Minutes from the February 9th, 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 5:00 p.m.

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

Members absent: John Sonstegard

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

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the January 12th, 2023 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Dunnell.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The January 2023 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: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

MN Traditions – request for support
No action was taken. 

Special Reports

NRCS Partner Updates – see attachment to the February board packet for a copy of Steinhauer’s report. 

New Business

Contribution to Envirothon program
A motion was made by Krause with a second by Sindelir to authorize $300 for the North Central Area VIII Envirothon program from the Education budget.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Always There Staffing Agreement – AIS Inspectors 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the $2 per hour proposed wage increase for AIS inspectors and to approve the 2023 Always There Staffing agreement including payment of weekly invoices from Always There Staffing upon receipt. 
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Steinbach Forest Management Plan cost share payment  
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize final payment in the amount of $1,210.00 for H&S Hunting/Corey Steinbach’s 2022 FMP-04 forest management plan contract. 
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Forest Management Plan Cost Share Application 
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Dan Pieper’s forest management plan cost share application for 80 acres through the Lake of the Woods watershed funding.  Cost share is not to exceed $300+$6.50 per acre for planned acres. The plan must be completed in one year.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Computer purchase

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the purchase of a computer through the USDA cooperative purchasing program.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
  

Internet equipment upgrade 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize up to $250 to purchase meshing router equipment to upgrade wireless service in the building and to upgrade the internet package to the Gold level with a 12-month contract.     

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

Recognition for 2022 Rain Gauge Volunteers  

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $150 from Water Plan funds to be used for rain gauge program volunteer recognition.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
  

Livestock Workshop – March    

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $1,200 from the Feedlot Program to be used for costs associated with a livestock producer workshop in March.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

AIS Program expenditures
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize AIS funding in the amount of  $2,187.50 for the purchase of promotional towels and $1,250 for geofencing targeted advertising with matching funds from Roseau SWCD. 
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.   

Training and Travel Requests

MPCA YSI Training – Vrtacnik 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Vrtacnik to attend the YSI training in Brainerd with overnight stay.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
  

Testifying at the state legislature /Keep It Clean  – Hirst 
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize travel expenses for up to two nights for Hirst if necessary to testify on the Keep it Clean legislation.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
  

IJC Semi Annual Meeting – Hirst   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Hirst to attend the semi-annual meeting in Washington DC the week of April 24th with travel, lodging and meal expenses to be covered by the IJC.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
  

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

Committee Reports 

Keep It Clean Committee – the Keep it Clean committee is working on statewide legislative action to support local efforts.  

Rainy-Rapid Policy Committee – the plan is in its final 60-day review period.  The Policy Committee has been working on bylaws and an agreement for implementation.  

General Information and Discussion

Legislative updates from MASWCD – March 7th at the Capitol – the SWCD legislative days will be held on March 7th at the State Capitol.     

Conservation Corps summer placement work and training plan – the SWCD was awarded a summer apprentice position through the Conservation Corps. A training and work plan will be developed.
   

Rainy-Rapid Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Memorandum of Agreement and Policy Committee Bylaws for implementation of the plan – the draft MOU and bylaws were distributed. 

The next regular board meeting has been set for March 9th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Sindelir

Meeting adjournment time: 7:03 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the February 16th, 2022 Regular Board Meeting

The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Ambulance Garage in Baudette, MN due to a weather-related meeting reschedule. 

The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard 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; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer

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

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the January 13, 2022 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the February 3rd, 2022 work session minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The January 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, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – continue or suspend

No action was taken

Update to personnel policy – Holidays

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the following language change to the Employee Policy regarding Holidays:

Article X: Holidays

Holiday pay is granted for the following holidays as observed by the federal government: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  Juneteenth will not be observed. 

Employees have the option of working Columbus Day in exchange for receiving Holiday pay for the day after Thanksgiving. 

There will be no Holiday pay for permanent part-time employees. 

In the event of a USDA early release, all SWCD staff may observe these times along with USDA NRCS staff, but must use Annual Leave for this time.  If the office will be closed, staff must notify the District Manager and post the closing on the main entrance of the building.  

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

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist, reported on the current CRP signup, possible Area-wide training in April, and EQIP and CSP contracting.  

Steinhauer excused himself from the meeting. 

