Minutes from the July 11th, 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 5:10 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, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; County Commissioner, Joe Grund,  Conservation Corps Intern, Amy Lein

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

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the June 13th, 2024 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sonstegard.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The June 2024 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

The 2nd quarter budget vs actual reports were reviewed.

The 2nd quarter supervisor expense reports were reviewed. 

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

Old Business

Local Work Group – Other suggestions or needs 

No further comments were provided. 

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer presented updates on the recent job posting for the Baudette office, and the status of EQIP and CSP contracting.  The next EQIP signup deadline is September 6th. 

New Business

Lake of the Woods WBIF Forest Management Plan Cost Share Agreement
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sonstegard, to enter into the FY24 Lake of the Woods WBIF Forest Management Plan Cost Share Agreement with the Lake of the Woods Joint Powers Board.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Rainy-Rapid WBIF agreement   
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to enter into the FY24 Rainy-Rapid Watershed Based Implementation funding agreement for Streambank and Shoreland Projects.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Rainy-Rapid WBIF Forest Management Plan agreement amendment  
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to amend the existing FY Rainy-Rapid Watershed Based Implementation Funding Agreement for forest management plan cost share to increase the allocation from $16,000 to $28,000.

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

Forest Management Plan Cost Share applications  
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the following Rainy-Rapid WBIF forest management cost share contracts as follows:  

• Ant Farm Inc. – 264 acres max
• James Marken – 320 acres max
• Joseph Fjerstad – 240 acres max
• Christopher Kvarnlov – 178 acres max

Cost share is not to exceed $300 base payment plus $6.50 per planned acre not to exceed the maximum acreage.
Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Sonstegard abstained. 
Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the Lake of the Woods WBIF forest management cost share contract for Thomas Goldsmith in the amount of $300 base payment plus $6.50 per planned acre, not to exceed 300 total acres.  

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

Rundall abandoned well sealing cost share application   
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Rundall abandoned well sealing cost share application in the amount of $1,000 or 100% of the total practice cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Arsenic well testing clinic   
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the staff to organize a well testing clinic for arsenic and to offer a $15 (50%) cost share during the clinic. Funding will come from the county allocation.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Cost share application – cover crops   
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize staff to pre-approve cover crop cost share applications prior to an SWCD board meeting.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Abandoned well sealing application for Woodsmen Properties LLC
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the abandoned well sealing cost share application for Woodsmen Properties, LLC in the amount of $1,000 or 100% of the total practice cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize Hirst’s travel request to the International Rainy-LOW Watershed Meetings in Kenora from Aug 13th-15th.
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

General Information and Discussion– none

The next regular board meeting has been set for August 8th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Sindelir Seconded: Krause

Meeting adjournment time: 6:30 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the July 13, 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, John Sonstegard, 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 as amended.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sonstegard to approve the June 8th, 2023 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The June 2023 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. 
The 2nd Quarter Budget vs. Actual reports were reviewed.
The 2nd Quarter Supervisor expense reports were reviewed.  

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

Old Business – none

Special Reports – Michael Steinhauer, NRCS Resource Conservationist, presented his report. 

New Business

Request to amend LOW SWAG contract with MPCA  
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to amend or revise the SWAG work plan in consultation with the District Manager and MPCA. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Authorize well testing clinic   
A motion was made by Sonstegard with a second by Sindelir to authorize up to $1,500 in expenses for the 2023 well testing clinic and set the landowner cost per test kit at $15.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Maurice Dunn forest management plan cost share application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Dunn’s LW-WBIF Forest Management Plan cost share contract in the amount of $300 + $6.50 per acre, not to exceed 320 acres.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Eklund abandoned well sealing cost share application 

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir. to authorize Eklund’s Special Projects abandoned well sealing cost share contract in the amount of $500 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Authorize final payment for Wiersma grassed waterway
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the District Manager to approve final payment for Weirsma’s 2023-04-CS grassed waterway project upon receiving all necessary financial documents and project certifications.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Authorize amendment for Brateng shoreline protection
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to approve increasing 2023-02-WBIF Brateng’s cost share rate from 50% to 75% contingent upon the installation of the shoreline buffer.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Statewide Keep It Clean Digital Marketing campaign contract  

