the programs
first came out. One change is that
you have to have an engineer put together some preliminary design and cost
estimates before you can apply.
FULLY APPROPRIATED STATUS – EVALUATION BY HDR:
Ron said after the discussion last month on whether or not Central Platte
NRD is actually fully appropriated below Elm Creek he contacted HDR and the Flat
Water Group and asked them for a cost estimate to do an evaluation, just as the
Department of Natural Resources would do. He said they presented a joint
proposal that sounded very reasonable. Ron
said he contacted the Executive Committee and they approved having the firms
proceed with a study.
EASTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION:
Jerry Wiese, committee chairman, reported on their meeting held earlier that
day. He briefly reported on the
flooding problems that the City of Wood River has had.
He said the committee voted to recommend that $10,000.00 be added to the
budget under Special
VARIANCE/APPEALS SUBCOMMITTEE–REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dan
Ohlman, chairman of the subcommittee, reported on their hearing held earlier
that day.
Dan said they heard a request for a variance from Hi Gain
Feedlot to distribute wastewater from their feedlot on to land that has not been
certified as irrigated. Because
this is wastewater the Department of Natural Resources has determined that the
water has already been accounted for through their commercial wells for the
feedlot, so no offsets need to be made. No
new wells are being drilled to augment the wastewater in the lagoon.
There are 6E and 6W soils surrounding the proposed pivot.
FISCAL 2009 BUDGET:
Vice Chairman resumed the public budget hearing.
He asked if there was any additional testimony that had not been
presented at the hearing that opened at 1:30 p.m.
There was no additional testimony. He
closed the hearing at 3:33 p.m.
WATER BANKING STATUS REPORT:
Ron reported that we have acquired two more water rights and are
approaching 1,000 acre feet of water and said he has two or three more that are
proposed.
FARM SERVICE AGENCY INFORMATION - PROGRESS REPORT:
Ron reported on his meeting the previous week in Washington D.C. to meet
with members of our Congressional delegation to discuss making some adjustments
to the language in the Farm Bill concerning sharing information.
Ron said he got a good reception and said Senator Ben Nelson and
Congressman Adrian Smith have pledged their support in working with us, as well
as 12 other NRDs and two State agencies that need the information to carry out
their programs. Ron said it is
hoped that if some modifications go into the Farm Bill that it will be
successful in getting relief from the restrictions.
COOPERATIVE HYDROLOGY STUDY (COHYST) UPDATE:
Duane Woodward reported on the Tech Committee workshop that was held at
the NRD office earlier in July and also reported there will be a Sponsors Group
meeting August 1st. He
reviewed the original purpose of COHYST, which was to develop tools and data
bases to help support and come up with answers to ground water depletions, the
Platte River Program, etc. He said
at the Tech Committee workshop they discussed some of the management goals they
want the model to be able to answer questions on.
He said they are developing updated models through our conjunctive
management study that HDR and others are helping with.
They are looking at a number of upgrades and improvements, trying to make
the models operate better as far as monthly time frames, versus annual and
seasonal. One of the things they
see in the future of COHYST is to develop a “version four” with better tools
on how it handles interaction with the ground water and surface water, maybe
more on a monthly time frame versus seasonal or annual.
He said they have been using the models and have updated some
work that was done in 2006 on stream depletions. The new work estimated 50 years of stream depletion effects
for the ’97 through present development, with the estimates broken out by NRD
this time. He said the Sponsors
Group voted to accept the new report. The
stream depletions in the over-appropriated area in our NRD for example,
estimated stream depletions caused by new wells since 1997 average about 2,400
acre feet per year. That is what
the depletion will average at the end of 50 years.
The new lands that have come on in our entire area above Elm Creek show
stream depletion estimates around 3,400 acre feet. In our NRD we have been spending some time working on
estimating the percent depletions when you pump a new well using an updated
Eastern Model. He said they have
been working on developing those percentages for the NRDs upstream (Twin Platte,
North Platte and South Platte).
PLATTE RIVER PROGRAM – SELECT MEMBER TO LAND ADVISORY
COMMITTEE: Vice Chairman
Obermiller said it would be necessary for the board to appoint a member to the
Platte River Recovery Implementation Program’s Land Advisory Committee.
He said currently Scott Woodman is serving.
This would be a three-year term.
COST SHARE PROGRAM: Applications
-- Kelly reported that we have received applications for
the following cost share programs: Nebraska Soil & Water Conservation
Program, Surge Valve Program, Streambank Stabilization 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.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Alicia Haussler made the
motion to approve the July financial report as read by General Manager
Ron Bishop. Scott Woodman seconded
the motion. All board members
present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried. Jim Shiers was absent for the motion.
OTHER BUSINESS: Upcoming
Events – As listed on the agenda.
June 26, 2008
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:
LeRoy Arends Dick Mercer Steve
Sheen Jim Bendfeldt Dan Ohlman Jim
Shiers Alicia Haussler Marvion Reichert Bill Vasey
Brian Keiser Jay Richeson Jerry
Wiese Ed Kyes
Loren Schuett Scott Woodman Dwayne Margritz Stephen
Schuppan Board
members absent/excused – Barry Obermiller, Bob Schanou and Ed Stoltenberg.
