Minutes from the August 12th, 2021 Regular Board Meeting
The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard at 5:10 p.m.
Members present: John Sonstegard, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell. Monica Dohmen joined via Zoom but did not participate due to Open Meeting Law limitations.
Members absent: Roger Krause
Others present: Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; Conservation Corps intern, Abigail Fluke; County Commissioner, Joe Grund (attending remotely)
A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Dunnell.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the July 8th, 2021 minutes. The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Jordan Mayer and Barb Lusardi, MN Geological Survey staff, gave a Zoom presentation at 5:15. They covered the county geologic atlas project and next steps. SWCD Water Resources staff, Vrtacnik, has recently completed locating wells within the county as part of Phase 1 of the project.
The July 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. The motion was seconded by Dunnell.
Old Business
Personnel policy waivers – no action was taken
Forest management plan cost share program
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to set payment limits for the LW One Watershed One Plan cost share program. Cost share is a $300 base payment plus $6.50 per acre with a cap of 320 acres. Cost share cannot exceed 100% of total invoiced cost.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Special Reports
Michael Steinhauer, NRCS Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer presented information on EQIP signups and current program status. He notified the board that their office is currently taking reports of damages due to the extreme drought. He also presented information on the most recent COVID protocols in federal buildings.
New Business
Replenish Petty Cash Account
A motion was made by Dunnell with a second by Sindelir, to replenish the petty cash account with the amount of $77.09.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Hapka abandoned well sealing cost share request
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Hapka Holding LLC’s abandoned well sealing cost share request in the amount of 75% or $300, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Livestock Workshop soil/manure testing reimbursement
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to expand the soil and manure testing reimbursement from the recent livestock workshop to cover three out-of-county participants who attended from outside the 5-county partner area.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Engage services of WSN Engineering for shoreline riprap
The consensus of the board is to proceed with WSN Engineering services for engineering on lakeshore projects.
Permission to pay AC Water Analysis invoice in advance of September board meeting
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize payment of the AC Water Analysis well testing clinic invoice upon receipt.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Adrian’s Resort/Ney abandoned well sealing cost share payment request
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize final payment to Adrian’s Resort for two abandoned well sealings. Total approved payment is $300 per well, for a total of $600.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Request to purchase supplies for buckthorn removal
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize up to $250 for the purchase of buckthorn removal equipment and supplies.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Training and Travel Requests -none
Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.
Committee Reports -none
General Information and Discussion
Outstanding Conservationist Nomination – the Outstanding Conservationist Program is underway for 2021. Staff are looking for local submissions.
Pens and promotional items for SWCD – staff will provide options to the board at an upcoming board meeting.
Livestock producer workshop summary of attendee evaluations – see attachment to the August board packet. The workshop was very well received overall.
Soil and manure test kits – cost share
A motion was made by Dunnel, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize a 75% cost share program for livestock producers in Lake of the Woods County for soil and manure testing through AgVise.
- Cost share will cover 75% of the cost of a test for Soil-C (phosphorus, pH, soluble sales and organic matter) and Manure-M3 Partial (moisture, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
- Shipping is not covered by cost share.
- Participants must have either land or cattle in Lake of the Woods County.
- Participants would be eligible for one suite of tests (both soil and manure) per year.
Funding will cover a total of 30 tests. Funding for the cost share program will come from the MPCA Feedlot Program funds.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Preview of SWCD website – presentation of draft SWCD website design
Area VIII Meeting and Tour, September 23rd and 24th in Walker – all supervisors and staff wishing to attend may register.
Campaign finance – review contact information
The next regular board meeting has been set for September 9th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Adjourn: Dunnell Seconded: Sindelir
Meeting adjournment time: 7:15 pm