Keep It Clean program expansion update – Joe Henry, Lake of the Woods Tourism joined the board via Zoom to discuss the expansion of the Keep it Clean program.  There is an interest from other groups to use the Keep it Clean logo and concept for their own cleanup programs.  The Keep it Clean committee is discussing how to navigate this new development.  

New Business

Peterson CPA bid and letter of engagement for 2021 audit of SWCD 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Letter of Engagement from Peterson CPA for the 2021 financial audit.  

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

The board requested that the staff acquire 2 or more additional quotes for 2022.  

Request to purchase rain gauge certificates of appreciation        

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to utilize $150 to purchase 15 gift certificates from Howards Oil for the rain gauge volunteers. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Request to purchase checks for Border Bank checking    

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to purchase 500 checks from Intuit Quickbooks for $168.98.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Accept donations for the Keep It Clean Program 

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to accept donations from Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, Alfred Kasid, and Arlyn and Donna Wendlandt for the Keep it Clean Program. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Forest Stewardship Plan cost share application – Olson Land, LLC    

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the cost share application for the Olson Land, LLC for 79.42 acres at $300 + $6.50 per planned acre, not to exceed 100% of the total invoiced amount.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Forest Stewardship Plan cost share application – Olson Family, LLC 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the cost share application for the Olson Family, LLC for 117.3 acres at $300 + $6.50 per planned acre, not to exceed 100% of the total invoiced amount.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Always There Staffing Agreement for AIS Inspectors

A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the 2022 Always There Staffing Agreement for AIS Inspectors. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

See attachment to the February 16, 2022 agenda for a copy of the agreement.  

Invoices for Newsletter

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to authorize the payment of the invoice from the Northland Trading Post for newsletter distribution. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Replenish Petty Cash

A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to replenish the petty cash account with the amount of $55.82.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Conservation Corps Fee-for-Service Work Order

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the Conservation Corps Fee-for-Service Work Order for the 2022 summer internship position.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

See attachment to the February 16, 2022 agenda for a copy of the agreement.  

Training and Travel Requests

2022 Int’l Rainy-LOW Water Quality Forum March 9 &10 Online
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize expenses for interested staff and supervisors to attend the online Water Quality Forum.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Pesticide applicators license renewal – online
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize Trask to take the online pesticide applicators license renewal training.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

MASWCD Legislative Days March 9th and 10th
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize interested staff and supervisors to attend the MASWCD Legislative Days.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Committee Reports – none presented

General Information and Discussion

SWCD Wellness fund on Balance Sheet – discussion on what to do with this existing account.  

Virtual meetings and board attendance policy – staff reviewed Open Meeting Law requirements regarding virtual meeting attendance.

Aquatic Invasive Species 2021 summary of accomplishments  – see attachment to the February 16th, 2022 board packet for a copy of the report.  

The next regular board meeting has been set for March 10th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dohmen

Meeting adjournment time: 7:30 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the February 11, 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.  Due to the COVID-19 Emergency declared by MN Governor Walz, board members and members of the public were allowed to join via Zoom conferencing.  All votes were taken via roll call.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Sonstegard at 5:00 p.m.

Members present: In person – John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen.  Remote – Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell
Members absent: None

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

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

A motion was made by Krause to approve the January 14th, 2021 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The January 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the bills as listed on the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Krause.  

Old Business

Peterson CPA bid and letter of engagement for 2020 JPB/SWCD Audit
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to accept the revised audit bid of $2,850 for the SWCD and $500 for the JPB. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Third grade pollinator planting
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize $500 to conduct a pollinator planting with third graders at Lake of the Woods School. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Special Reports

NRCS Partner Updates- Michael Steinhauer updated the board on the status of CSP and EQIP applications in the county.  He also discussed the current status of the open NRCS position in the Baudette field office. 

New Business

MOA between NRCS and SWCD   

A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the Memorandum of Agreement #N2721MOU0011071 Between the USDA NRCS and the Lake of the Woods SWCD. 

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

Conservation Corps of MN Fee-for-service Work Order  

A motion was made by Krause, with as second by Dohmen, to approve the MN Conservation Corps Project Number 501-18412 Work Order for the summer intern position.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Request to purchase pin flags for the tree program   

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to approve up to $292 of tree program funds for the purchase of pin flags for resale.  
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Request to purchase rain gauge certificates of appreciation   
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize $150 for the purchase of gift certificates from Howards for the 15 rain gauge volunteers. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Request to purchase Tablets for AIS watercraft inspections   
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $1,050 for the purchase of 7 Samsung tablets plus cases and screen protectors for the AIS inspector program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Request to purchase ‘Stop Spiny’ towels for AIS program    

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $1400 for the purchase of 833 Stop the Spread towels for the AIS program in partnership with Roseau SWCD and Beltrami County.  