Board member absent – 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, Kelly Cole – Programs
Coordinator, Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist, Matt Bohnenkamp
– GIS Program Director, Angela Warner – GIS Assistant, Jesse Mintken –
Resources Conservationist. Others
present – James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison D.C., Grand Island, Randy Zach –
NPPD, Mick Reynolds – Wood River, Darin Messersmith – Sargent Irrigation,
Gothenburg, Pat Carlson – 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 May board
meeting minutes be approved as mailed. Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor,
except Dwayne Margritz, Marvion Reichert and Jerry Wiese 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. There were none.
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.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: James Huntwork, NRCS
Liaison D.C., reported on the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (see
enclosed).
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Chairman Vasey reported that Barry
Obermiller, Bob Schanou and Ed Stoltenberg had requested to be excused.
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.
VARIANCE/APPEALS SUBCOMMITTEE–REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dan Ohlman
reported that the Subcommittee held a hearing on two requests for a variance on
expansion of irrigated acres earlier that day. He
reported that the first request was from Helen Jorges for acres in Frontier
County. Dan said the subcommittee
is recommending the variance be approved because the work had been done prior to
the soil classification rules going into affect and offsets had been provided.
The acres have been cropped and irrigated since 2006 and the offsets have
been left dryland for those years. Dan Ohlman then made the motion that the
request for a variance from Helen Jorges be approved.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion
carried. Dan reviewed the fact that Larry Nickman had been in last month with a
request for an appeal, which had been denied. He said that Larry had submitted a
re-appeal and had presented a letter he had received from the Lower Loup NRD.
The land that he wants to irrigate is in the Loup Basin of influence and the
offset land is in the Platte Basin of influence, which is a violation of our
Groundwater Management Plan Rules and Regulations.
Mr. Nickman got a letter from the Lower Loup NRD stating that this
transfer does not violate any of Lower Loup’s Rules and Regulations and as
long as Mr. Nickman follows the Central Platte Rules and Regulations the
transfer could be allowed. Because
this is a violation of the current rules and regulations of the Central Platte
NRD to transfer across the basin of influence, the Committee is recommending
that this request be denied. Also,
Mr. Nickman does not have enough offset water to cover the land he wants to
irrigate so he would need to buy water from that zone of influence.
Central Platte’s water bank does not have any water available in that
area. Dan Ohlman said the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is recommending, and he
made the motion, that the request for a variance from Larry Nickman be denied.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Marvion
Reichert who abstained, and Loren Schuett who voted no.
Jim Bendfeldt was absent for the vote.
Motion carried.
Ron briefly reported that we have received notice that we are being sued
by Bill Kuehner over the denial of his certified acres, specifically the five or
six tracts down by the river and the one north.
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Committee chairman, Scott Woodman, reported on their meeting held earlier that
day.
Groundwater Quality Management Plan – Scott said that Sandy Noecker had
reported to the committee the need to get information from the FSA (Farm Service
Agency) offices in order to check compliance for the district’s Groundwater
Management Program. She said that
we have been unable to get the information from those offices.
Scott said that Ron will continue efforts to get the information through
the Freedom of Information Act, but if that is unsuccessful we may go through
the process of a law suit.
Demo Projects – Scott said that Dean Krull with the UNL Extension
Service reported on some of the demonstration projects he has been doing
including a polymer injection demonstration.
Water Banking – Scott said that Ron had given the committee a
status report on the water bank purchases and pending purchases as well as sales
from the water bank.
GROUNDWATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN – PROPOSED CHANGES TO RULES
& REGULATIONS: Chairman Vasey said there had been a hearing on the
proposed changes to the Groundwater Management Plan Rules and Regulations just
prior to the board meeting (see enclosed). He resumed the hearing and asked if there was any additional
testimony. None was presented.
He closed the hearing at 2:35 p.m. Marvion Reichert made the motion
to approve the proposed changes to the Groundwater Management Plan’s Rules and
Regulations including the suggestions from the Department of Natural Resources.
Dan Ohlman seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except Alicia
Haussler who abstained. Motion
carried.
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Ed Kyes reported on the
committee’s meeting that had been held earlier that day.
He said there had been a request for the committee to discuss hike/bike
trails. He said Jerry Hoegh, who
serves on the Hamilton County Board was in attendance and expressed some of his
concerns. There were also a couple
of farmers from the Marquette area as well as Dale Carlson.
There was a lot of general discussion. He
said that some of the NRDs in the eastern part of the state are very involved in
hike/bike trails and it was decided that a representative from one of those NRDs
should be invited to discuss their trail operations with the committee or board.
Note: Jim Bendfeldt was
absent from the meeting after 2: 35 p.m.
PRELIMINARY FISCAL 2009 BUDGET: Chairman Vasey said the board will need
to adopt a proposed budget for purposes of holding a public hearing and will
need to set the date and time for the public hearing.
