Minutes from the August 8th, 2024 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 Monica Dohmen at 5:00 p.m.

Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell

Members absent: none

Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; Conservation Corps Intern, Amy Lein

A motion was made by Krause to approve the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the July 11th, 2024 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sonstegard.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The July 2024 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

A motion was made by Krause to approve the bills as listed on the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business – none

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist

New Business

Request to reserve trees for the 2025 tree sales   
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize staff to reserve tree seedlings for the 2025 tree sale program.

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Replenish petty cash    

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to replenish the petty cash fund with $75.18, for a total of $100. 

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

2024 Resolution for Use of State Aid Funding    

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to approve resolution 08-08-2024 Establishing the Guidelines for the Use of SWCD State Aid Payments.

Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District
2024 Guidelines on the Use of SWCD State Aid Payments
Minn. Stat. § 477A.23, subd. 4(b)

State SWCD Aid payments will be used by the district board and staff to carry out the following duties as outlined in Minn. Stat. § 103C.332, subd. 1:

(1) respond to and provide technical and financial assistance to landowners to maintain and improve the quality, quantity, distribution, and sustainability of natural resources, including surface water, groundwater, soil, and ecological resources;

(2) provide technical assistance in implementing the soil erosion law under sections 103F.401 to 103F.48;

(3) arrange for employees to serve on technical evaluation panels to implement the wetland laws as required under section 103G.2242;

(4) locally administer the reinvest in Minnesota reserve program under section 103F.515 and rules adopted thereunder, using knowledge of local resources to manage each easement to maximize environmental benefits;

(5) participate in administering the Wetland Conservation Act as provided under sections 103G.221 to 103G.2375, either in an advisory capacity or as the designated local government unit administering the program;

(6) participate in the local water management program under chapter 103B, either in an advisory capacity or as the designated local government unit administering the program;

(7) participate, as appropriate, in the comprehensive watershed management planning program under section 103B.801;

(8) participate in disaster response efforts as provided in chapter 12A;

(9) provide technical recommendations to the Department of Natural Resources on general permit applications under section 103G.301;

(10) provide technical assistance and local administration of the agricultural water quality certification program under sections 17.9891 to 17.993;

(11) provide technical assistance for the agricultural land preservation program under chapter 40A, where applicable;

(12) maintain compliance with section 15.99 for deadlines for agency action;

(13) coordinate with appropriate county officials on matters related to electing soil and water conservation district supervisors; and

(14) cooperate to the extent possible with federal, state, and local agencies and with private organizations to avoid duplicating and to enhance implementing public and private conservation initiatives within the jurisdiction of the district.

In carrying out the above duties, the district board and staff will use state aid payments to deliver the following services as outlined in Minn. Stat. § 103C.332, subd. 2:

(1) performing administrative services, including comprehensive and annual work planning, administering grants, leveraging outside funding, establishing fiscal accountability measures, reporting accomplishments, human resources management, and staff and supervisor development;

(2) entering into cooperative agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other United States Department of Agriculture agencies to leverage federal technical and financial assistance;

(3) providing technical expertise, including knowledge of local resources, performing technical evaluations and certifications, assessing concerns, and providing oversight in surveying, designing, and constructing conservation practices;

(4) providing information and education outreach, including increasing landowner awareness and knowledge of soil and water conservation program opportunities to protect soil and water resources and publicizing the benefits of soil and water conservation to the general public;

(5) facilitating regulatory processes for impacted landowners and providing technical review and comment on regulatory permits and development plans for regulations relating to soil and water conservation;

(6) administering projects and programs, including but not limited to the nonpoint source pollution abatement program; reinvest in Minnesota reserve conservation easements program; disaster response; local water management and comprehensive watershed management planning programs; and projects related to floodplains, lakes, streams and ditches, wetlands, upland resources, and groundwater resources, to maintain and improve the quality, quantity, distribution, and sustainability of natural resources, including surface water, groundwater, soil, and ecological resources;

(7) monitoring and inventorying to collect data that provide a baseline understanding of resource conditions and changes to the resources over time and analyzing and interpreting the data to support program implementation; and

(8) maintaining a modern technology infrastructure that facilitates planning and projects, including geographic information systems, modeling software, mobile workstations, survey and design equipment and software, and other technology for linking landowners with conservation plans.

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Rundall 2024-03-SP abandoned well sealing cost share payment   
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Rundall’s 2024-03-SP abandoned well sealing cost share payment in the amount of $1,000 from the well sealing special projects fund.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Rennemo cover crop cost share application    

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Rennemo’s cover crop cost share application at a rate of $50 per acre, not to exceed 80 acres.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Olson cover crop cost share application  

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Olson’s cover crop cost share application at a rate of $50 per acre, not to exceed 71 acres.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Workshop expenses
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize a budget of up to $400 for expenses related to a mushroom identification workshop to be held on August 24th.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

City of Baudette Stormwater Project   

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to authorize the use of SWCD cost share funding in the amount of $20,541.00 for the additional funding needed for installation of the second stormceptor as part of the City of Baudette Stormwater Project.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Funding request from Scout Troop 62  

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize a contribution to Scout Troop 62 in the amount of $110.00 from the AIS program for fees related to the Starry Trek event. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests

Area VIII Tour and Meeting – Sept 4th and 5th
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize staff or supervisors to attend the Area VIII meeting and tour in Wadena.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.  

Committee Reports 

Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board – the board met and approved funding requests

General Information and Discussion

2024 Annual Convention Awards – the award program is currently accepting nominations. 

The next regular board meeting has been set for September 12th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Sindelir Seconded: Dunnell

Meeting adjournment time: 6:20 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the August 10th, 2023 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 Monica Dohmen at 5:05 p.m.

Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell

Members absent: Roger Krause

Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; County Commissioner, Joe Grund

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the agenda as amended.  The motion was seconded by Sonstegard. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the July 13th, 2023 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Dunnell.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The July 2023 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

A motion was made by Sonstegard to approve the bills as listed on the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.  

Old Business – none

Special Reports – Michael Steinhauer, NRCS, presented updates on contracting and staffing. 

New Business

Rainy-Rapid WBIF FY24 Implementation Work Plan

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the Rainy-Rapid Work Plan for FY24 Watershed-based Implementation Funding and to authorize the implementation committee to certify any final changes needed for approval by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. 

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Athman Forest Management Plan Cost Share final payment  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Athman’s forest management plan cost share payment in the amount of $1,294.50. Funding will come from the LW WBIF program.

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Goos Forest Management Plan Cost Share final payment   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Goos’s forest management plan cost share payment in the amount of $768.00. Funding will come from the LW WBIF program.

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Gillie Forest Management Plan cost share application    

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Gillie’s forest management plan in the amount of $300 base payment plus $6.50 per planned acre, not to exceed 320 acres.  Funding will come from the LW WBIF program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Kevin Keelan abandoned well sealing cost share contract extension 

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize a contract extension for Kevin Keelan’s abandoned well sealing project until December 31, 2024.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Request to reserve trees for 2024 Tree Program  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize staff to reserve trees for the 2024 Tree Program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Karvakko engineering services for upcoming projects   

The board and staff discussed how and when to incur costs for engineering services. Suggestions included batching visits when possible, determining if a project addresses a resource concern and is cost-shareable prior to incurring costs, and ranking projects if there is limited funding.  No action was taken. Staff will work to develop a system that can be generally applied.   

Request to amend Pieper’s 2023FMP-01 Forest Management Plan Cost Share Contract

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to amend Pieper’s 2023FMP-01 cost share contract from 80 acres to 135 acres. 

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, 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

Cost share project updates: Weirsma, Chiaverini and Brateng  – the staff updated the board on the recent completion of the projects
Grant application – joint with City of Baudette – the SWCD is assisting the city with a Clean Water Fund stormwater practice grant application.   

Special Work Session date and time – August 30th at 4:30 pm was set as the date and time for a board tour.
Buckthorn program update – Trask updated the board on the progress of the buckthorn removal. 

Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure – Supervisor information review – Supervisors reviewed and initialed their information. 

The next regular board meeting has been set for September 14th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Dunnell Seconded: Sonstegard

Meeting adjournment time: 6:55 pm

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the August 11th, 2022 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 5:00 p.m.

Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir

Members absent: Nancy Dunnell

Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer;  County Commissioner, Joe Grund

A motion was made by Dohmen to approve the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Krause. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the July 14th, 2022 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

The July 2022 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

A motion was made by Dohmen to approve the bills as listed on the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

Update to Personnel Policy – leave rates
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to approve the updates to the Personnel Policy Handbook based upon the updated leave accrual rates and tiers which were approved at the July 2022 regular board meeting. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

See attachment to the August 11th, 2022 agenda for the changes to the personnel policy. 

Special Reports

NRCS Partner Updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist
See attachment to the August 11th, 2022 board agenda for a copy of Steinhauer’s report.

New Business

Purchase YSI ProDSS field meter
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the purchase of the YSI ProDSS field meter using funds budgeted in the MPCA Water Pollutant Load Monitoring Network Contract. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

September board meeting date
No action was taken. No SWCD supervisors will be attending the Area VIII tour so a quorum will be available for the regular SWCD board meeting date.   

Summer/Fall Newsletter budget
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize fall newsletter expenses up to $1,500 for printing costs and Northland Trading Post distribution costs.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Anderson abandoned well sealing cost share payment request
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the final payment for Arlan Anderson’s abandoned well sealing cost share FY2022-03SP contract in the amount of $500.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Reinvest CDs with Multi-Bank Securities
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to reinvest the two $125,000 CDs which are expiring in September and November into two new CDs for approximately a 1-year term.  
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Anthony abandoned well sealing cost share payment request
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the final payment for Nick Anthony/Ballard’s Resort abandoned well sealing cost share 2022-01SP contract in the amount of $500.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

*Commissioner Grund excused himself from the meeting

Training and Travel Requests

BWSR Board Meeting
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize Hirst’s attendance at the BWSR board meeting in Crookston on August 25th.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Area VIII Tour and Meeting
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize all interested staff and supervisors to attend the Area VIII tour and meeting in Brainerd on September 8th and 9th.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

2022 BWSR Academy
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize all interested staff to attend the BWSR Academy in Brainerd on October 25th-27th.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.  

Committee Reports 

Rainy-Rapid 1W1P Policy Committee – Hirst gave a status update on the Rainy-Rapid watershed planning process, and discussed possible structures for implementation once the plan is approved. 

General Information and Discussion

3rd Quarter Special meeting – discussion included possibly combining the third quarter special meeting with the NRCS state office tour. 

Outstanding Conservationist – no action was taken, the nominations are due September 19th. 

Lake of the Woods Watershed JPB-  Ag Specialist Agreement –discussion only. The board was notified of the current status of the agreement which was tabled at the previous JPB meeting.  A special JPB meeting will be held on August 17th and the JPB will reconsider the request. 

The next regular board meeting has been set for September 8th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dohmen

Meeting adjournment time: 7:32 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

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