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize entering into a contract with the Star Tribune for the 2023-2025 Keep it Clean digital marketing campaign funded through the MPCA grant.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Authorize newsletter expenses 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize expenses for the summer/fall SWCD newsletter.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Forest Stewardship Plan Cost Share – Rainy Rapid watershed   
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize a forest management plan cost share program through the Rainy-Rapid watershed funding that aligns with policy and ranking of the LW watershed program. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Adopt resolution for use of SWCD Aid funding  
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the following resolution for the use of SWCD Aid funding:

LAKE OF THE WOODS SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (SWCD)

2023 GUIDELINES ON USE OF SWCD AID PAYMENTS

Minn. Stat. § 477A.23, subd. 4(b)

(effective July 20, 2023)

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.

Authorize purchase of chemical for buckthorn removal   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize $1,570 for the purchase of chemical for the treatment of buckthorn using Local Capacity funds. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests – none requested

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

Committee Reports – the board reviewed committee reports as presented with the agenda. 

General Information and Discussion

Soil Health Field Day – the staff presented a report on the recent soil health field day hosted by Sustainable Farming Association. 

MCIT Updates and impacts to policies – see attachment to the July 13, 2023 board packet. 

Cost share funding matrix – staff presented a draft matrix of cost share funding

Set quarterly meeting date – the board discussed holding a quarterly meeting at the end of August or early September 

The next regular board meeting has been set for August 10th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dunnell

Meeting adjournment time: 7:25 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the July 14th, 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, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell
Members absent: Monica Dohmen

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

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the agenda with the following changes: under Bills to Approve, add RMB Enviro Labs invoice D030693 ($143.00) and Always There Staffing invoice 11233950 ($1,179.65); move Steinhauer NRCS report before Old Business; add Hunter Wilson Conservation Corps Intern to Staff Reports.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the June 9th, 2022 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The June 2022 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. 
The 2022 2nd Quarter vs Actual Reports were reviewed.
The 2022 2nd Quarter Supervisor Expense Reports were reviewed.  

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

Special Reports
NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist: see attachment to the July board packet for a copy of the NRCS report. Following his report, Steinhauer excused himself from the meeting.

Old Business

SWCD Leave Accrual Policy
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to rescind the leave accrual rates approved at the June 9th, 2022 board meeting and to implement the following vacation and sick leave schedule: 

Years of Service	Hours accrued per 40
1-2 (and Sick)	3.1
3-5	4
6-9	5.2
10-15	6.2
15+	7.1

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

New Business

Annual Well Testing Clinic budget and rates
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to increase the 2022 budget to $1500 for the annual well sealing clinic due to flooding in the county.  In addition, an alternative cost share program will be offered to NW Angle residents in the amount of $25 per person for wells tested for nitrates and bacteria.  The cutoff date for the NW Angle Program will be December 31, 2022 and will be reviewed annually based on the budget.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

MARCO Printer/Copier Lease Agreement
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Marco Printer/Copier Lease Agreement #1284367 for a new Konica machine.  Trask will be the authorized signer on the electronic lease agreement.   
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Cost Share Application – Anderson abandoned well sealing
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize abandoned well sealing cost share funding for Arlan Anderson Revocable Trust.  Cost share is not to exceed 75% or $500, whichever is less. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Cost share application – grassed waterway
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize 75% state cost share funding for Horntvedt/Weirsma grassed waterway project.  Total practice cost is not to exceed $5,749.  The project must be completed by 12/31/23.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Stipend for Uniforms
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize a clothing stipend in the amount of $75 for supervisors and $100 for staff.  Items purchased will be embroidered with the SWCD logo. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Starry Trek Event
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to approve $193 in expenses for the Starry Trek Event.  Funding will come from the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid fund.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Hirst’s travel expenses for the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board Basin meetings on August 9th and 10th.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Committee Reports 

North Central Joint Powers Board – the board was updated on the recent assessment work which will help assess the need and provide direction for the future of the Joint Powers Board. 

Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board – Hirst informed the board of the recent discussions regarding the Sustainable Farming Association.  The contract with the SWCD is currently on hold.  

General Information and Discussion

Update on BWSR recommendation regarding names on contracts – update on the recent stance from BWSR regarding withholding names in board minutes for approved cost share contracts.  

The next regular board meeting has been set for August 11, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dunnell

Meeting adjournment time: 8:00 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the July 8, 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 5:00 p.m.  

Members present: John Sonstegard, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell. Roger Krause joined remote via Zoom and votes were taken via roll call.  Monica Dohmen joined the meeting after Drain Stencil Event 2021 under New Business

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, Conservation Corps Intern, Abbey Fluke

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

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the June 10, 2021 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The June 2021 Treasurer’s Report and 2nd quarter budget vs actual reports were reviewed. 

The 2nd quarter supervisor expense reports were reviewed. 

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

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – no action was taken 

PRAP wrap-up – no comments were received for the BWSR Performance Review report. 

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – see attachment to the July 8 agenda for a copy of Steinhauer’s report

New Business

Authorize funds for 2021 well testing clinic 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize $750 for well test kits for the 2021 well testing clinic to be held on August 13th. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Starry Trek 2021

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $193 for expenses for the 2021 Starry Trek event. Funds will come from the AIS program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.   

Drain Stencil Event 2021    

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $225 for the Drain Stencil event. Funds will come from the Local Capacity program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Dahlen cost share payment    

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the cost share payment for Rosie Dahlen’s 2021-01-1W1P contract.  Total final payment is $6,411.77.  Payment is contingent upon receiving engineering certification. 

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

Horter cost share payment  

A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize final payment for the Horter 2020-10-LC cost share contract from Local Capacity Funds.  Final payment is not to exceed 75% or $15,000, whichever is less.  Payment is contingent upon receiving the final invoice and engineering certification.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried.

Ditch 1 cost share 

This item was tabled. 

Forest management plan cost share program  

This item was tabled.  The board requested a review of potential maximum cost share amount per landowner.  

Plantskydd inventory and purchase request   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the purchase of one case of ready to use and one case of powder concentrate Plantskydd for resale. 

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

Close postage petty cash 

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the closing of the postage petty cash account and use the regular petty cash account for postage.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried.

Keep It Clean sign purchases   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the purchase of 30 Keep it Clean signs for $1,050 plus shipping. Funding will come from the Keep it Clean program (10%) and the One Watershed One Plan implementation funds (90%). 

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

Fee for appeal of noncompliance notice

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to set a $500 fee for the appeal of noncompliance notices sent by the County to landowners as part of the State of MN Buffer Law.  Once paid, the fee is refundable only in the event that the landowner is successful in their appeal and is found in compliance.   

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

Gunderson cost share payment 

A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize final payment for the Gunderson 2020-08-LC cost share contract.  Final payment is approved in the amount of $7,500 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less.  Payment is contingent upon receiving the final invoice and engineering certification.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Training and Travel Requests – none

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

Committee Reports 

Lake of the Woods Control Board – the board reviewed the current water level graph.  Levels are about 1-1.5 feet below the normal range. 

Area VIII Meeting – Stromlund gave an update to the board on the meeting that he attended remotely.  Resolution discussion was the main part of the meeting.  

General Information and Discussion

Open Meeting Law and end of Governor’s Emergency Powers on July 1  – the board reviewed MCIT’s guidance on open meeting law requirements and the changes that will be implemented at SWCD board meetings effective July 1 in order to be in compliance with OML. 

Cost share violation – the staff discussed multiple requests to install boat ramps or lake accesses where current cost share projects are in existence, including one violation.  Staff are currently collecting information on the sites and trying to determine the best course of action.  

Abandoned well sealing cost share rate review – the policy on cost share rates for abandoned well sealing will be reviewed during the next budget cycle.  

Proclamation of new Federal holiday and personnel policy – clarification of the employee leave policy and observed federal holidays will be reviewed during the next budget cycle.  

MASWCD Legislative updates – the MASWCD legislative updates were reviewed.  

The next regular board meeting has been set for August 12th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dohmen

Meeting adjournment time: 8:00 pm