He asked Ron to review the proposed budget of expenditures. Ron
said the proposed expenditures that were sent to the directors were those that
the Budget Committee has reviewed and are proposing.
He said the Budget Committee will meet prior to the July board meeting
and may recommend amendments. He
said the board will also be able to amend the proposed budget at the July
meeting following the hearing, prior to adopting a budget for Fiscal 2009. Scott
Woodman made the motion to hold the public budget hearing a half hour before the
July 24th board meeting. Marvion
Reichert seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.Marvion Reichert made the motion to approve the proposed
budget for purposes of holding the public budget hearing July 24th.
Loren Schuett seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
BIDS FOR IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT IN DAWSON COUNTY: Mark Czaplewski reported
that we had received bids from two individuals for the irrigation power units
and pumps. He said the information
on the bid letting was published in several newspapers.
Mark said Russ Spradlin had submitted the high bids.
He bid $3,750.00 for the newer power unit and pump and $600.00 for the
older power unit and pump. Alicia Haussler made the motion that the high
bids from Russ Spradlin for both irrigation power units and pumps be accepted.
Scott Woodman seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
TREE PROGRAM REPORT: Kelly Cole reported
on the 2008 tree planting and weed barrier program (see enclosed).
COST SHARE PROGRAM: Transfer
of Funds – Kelly requested that the board approve transferring $7,450.00
from the Surge Valve Program with $6,600.00 going to the Well Decommissioning
Program, $650.00 to the Fertilizer Calibration Meter Program, and $200.00 to the
Tree/Weed Barrier Program. Jay
Richeson made the motion to approve the transfer as recommended.
Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except
Ed Kyes who abstained. Motion
carried.
Applications -- Kelly reported that we have received applications for
the following cost share programs: Flow Meter Program, Surge Valve Program,
Center Pivot Incentive Program, Streambank Stabilization Program, WILD Nebraska
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. Scott Woodman
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Ed Kyes who
abstained. Motion carried.
WATER LEVEL REPORT: Ron
said that after Jesse had completed the base survey he rechecked some of the
wells in certain locations to find out what the water table has done after the
heavier rainfalls that we have been getting. Jesse
explained the schedule and locations of the wells that are read on a regular
basis. He compared levels of wells
from May 6th to June 18th.
He also reported on measurements of the river levels that are taken in
various locations (see enclosed charts).
FINANCIAL REPORT: Marvion Reichert made the motion to
approve the June financial report as read by General Manager Ron Bishop.
Alicia Haussler 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: NARD Board Meeting – Chairman Vasey briefly reported on
the meeting that had been held in Columbus, including information on their tour
of the Loup River system.
Next Board Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of July 24th.
Details to follow. ADJOURN: Chairman Vasey adjourned the board meeting at 3:07 p.m.
May 22, 2008
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: LeRoy Arends Barry Obermiller
Steve Sheen Jim
Bendfeldt Dan Ohlman
Jim Shiers Alicia
Haussler Jay Richeson
Keith Stafford
Brian Keiser Bob Schanou
Ed Stoltenberg Ed Kyes Loren Schuett Bill Vasey Dick Mercer
Stephen Schuppan Scott
Woodman
Board members absent/excused – Dwayne Margritz, Marvion Reichert and Jerry
Wiese. 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, Jesse Mintken – Resources Conservationist. Others
present – State Senator Annette Dubas – Fullerton, Ronald Dubas –
Fullerton, James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison D.C., Grand Island, Ken Gnadt –
Grand Island, Buzz Douthit – Grand Island, Pat Carlson – Central City, Mick
Reynolds – Wood River, Lori Potter – Kearney Hub, Randy Zach – NPPD.
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 April board
meeting minutes be approved as mailed. Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor,
except Brian Keiser and Jim Shiers who abstained.
Bob Schanou and Keith Stafford were absent for the motion.
Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Chairman
Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other business for future meeting
agendas. There were none.
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.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: James Huntwork, NRCS
Liaison D.C., reviewed the current Cooperative Working Agreement between the
Natural Resources Conservation Service and Central Platte NRD. He also reported
on the Food, Conservation & Energy Act of 2008. (See enclosed).
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Chairman Vasey reported that Dwayne
Margritz, Marvion Reichert, and Jerry Wiese had requested to be excused. Alicia
Haussler made the motion that the absences be excused as requested.
Keith Stafford seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion carried.
HIKE/BIKE TRAILS: Former
Grand Island Mayor Ken Gnadt addressed the board concerning the benefits of
hike/bike trails and asked that the board consider supporting the proposed trail
between Central City and Marquette. Buzz Douthit also addressed the board and asked for the
support for the proposed trail.
VARIANCE/APPEALS SUBCOMMITTEE–REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dan Ohlman
reported that the Subcommittee held a hearing on four requests for appeals of
certified acres earlier that day. He
said the subcommittee had heard a request for an appeal from Larry Nickman.
