August 24, 2009 -- 8:00 P.M.
O’Neill, Nebraska
CALL TO ORDER, STATEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENT AND OPEN MEETING LAW NOTIFICATION:
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order at 8:06 P.M. by Chairman Dale Wiles.
DIRECTORS PRESENT:
Chris Dierks Gregg Felker Reg Green Ted Hughes Jim Keller
Tim Knuth Jeff Krebs Mike Russman Dale Wiles
DIRECTORS ABSENT:
Jerry Childers James Dvorak Curtis Gotschall Jerry Heithoff Janet Koinzan
Roy Stewart
STAFF PRESENT:
Dennis Schueth, General Manager
Beth Walsh, Information & Education Coordinator
Marsha Hart, Administrative Secretary
Tom Riley, Water Resources Manager
Nick Hoffman, Water Resources Technician
GUESTS PRESENT:
Ken Kruntorad – Ewing – Field-Wise
Jaren Kruntorad – Ewing – Field-Wise
Jerry Kovarik – O’Neill - NRCS
AGENDA:
The Agenda was reviewed by the Directors. ]It was moved by Jim Keller and seconded by Ted Hughes to adopt the amended Agenda. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the July Meeting were reviewed by the Directors. ]It was moved by Reg Green and seconded by Tim Knuth to approve the minutes of the July Meeting. AYE: Dierks, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Felker & Krebs. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
TREASURERS REPORT:
]It was moved by Reg Green and seconded by Jim Keller to approve the July Treasurers Report. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
FIELD-WISE (KENNY & GERALD KRUNTORAD, ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST-CHEMIGATION PRESSURE SENSOR):
Ken and Jared Kruntorad, FieldWise, LLC attended the board meeting to request the UENRD partner with their company for the purpose of attaining an Environmental Trust grant and share information on the development of a new chemigation sensor. FieldWise is looking for partners for the project which would not require any monetary contribution on the NRD’s part but in-kind services. The Water Quality Committee and other Board members reviewed the request and information provided.
]It was moved by Jeff Krebs and seconded by Jim Keller to decline the FieldWise proposal. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC FORUM-INPUT:
LB 483 & Fully Appropriated-Designation Impacts: ]It was moved by Jim Keller and seconded by Ted Hughes to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing legal issues at 8:21 PM. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED. ]It was moved by Jim Keller and seconded by Gregg Felker to come out of Executive Session at 8:58 PM. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCY & STAFF REPORTS:
NARD Report: Ted Hughes reported that he attended the benefits meeting August 18th with Marsha Hart. The Committee reviewed the revised NARD 457 plan; took action to interview and retain new legal counsel; they made changes to the retirement fund options; and, reviewed the finances of the program. Fall Conference is scheduled for September 27-29 at the Holiday Inn in Kearney. Directors planning to attend included; Hughes, Wiles, Knuth, Dierks, Felker, Krebs, Green and Russman. Beth will contact the rest of the Directors and get the registration sent to the NARD office. Hotel reservations have also been made for the Directors and confirmation information will be sent out in the September packet mailing. The NARD office has also requested the voting delegates for the conference. ]It was moved by Ted Hughes and seconded by Chris Dierks appoint Dale Wiles as the delegate and Tim Knuth as the alternate. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Krebs & Russman. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Knuth & Wiles. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
NARD Resolutions: Dennis Schueth handed out and reviewed the list of resolutions submitted to the NARD. He also discussed the possibility of including the 3 cent funding mechanism in one of the proposed resolutions to help fund the additional work needed to develop the IMPs. ]It was moved by Reg Green and seconded by Ted Hughes to offer a friendly amendment to one of the current resolutions which would include the 3 cent funding mechanism to develop the Integrated Management Plan. AYE: Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: Dierks. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
Interim Studies: A schedule of the interim study hearings was included in the Directors packets. Dennis Schueth discussed the upcoming hearing dates and reported that he would be attending the LR 181 hearings.
DNR Report: No Report.
NRCS Report: Jerry Kovarik reported that the field offices are still working on new EQIP contracts. They will be finishing them up within the next two weeks and then begin the Annual Status Reviews. Jerry also passed out a copy of the Conservation Stewardship Program and reported on the producer meetings held to promote the program to landowners.
RC&D Report:
North Central RC&D: Included in Directors packet.
Loup Basin RC&D: Included in Directors packet.
Northeast RC&D: Included in Directors packet.