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

Always There Staffing 2021 Agreement  

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the 2021 agreement with Always There Staffing, Inc, to hire Aquatic Invasive Species inspectors for the AIS program.  

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

Roseau River 1W1P Plan Participation    

A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to approve the following resolution:

Resolution #02-11-2021 – 01 TO SUPPORT A ROSEAU RIVER WATERSHED
ONE WATERSHED, ONE PLAN PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources has developed policies for coordination and development of comprehensive watershed management plans, also known as One Watershed, One Plan, consistent with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103B.801, Comprehensive Watershed Management Planning Program; and,

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103B.301, Comprehensive Local Water Management Act, authorizes Minnesota Counties to develop and implement a local water management plan; and,

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103D.401, Watershed Management Plan, authorizes Minnesota Watershed Districts to develop and implement a watershed management plan; and, 

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103C.331, subdivision 11, Comprehensive Plan, authorizes Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts to develop and implement a comprehensive plan; and, 

WHEREAS, the counties, soil and water conservation districts, and watershed districts within the Roseau River Watershed (#46), as delineated in the attached One Watershed, One Plan Suggested Boundary Map, have interest in developing a comprehensive watershed management plan for this area. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District recognizes and supports watershed-scale planning efforts consistent with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103B.801, also known as One Watershed, One Plan; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the counties, soil and water conservation districts, and watershed districts within the Roseau River Watershed for watershed-scale planning efforts in the future; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors supports an application to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for a planning grant to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan and it is anticipated full participation is not warranted; however, staff will be able to provide comments on an as needed basis.

Lower Rainy Rapid 1W1P Plan Participation    

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION #02-11-2021-02 TO SUPPORT A RAPID AND LOWER RAINY RIVER WATERSHED
ONE WATERSHED, ONE PLAN PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources has developed policies for coordination and development of comprehensive watershed management plans, also known as One Watershed, One Plan, consistent with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103B.801, Comprehensive Watershed Management Planning Program; and,

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103B.301, Comprehensive Local Water Management Act, authorizes Minnesota Counties to develop and implement a local water management plan; and,

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103C.331, subdivision 11, Comprehensive Plan, authorizes Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts to develop and implement a comprehensive plan; and, 

WHEREAS, the counties and soil and water conservation districts within the Rapid and Lower Rainy Watershed (#50) as modified in the attached One Watershed, One Plan Suggested Boundary Map, have interest in developing a comprehensive watershed management plan for this area.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District recognizes and supports watershed-scale planning efforts consistent with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103B.801, also known as One Watershed, One Plan; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the counties and soil and water conservation districts within the Rapid and Lower Rainy Watershed for watershed-scale planning efforts in the future; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors supports an application to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for a planning grant to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan and anticipates entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with the counties and soil and water conservation districts within the Rapid and Lower Rainy Watershed, to collaborate on this effort, pending selection as a recipient of a planning grant.

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

Request to purchase water sampling rod for WPLMN
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize the purchase of a water sampling rod through the Load Monitoring Program in the amount of $175.75 plus shipping. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize interested staff and supervisors to register for the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Virtual Water Quality Forum on March 10-11.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize Trask and Vrtacnik to receive CPR training at the ambulance garage.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

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

Committee Reports – none presented

General Information and Discussion

Shoen cost share update- the contractor is waiting for the right conditions to start the project
Hydroseeder purchase- discussion of the possibility of assisting the Public Works Department with the purchase of a hydroseeder to help with erosion control on projects. 
Board member eligibility for PERA– SWCD board members are eligible for PERA
Health and Life insurance enrollment periods – the personnel committee may be requested to assist with setting insurance enrollment periods for the SWCD
Legislative outreach – the SWCD presented the letter from the MASWCD regarding legislative outreach
Hard Water Angler 4-H Curriculum for Keep it Clean – presentation of information prepared by U of M Extension to promote the concept of the Keep it Clean on a statewide basis.   

The next regular board meeting has been set for March 11th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dohmen

Meeting adjournment time: 7:15 p.m.