He would like to transfer water from in the Platte Basin to land in the
Loup Basin. Our rules and
regulations state that the offset acres must come from the same basin of
influence. Dan Ohlman said the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee is
recommending, and he made the motion, that the request from Larry Nickman be
denied. Bob Schanou seconded the
motion. All board members present,
voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Steve Sheen, who abstained.
Motion carried.
The second appeal was from Greg Wilke who had
previously been denied an appeal. Greg
brought new information before the subcommittee that showed the land was
irrigated. Dan said the Subcommittee is recommending, and he made the
motion, that the re-appeal from Greg Wilke be approved.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried. The
subcommittee heard an appeal from Richard Wyman.
Because of the aerial photography
of the area, they felt that they needed more information to approve this appeal.
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Committee chairman, Scott Woodman, reported on their meeting held earlier that
day.
Report on Soils Classifications – Scott reported that landowner Dave
Ogden had addressed the committee on the soils classifications in the
District’s Groundwater Management Plan rules and regulations.
Review Proposed Changes for Rules & Regulations & Set Public
Hearing Date – Scott said the proposed changes were discussed by the
committee. The changes indicated in
red were discussed at last month’s meeting and those in blue were suggestions
developed by General Manager Ron Bishop and NRCS Liaison D.C. James Huntwork.
Copies of the proposed changes were given to the directors.
He asked if there were any questions.
There were none. Scott made the motion that the proposed changes to
the Groundwater Management Plan rules and regulations be approved for purposes
of holding a public hearing and that the hearing be held just prior to the June
26th board meeting. Dick
Mercer seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
Short Term Lease of B-1 Water – Scott reviewed the fact that in order
to keep our water right we have to take water into the B-1 reservoir from NPPD
every five years. Ron reported to
the committee that we have been approached to lease some of the water on a short
term basis. Scott said the Water
Resources Committee is recommending, and he made the motion, that General
Manager Ron Bishop be authorized to negotiate short term leases on up to 50
percent of the B-1 water, not to exceed into the year that we are required to
take water into the reservoir, and that he report the details of the leases to
the board, Loren Schuett seconded the motion. All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in
favor. Motion carried. Water
Levels – Scott said the committee also heard a report on water levels
across the district. Ron reported
there has been a lot of recovery in just one year from the six years of drought.
Loren Schuett suggested the information be sent to the news media,
including the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star.
Ron said that would be done.
BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT: Ron reported that the Budget Committee
had met earlier that day and began work on the committees’ and staffs’
recommendations for the Fiscal 2009 budget. He said the recommended budget is down about $150,000.00 from
last year but Dianne has estimated that balances on hand will be down
considerably from last June 30th.
However, final information on those balances will not be known until the
books are closed at the end of June. Ron
said the recommendations will be sent to the board for review prior to the June
board meeting. He said it
would be necessary to adopt a proposed budget for purposes of holding the public
hearing, which is usually done just prior to the July board meeting.
Ron said changes can be made at the June board meeting or at the July
meeting prior to adopting a new budget. Chairman
Vasey reported that the Budget Committee is recommending that Ron’s contract
be extended for an additional two years. He
said the current contract goes until July 2010 and the committee is recommending
that it be extended until July 2012 and also that his base salary for Fiscal
2009 be increased by 4.5 percent. Bob
Schanou made the motion to approve the Budget Committee’s recommendation to
extend General Manager Ron Bishop’s contract for an additional two years and
his Fiscal 2009 base salary be increased by 4.5 percent.
Jim Bendfeldt seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM UPDATE: Mark Czaplewski
reported that Federal authorizing legislation for Program funding has been
passed by the House and Senate and was signed into law by the President on May
8th. The law authorizes the
Secretary of the Interior to proceed with the Program and includes $157 million
to carry it out. Under the
Program’s 50/50 cost split between the federal government and the three basin
states, the states will also contribute that amount in cash (Colorado $24
million and Wyoming $6 million) or equivalents for the First Program increment
of 13 years. The Program’s
signatories have finalized an agreement with a subsidiary of the Nebraska
Community Foundation creating the Program’s Land Interest Holding Entity (LIHE
– called the Platte River Recovery Implementation Foundation).
The LIHE duties and responsibilities are laid out in the Program
document. The LIHE will hold title
to land rights, but will not be directly involved in land rights acquisition or
management. With the LIHE
established and funds available, the Land Advisory Committee will work with the
Program’s Executive Director’s office and the Governance Committee to begin
pursuing Program land rights acquisition (lease, fee title and conservation
easements) in greater earnest.
COST SHARE PROGRAM – APPLICATIONS: Kelly reported that we have
received applications for the following cost share programs: NE Soil & Water
Conservation Program, Streambank Stabilization Program, WILD Nebraska 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. Jay
Richeson seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Brian
Keiser who abstained. Motion
carried.
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN TIME EXTENSION – RECOMMENDATION &
ACTION: Ron reviewed the fact that when the bill authorizing IMP’s was
passed it required that an integrated management plan would be developed in the
NRDs that are fully appropriated and if the NRD is over-appropriated the NRDs in
the basin have to develop an IMP for the basin.