Information & Education Report: Beth Walsh’s report was mailed out in the Director’s packets. There were questions regarding the attendance at the county fairs and number of water screenings; and, the increase in chemigation applications this year.
Water Resources Report: Dennis Schueth introduced Tom Riley, new Water Resources Manager, and Nick Hoffman, new Water Resources Technician. Both are settling in to their new positions.
EBVC Update: No Report.
ELM Update: Dennis Schueth reported that they had a meeting August 21. USGS and DNR seem to be having trouble agreeing on the stream flows that should be used in the model. DNR has also asked to have a 3rd party review of any additional reports regarding the ELM study.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
]It was moved by Jim Keller and seconded by Ted Hughes to excuse the absence of Jerry Childers, James Dvorak, Curtis Gotschall, Jerry Heithoff, Janet Koinzan & Roy Stewart. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
DAVID WILLATS/PAUL RENNER IRRIGATION ISSUE:
Dennis Schueth informed the Board of Directors of a complaint issued by David Willats regarding land being operated by Paul Renner. Paul Renner submitted a letter to the Board explaining his side of the issue which was distributed at the board meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Legislative, Budget and Finance: The Legislative, Finance and Planning Committee met prior to the Board meeting and reviewed all the bills. ]It was moved by Reg Green and seconded by Jeff Krebs to approve the current bills for payment. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED. There was one cost-share application reviewed by the committee. ]It was moved by Reg Green and seconded by Mike Russman to approve cost share application pending funding. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
Water Resources and Watershed Committee Report & Recommendations: Gregg Felker reported that the committee discussed the Natural Resources Water Quality Fund and that the District is picking up more of the expenses for flowmeter costshare. This is because only 50% of the Environmental Trust funds can be used. The Committee will also be resuming their work on the Groundwater Management Plan Rules and Regulations. Dennis Schueth reported that the NRD will be holding 2 informational meetings to update cooperators on the current water issues and LB 483 rules and regulations. The first meeting will be September 9 at 7:00 PM in Neligh American Legion and the second will be September 23 in O’Neill at the Courthouse Annex. Dennis Schueth also reported that there are group of NRDs considering putting Attorney Jaron Bromm on retainer to handle water issues in Nebraska.
UENRD FY 09-010 BUDGET PROPOSAL:
Wellness Program: Dennis Schueth and Marsha Hart reviewed the proposed UENRD Wellness Program and budget of $2700. The Wellness Program was initiated through the NARD Insurance and Retirement committee in an effort to promote awareness and healthier living which in turn might reduce/maintain insurance premiums. The Board reviewed the proposal and discussed whether or not the District should fund any portion of the program. ]It was moved by Jim Keller and seconded by Ted Hughes to approve funding in the amount of $897 for the UERND Wellness Program. AYE: Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth & Krebs. NAY: Dierks, Felker, Russman & Wiles. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
Open Discussion-Update on Proposed Budget: Dennis Schueth passed out and reviewed the updated property valuations and amended information regarding the proposed budget.
Recommendation on Additional 1% Taxing Authority: No action was taken.
Recommendation to publish and set FY 09-010 Budget Hearing and Special Hearing to Set Final Tax Request: ]It was moved by Ted Hughes and seconded by Gregg Felker to approve the proposed budget for publication. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED. ]It was moved by Jim Keller and seconded by Chris Dierks to hold the FY 09-010 Budget Hearing and Special Hearing to Set Final Tax Request September 14, 2009. AYE: Dierks, Felker, Green, Hughes, Keller, Knuth, Krebs, Russman & Wiles. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Childers, Dvorak, Gotschall, Heithoff, Koinzan & Stewart. MOTION CARRIED.
COALITION/TASK FORCE UPDATE:
Nebraska Habitat Conservation Coalition (Piping Plover): No Report.
Nebraska Ground Water Management Coalition: No Report.
Lower Platte Basin Coalition Water Policy Task Force Meetings: Dennis Schueth reported that they met with G&P staff on August 19 and discussed the Pallid Sturgeon report and peer review. The LPBC technical team will be meeting with G&P to discuss the possible impacts the study could have in the Lower Platte River Basin.
NIOBRARA RIVER BASIN FULLY APPROPRIATED DESIGNATION – ACTION:
Dennis Schueth reported that there has been no word on the challenge from the attorney.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:
Dennis Schueth’s report was mailed out to the directors prior to the board meeting in their packets. A copy is included with the official copy of the minutes in the office. .
The next board meeting will be held September 14, 2009 at 8:00 pm.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.M.