The time schedule was that the plans be done in three years with the
possibility of up to two one-year extensions.
We asked for an extension a while back when the basin plan was not
completed. Then DNR Director Ann Bleed extended it for eight months.
That time is up and we still do not have a basin plan.
DNR has asked us to concur with them that we need to extend it until the
end of the two year limitation which would be in September 2009.
Ron said he would recommend that the board authorize him to send a letter
to DNR concurring with their recommendation. Scott Woodman made the motion
to extend the date for submitting the completed Integrated Management Plan to
September 2009. Dick Mercer
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Dick Mercer made the motion to approve the May
financial report. Alicia Haussler
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor, except Loren Schuett
who abstained. Motion carried.
UPCOMING EVENTS: As listed on the agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS: Next Board Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of
June 26th. Details to
follow. ADJOURN: Chairman
Vasey adjourned the board meeting at 3:17 p.m.
April 24, 2008
CALL
TO ORDER: Chairman Bill Vasey called the
meeting to order at 2:30 p.m., a half hour later than advertised because the
hearing on possible unauthorized new irrigated acres ran long.
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:
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 March board meeting minutes be approved as mailed. Marvion Reichert
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
& OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS:
Chairman Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other
business for future meeting agendas. There
were none.
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.
NATURAL
RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: James
Huntwork, NRCS Liaison D.C., briefly reported on conservation compliance
determinations in Central Platte NRD on highly erodible land for crop years 2004
– 2007 (see enclosed) and Mike Pavek, NRCS Resources Conservationist, Buffalo
County reported on NRCS activities in that county.
EXCUSED
ABSENCES: Chairman Vasey reported that
Brian Keiser, Jim Shiers, and Keith Stafford had requested to be excused.
VARIANCE/APPEALS
SUBCOMMITTEE–REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dan
Ohlman reported on the Variance and Appeals Hearing held earlier that day and
had three appeals concerning irrigation certification.
ACTION
ON POTENTIAL CEASE & DESIST HEARING:
Chairman Vasey asked General
Manager Ron Bishop to report on this item.
Ron said the question is whether the board feels the Osantowski’s were
in violation of the District’s rules and regulations prohibiting unauthorized
new irrigated acres and, if so, whether a cease and desist order is warranted,
and if it is warranted what type of requirements does the board want to place on
the cease and desist order.
Bob Schanou made the motion that a Cease and Desist Order be
issued against the Osantowski Brothers but give them the opportunity to give
Central Platte NRD access to their FSA records showing the acres in question
were irrigated in 2004, or make arrangements for offsets for all the depletions,
including for 2005, 2006 and 2007 depletions, if they decide to provide the
offsets that they work with staff to submit a plan, which must be submitted by
June 1, 2008 on how offsets for the depletions will be made, along with a time
table for the offsets. Alicia
Haussler seconded the motion.
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held
earlier that day.
WESTERN PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT &
RECOMMENDATION: Dick
Mercer, chairman of the committee, reported that the committee had met earlier
that day and had continued to work on the committee’s 2009 budget
recommendations. He said no action
was necessary on any item at this time.
PROGRAMS
COMMITTEE REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Barry Obermiller, chairman of the committee, reported that they
had continued work on the committee’s budget recommendations and also have
some recommended changes to some of the cost share programs.
Education Scholarships --
Barry said the committee discussed this year’s applications for scholarships,
to be paid for under the “Scholarships/Education” budget item. All of the
applicants are enrolled, or will be enrolled, in some type of natural resource
degree program.
RENT BIDS FOR DRYLAND IN DAWSON COUNTY & ABANDON
WELL:
Chairman Vasey asked Ron to report on this item.
Wells & Concrete Pads – Ron said on that land
are a couple of wells. He said it
would be proposed to leave the well that is along the edge of the property in
case the new owner wants to use it as a stock watering well. There is also a well in the center of the property that ran
the center pivot. In that area is
also a 20 foot concrete pad.
HIKE/BIKE
TRAIL AGREEMENT PROPOSAL:
Milt Moravek reported on this item. He
reviewed the proposed hike/bike trail, which involves about seven miles between
Central City and Marquette, as well as the proposed inter-local agreement that
has been developed by Central Platte NRD and Upper Big Blue NRD with assistance
from our attorneys. The trail would
be paid for by Inter-modal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act Program funds (ISTEA
Program) through the Department of Roads, which provides 80% of the funds.
The 20% local match is taken care of by the fact that the Nebraska Trails
Foundation owns the land.
WATER LEVELS REPORT:
Ron said that Jesse Mintken has been measuring wells this spring for
water levels. So far he has done
east of Grand Island, part of Hall County and part of Buffalo County.
He asked Jesse to report on this item.
Jesse handed out graphs showing Spring 1982 Static Water Levels, Spring
2007 Static Water Levels, Ground Water Level Changes Spring 1982 Through Spring
2007, Ground Water Level Changes Spring 2006 Through Spring 2007, Fall 2007
Static Water Levels, Ground Water Level Changes Fall 2006 Through Fall 2007,
Spring 2008 Static Water Levels, Ground water Level Changes Spring 1982 Through
Spring 2008, and Ground Water Level Changes Spring 2007 Through Spring 2008.
HIKE/BIKE
TRAIL AGREEMENT PROPOSAL: Milt
reviewed past minutes. The proposed
trail was first discussed in February 2007 and was turned over to the Programs
Committee. In April 2007 Alicia
Haussler reported that the Programs Committee had discussed the proposed trail.
Several people had addressed the committee, both in favor and against.
At the April 2007 board meeting a motion was passed instructing staff to
research whether there was interest in developing an inter-local agreement for
the proposed trail and that Ron and staff have a meeting with representatives
from the Upper Big Blue NRD, Merrick County, Hamilton County, and the cities of
Central City, Marquette and Aurora to determine if there is interest in
establishing an inter-local agreement.
LEGISLATION
REPORT: Milt
Moravek briefly reported on legislation this year that would affect NRDs.
He handed out a copy of the final NARD Legislative Report (see enclosed).
FSA
RECORDS: Ron reported that we are proceeding with the effort to obtain
access to the FSA records. He said
there will be some expenses for attorney fees and also reported that we are
getting support from other NRDs to share with some of the expense.
COST
SHARE PROGRAM: Transfer
of Funds -- Kelly Cole reported that we have received
applications for the Fertilizer Calibration Meter Program and the Tree Planting
Program in excess of the funds available for those programs.
She recommended that $2,200.00 be transferred from the Surge Valve
Program with $600.00 going to the Fertilizer Calibration Meter program, and
$1,600.00 going to the Tree Planting Program.
Applications -- Kelly reported that we have
received applications for the following cost share programs: NE Soil & Water
Conservation Program, Fertilizer Calibration Meter Program, Surge Valve Program,
Flow Meter Program, NRD Tree Planting 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.
FINANCIAL
REPORT – Jim Bendfeldt made the motion that
the April financial report be approved. Ed
Kyes seconded seconded the motion. All
board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor.
Motion carried. Barry Obermiller and Loren Schuett were absent for the
motion.
UPCOMING
EVENTS: As listed on the agenda.
March 27, 2008
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.
MEETING NOTICES:
Chairman Vasey reported that the notices of the meeting had been sent to
the news media as required by law.
MEETING MINUTES:
Dick Mercer made the motion that the February board meeting minutes be
approved as mailed. Marvion Reichert seconded the motion.
All board members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
& OTHER BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS:
Chairman Vasey asked if there were any announcements or other
business for future meeting agendas. There
were none.
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.
NATURAL RESOURCES
CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: James
Huntwork, NRCS Liaison D.C. briefly reported on EQIP contract obligations for
general and ground and surface water conservation funds (see enclosed report).
Grant Linder presented information on the soil survey available on the
internet.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Chairman Vasey reported that
there were no requested absences. Alicia Haussler had indicated she would be
late due to a work conflict. No
action was needed.
WATER
RESOURCES COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Scott Woodman, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier
that day.
Soils Classes 4e, 5 & 6 Soils – Scott
reported that a subcommittee had been appointed (Dan Ohlman, Jim Bendfeldt, Jay
Richeson, Marvion Reichert, Jerry Wiese, LeRoy Arends, Ed Stoltenberg, and
Scott) for the purpose of developing recommendations on the Groundwater
Management Plan’s regulations concerning soils classifications.
Following some discussion it was decided the subcommittee would meet at
the office on April 2nd at 4:00 p.m.
Water Banking Update – Scott asked General Manager
Ron Bishop to report on this item. Ron
said we closed on our first water rights east of Elm Creek.
That water cannot be counted as part of the over-appropriated area west
of Elm Creek. The water will need
to be used to offset new uses. Ron
said we have had a number of individuals who have contacted us about purchasing
water from the water bank. The Water Resources Committee discussed selling water to
individuals and are recommending that Ron be given the go ahead to negotiate the
sale of the water up to 10 acre feet in a single purchase.
An amount over 10 would have to be brought to the board for approval.
It was the consensus that no motion was necessary for this policy.
Violations on New Irrigated Lands –
Scott said it will be necessary to set a hearing date on possible violations of
unauthorized new irrigated acres. Ron
said the board will need to decide whether to issue a cease and desist order on
the individuals ordering them to quit irrigating approximately 100 acres that
they have been irrigating since 2005.
FSA Information – Scott said the committee gave Ron
authorization to check into options for getting the information from the FSA
offices that is needed for the irrigation certification and water quality work
being done.
VARIANCE/APPEALS
SUBCOMMITTEE–REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dan
Ohlman reported on the Variance and Appeals Hearing held earlier that day.
Certified Acres Web Site –
Ron said we have had concerns expressed about the web site that has the
signature and phone number on the form. This
information has now been blocked on the site.
EASTERN
PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION: Jerry
Wiese, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier that
day.
Flood Control Request from Village of Doniphan – Jerry
said the Village of Doniphan is having a drainage problem to the east of the
village. A housing development has been built in that area that has caused more
water to drain that way and they are having problems with flood control and
drainage.
Drainage Assistance Request from Village of Duncan –
Jerry reported that the Village of Duncan has also requested assistance from
Central Platte NRD to help alleviate a drainage problem. They have estimated that a $5,000.00 project will be needed.
Prairie/Silver/Moores Project Construction Bid Letting
– Jerry reported that the bid letting for Phase 2 Construction
had been held. Five contractors
submitted bids. Platte Valley
Construction submitted the low bid of $1,701,485.90. He said the majority of
this phase will be paid in next year’s budget.
WESTERN
PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION: Dick
Mercer, chairman of the committee, reported that they had begun work on their
recommendations for the fiscal 2009 budget at their meeting held earlier that
day.
PROGRAMS
COMMITTEE REPORT:
Barry Obermiller, chairman of the committee, reported that they had begun work
on the committee’s budget recommendations and review of the cost share
programs. He said one thing they discussed was the Center Pivot Incentive
Program and possibly allowing two center pivots per person per life-time instead
of one as it is under the present program, changing the payment to a percentage
per foot and raising some well abandonment payments.
Barry said if any one had comments or other suggestions to let Kelly know
before the April meeting.
EQUIPMENT
BIDS: Ron reported that we had advertised for bids for the purchase
of the center pivot and power unit for the well that the District had acquired
as part of the purchase of the land in Dawson County earlier this year.
The center pivot was a 2004 8-tower Zimmatic, the pump for the irrigation
well is a 40 horse electric. Ron
said we had received two bids on the center pivot, one in the amount of
$26,177.00 and one for $21,500.00. Both
of the individuals who bid were from Hall County.
The high bid was from Don Moss. There
were no bids for the power unit. It
was stated that we had received six or seven calls from individuals asking
questions about the equipment but only two bids were received.
Ron said the ad stated that the board had the right to refuse any and all
bids. The ad also gave a 60 day
time limit for removing the equipment from the site. In answer to a question Ron
said we had advertised in the Grand Island, Kearney, Lexington, Cozad,
Gothenburg, Holdrege and North Platte newspapers. A discussion followed.
Disposal of Dawson County Land & Grain Bin –
It was stated that the well power unit would be readvertised.
Ron also discussed selling the 30,000 bushel Chief grain bin and
approximately 200 acres of dryland. Ron
said he we will get more information concerning value of the pump and motor
before it is readvertised. He also
suggested the board consider advertising the grain bin with two or more acres
included so someone could have access for a semi or could perhaps put another
bin on the property. He said after
that was sold we could then consider selling the remainder of the land.
LEGISLATION REPORT:
Milt
Moravek briefly reported on legislation proposed this year that would affect
NRDs. NE Association of Resources
Districts legislative report will be forward to the directors.
STATEWIDE INFORMATION ISSUES – MISINFORMATION IN
RECENT NEWSPAPERS & LETTERS:
Ron briefly reported on some of the misinformation that has appeared in
some newspapers and the steps that have been taken to correct that
misinformation. Ron also reported on a letter that several of the directors had
received from an individual from Shelton in which several statements were
incorrect. Milt Moravek reported on
this item and said the individual had in fact stopped a project that would have
alleviated some of the water problems that he had complained about. There were several comments in the letter than were
incorrect.
COST SHARE
PROGRAM: Transfer of Funds
-- Kelly Cole reported that we have received
applications for the Fertilizer Calibration Meter program in excess of the funds
available for that program. She
recommended that $3,300.00 be transferred from the Surge Valve Program to the
Fertilizer Calibration Meter program.
UPCOMING
EVENTS: As listed on the agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Next
Board Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, April 24th.
Details to follow.
February 28, 2008
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: LeRoy Arends, Barry Obermiller, Steve Sheen, Jim Bendfeldt,
Dan Ohlman, Jim Shiers, Alicia Haussler,
Marvion Reichert, Keith Stafford, Brian Keiser, Jay
Richeson, Ed Stoltenberg, Ed Kyes, Bob Schanou, Bill Vasey, Dwayne Margritz,
Loren Schuett, Jerry Wiese, Dick Mercer, Stephen Schuppan, Scott Woodman
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 January board meeting minutes be approved as mailed. Marvion Reichert
seconded the motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor except 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. There
were none.
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.
NATURAL RESOURCES
CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: James
Huntwork, NRCS Liaison D.C. briefly reported on and showed the video on the NRCS’
national campaign entitled “Conservation…Our Purpose, Our Passion”.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Chairman Vasey reported that
there were no requested absences.
PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM:
Jerry Kenny, director of the PRRIP
showed several visuals and reported on several subjects including the area of
the Platte River basin that the program provides Endangered Species Act coverage
for. He explained the purpose of
the program, which is to recover the target species by improving the habitat and
also provide regulatory certainty and through their actions avoid future
endangered species acts and conflicts. He said what is in place at this time is
the first increment of the program, which covers 13 years. He reviewed the goals
and work that will be done in land and water management.
VARIANCE/APPEALS
SUBCOMMITTEE–REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Dan
Ohlman reported on the Variance and Appeals Hearing held earlier that day.
Dan said there was a request for a variance from Alan
Rickertsen concerning an 80 acre tract of land in Dawson County.
Mr. Rickertsen wants to change from irrigating with surface water only
right to a groundwater right where he could pump groundwater using an existing
well on another piece of property.
Dan explained that the subcommittee is requesting that the
Water Resources Committee look at the Class 6 soils regulation to determine if a
change needs to be made. The
subcommittee has decided to table all requests for variances that involve Class
6 soils until the regulation is reviewed.
Dan Ohlman made the motion that the board approve the appeal
for certified irrigated acres.
GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM – SOIL CLASSES DISCUSSION
& POSSIBLE ACTION:
General Manager Ron Bishop said there have been several discussions
before the Variance/Appeals Subcommittee and board concerning soils
classifications and the District’s Groundwater Management Program rules and
regulations. He said that Ken Woitaszewski had requested to address the
board on this topic.
HAZARD MITIGATION SUBCOMMITTEE - REPORT &
RECOMMENDATION:
Milt Moravek reported that the subcommittee (Brian Keiser, Loren Schuett
and Dwayne Margritz) had met and reviewed proposals from five consulting firms
to do the District’s hazard mitigation plan.
He said the subcommittee is recommending that Kirkham, Michael be hired
at a cost of $71,250.00 to do the plan. He
said their proposal was complete and covered all of the required items.
Central Platte NRD’s share of the cost will be 25% with a federal grant
picking up the remaining 75%.
WESTERN
PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION: Dick
Mercer, chairman of the committee, reported on their meeting held earlier that
day.
PROGRAMS
COMMITTEE REPORT:
Barry Obermiller, chairman of the committee, reported that they had begun
work on the committee’s budget recommendations and review of the cost share
programs. He also said that if any
director had any comments on the cost share programs to let Kelly know before
the March meeting.
EASTERN
PROJECTS COMMITTEE – REPORT & RECOMMENDATION: Jerry Wiese, chairman of the committee, reported on
their meeting held earlier that day.
WATER BANKING UPDATE:
Ron briefly reported on the status of the conservation easements that
have been purchased and four that are pending.
He said that of the four pending there are enough in budgeted funds to
pay for two and after that we will have to begin borrowing funds.
LEGISLATION REPORT:
Milt
Moravek briefly reported on legislation proposed this year that would affect
NRDs. Ne Association of Resources
Districts legislative report will be forward to the directors.
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,
Fertilizer Calibration Meters, Flow Meter Program, NRD Tree Planting 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.
FINANCIAL
REPORT – Marvion Reichert made the motion
that the February financial report be approved as read by General Manager Ron
Bishop. Loren Schuett seconded the
motion. All board
members present, voting by roll call vote, were in favor. Motion carried.
NARD
LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE REPORTS:
Brief reports were given by Jerry Wiese, Jim Bendfeldt, Marvion Reichert, Dick
Mercer and Bill Vasey on the conference that had been held in Lincoln earlier
that week.
ELECTION:
Ron briefly reported on the status of the candidate filings.
The deadline for incumbents to have their candidate filing forms in to the
Secretary of State was February 15th. Non-incumbents must have their candidate filing forms in that
office by 5:00 p.m. March 3rd.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
As listed on the agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Next
Board Meeting – Scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, March 27th.
Details to follow.
January 24, 2008
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: LeRoy
Arends, Barry Obermiller, Jim Shiers, Jim Bendfeldt, Dan Ohlman, Keith Stafford,
Alicia Haussler, Marvion Reichert, Ed Stoltenberg, Brian Keiser, Jay Richeson,
Bill Vasey, Ed Kyes, Loren Schuett, Jerry
Wiese, Dwayne Margritz, Stephen Schuppan, Scott Woodman, Dick Mercer,
Steve
Sheen Board member absent/excused – 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, Kelly Cole – Programs
Coordinator, Marcia Lee – Information/Education Specialist, Matt Bohnenkamp
– GIS Program Director, Angela Warner – GIS Assistant.
Others present – James Huntwork – NRCS Liaison D.C., Grand Island,
Lori Potter – Kearney Hub, Doug Thompson – Wood River, Randy Zach – NE
Public Power District, Mick Reynolds – Wood River, Tim Bachle – Wells Fargo,
Grand Island, Bruce Eberle – Wells Fargo, Grand Island, Ralph Mallard –
Amherst, Ken Woitazewski – Wood River, Scott Wieseman – Osceola, Darin
Messersmith – Sargent Irrigation, Gothenburg, John Mundorf – Mullen, Tom
Schleif – NRCS, Central City.
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. There
were none.
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.
NATURAL
RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRCS) REPORT: