Minutes from the June 13th, 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 5:45 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 Team Lead, Jody Peek; County Commissioner, Joe Grund

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the agenda as presented.  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 May 9th, 2024 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sonstegard.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The May 2024 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 Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Old Business

LWCB resource agency input

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to submit a letter of input to the Lake of the Woods Control Board regarding water level management on Lake of the Woods.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Jody Peek, NRCS Team Lead

New Business

Request to purchase stamps   

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to purchase 500 forever stamps for $340.00. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Replenish petty cash   

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to replenish the petty cash account with $52.53 for a balance of $100.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Reissue dues check 

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to stop payment on check 8903 and reissue the dues to Area VIII in the amount of $275.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Request to purchase Plantskydd    

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to purchase one case of ready to use Plantskydd and one case of powder concentrate for the tree sale program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Public Works Department cost share project application   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to approve the Public Works Department cost share application for a gully repair.  Payment is not to exceed $38,500 or 100% of the total practice cost, whichever is less.   

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

Annual well testing clinic    

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the well testing clinic rate of $15 per test paid by the SWCD with the other half being paid by the participant.

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

Take A Kid Fishing funding request 

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to authorize $200 to be paid to the Keep it Clean Committee for including the Keep it Clean logo on the Take a Kid Fishing trailer wrap.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Comstock forest management plan final payment

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize final payment for Willard Comstock’s 2024-01-FMP-LW forest management plant contract in the amount of $1,223.00.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Training and Travel Requests

SWCD Governance 101
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize Trask and Sonstegard to attend the SWCD Governance 101 training in July. 

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 Control Board – see attachment to the June 13, 2024 board packet. 

General Information and Discussion

2024 Tree Program Report – see attachment to the board packet 

Planting equipment deposit  –The Board consensus was to continue with the current process.   

BWSR Soil Health Grant Request for Interest – SWCD staff will be submitting a request for interest for one-time Soil Health Grants from BWSR.  

2025 Summer Conservation Corps crew and intern applications      

SWCD staff will be submitting grant applications for Conservation Corps crews and an intern for next summer’s field season.  

Audit Planning Communication Letter  –  See attachment to the Board Packet.

Financial and technical assistance for islands and NW Angle – Discussion on the logistics and cost of providing technical and financial assistance to projects at the NW Angle and the islands.  

The next regular board meeting has been set for July 11th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Sindelir Seconded: Krause

Meeting adjournment time: 7:50 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the June 8th, 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: Monica Dohmen, John Sonstegard, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir

Members absent: Nancy Dunnell

Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; NRCS Team Lead, Jody Peek; NRCS Soil Conservationist, William Lee; County Commissioner, Joe Grund; DNR Fisheries Supervisor, Matt Skoog

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

A motion was made by Sonstegard to approve the May 11th, 2023  minutes. The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Old Business – none

Special Reports

DNR Fisheries update – Matt Skoog, DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor.  Skoog excused himself from the meeting following his report.  

NRCS partner updates – Jody Peek, NRCS District Conservationist and William Lee, Soil Conservationist

New Business

Chiaverini and Brateng cost share application

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard to approve the shoreline protection cost share contract applications for Chiaverini and Brateng at the following rates: 

Chiaverini = Cost share maximum payment is $9,208.00 or 50% of the total project cost, whichever is less.

Brateng = Cost share maximum payment is $10,213.50, or 50% of the total project cost, whichever is less.

Funding will come from the LW Watershed Shoreline Projects Cost Share fund.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.  

Arena cost share application  

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the stormwater erosion control cost share contract for the LW International Arena Association at $8,642 or 100% of the total project cost.  Funding will be allocated as 75% State Cost Share and 25% District Special Projects fund. 

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

Weirsma cost share application  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to approve the Wiersma grassed waterway cost share application in the amount of $2,137.50 or 75% of the total practice cost, whichever is less. Funding will come from State Cost Share.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.  

Supplemental Buffer funds – work plan revision

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize a work plan revision for the FY2022 Buffer Implementation Supplemental grant to utilize the funding towards the purchase of survey-grade GPS equipment in partnership with the Public Works Department.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.  

Temporary authorization for $600 survey and design fee

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize a $600 survey and design fee for shoreline protection projects where engineered riprap is being prescribed.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.  

Resolution to Adopt and Implement the Roseau River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan

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

Whereas, Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District has been notified by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources that the Roseau River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan has been approved according to Minnesota Statutes §103B.801:

Now; Therefore, Be it Resolved, Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District hereby adopts and will begin implementation of the approved Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the area of the county identified within the Plan.

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

Certificate of Deposit investment

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the purchase of a $125,000 6-month certificate of deposit from Multi-Bank Securities. 

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

Soil health workshop supplies  

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize expenses of approximately $400-$500 from LW WBIF funding for the Soil Health Field Day. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.  

Training and Travel Requests – none

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

Committee Reports 

General Information and Discussion

2023 Tree Sales Report – see attachment to the agenda

Registrations for Area VIII meeting in Bemidji on June 23rd 

Correspondence from Giziibii RC&D – see attachment to the agenda

The next regular board meeting has been set for July 13th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Sindelir

Meeting adjournment time: 6:36 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the June 9th, 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, 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 (via conference call from 5:00-5:45). 

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the agenda, with the addition of Old Business: Employee Sick and Vacation Leave Policies.  The motion was seconded by Dohmen. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the May 12th, 2022 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The May 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, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

Correction to Petty Cash
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to correct the petty cash amount on the May 2022 agenda.  The correct amount should be $61.74, not $62.01. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Employee Sick and Vacation Leave Policies
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to update employee sick and vacation leave accrual rates based on the following table: 

LW SWCD CURRENT
Type	Years of Service	Rates/Hr	Hours per year for FTE	Days per year for FTE
Vacation	0-2	0.0375	78	9.75
	3-9	0.0625	130	16.25
	10-15	0.075	156	19.5
	15+	0.0875	182	22.75
Sick	n/a	0.0375	78	9.75
LW SWCD PROPOSED
Type	Years of Service	Rates/Hr	Hours per year for FTE	Days per year for FTE
Vacation	0-2	0.03846	80.00	10.00
new	3-5	0.05	104.00	13.00
	6-9	0.065385	136.00	17.00
	10-15	0.076925	160.00	20.00
	15+	0.08846	184.00	23.00
Sick	n/a	0.03846	80.00	10.00

Increases to leave accrual will take place beginning on June 20, 2022.  

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

Special Reports

Michael Steinhauer, NRCS Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer presented his report.  See attachment to the June agenda for a copy of the report.  Following his report, Steinhauer dismissed himself from the meeting.  

New Business

Keelan Abandoned Well Sealing Application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize Keelan’s abandoned well sealing application in the amount of $500 or 75% of the total cost to seal the well, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Resolution – Keep it Clean Program
Hirst presented a joint resolution with Beltrami SWCD in support of a statewide Keep it Clean Program to be submitted to the Area VIII association as part of the MASWCD resolutions process.  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the resolution in support of the Keep it Clean Program. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Accept Donations for the Keep it Clean Program
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to accept private donations from Gretchen Mehmel, Wanda Kuechle, Pamela Dille, Elaine Riehle and Kari Larson for the David Larson Memorial Funds in support of the Keep it Clean Program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Permission to Pay Conservation Corps Invoices
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the payment of the Conservation Corps invoices for the summer internship position upon receipt.   
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Request for Dodge Truck Repairs
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the thermostat repair of the Dodge truck. 
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

2022 Flood Report  – see attachment to the board packet 

Update on Repair of Water Level Sensor – see attachment to the board packet 

Report from 2022 Tree Sales – see attachment to the board packet 

Contracting with Sustainable Farming Association
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to enter into a fee-based agreement for education and outreach services with the Sustainable Farming Association. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Well Sealing in LW County – see attachment to the board packet 

The next regular board meeting has been set for July 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Dunnell Seconded: Dohmen

Meeting adjournment time: 6:55 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the June 10, 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 John Sonstegard at 5:00 p.m.

Members present: In person – John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Frank Sindelir. Joining remotely – Roger Krause

Members absent: Nancy Dunnell

Others present: In-person – Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer, MCC Intern Abigail Fluke.  Joining remotely – Jody Peek, NRCS District Conservationist; Brett Arne, BWSR PRAP Coordinator

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

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the May 13, 2021 minutes, seconded by Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

The May 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

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

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – no action was taken 

Dahlen cost share contract approval – a motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the conservation contract for Rosie Dahlen in the amount of $6,411.77 or 50% of the total project cost, whichever is less.  Total proposed project cost is $12,823.55.  Construction must be completed by December 31, 2021. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

DNR Fisheries Update
The date and time for the DNR Fisheries update from Phil Talmage, Fisheries Supervisor, is June 30th at 5:00 p.m. Location to be determined.

Website for SWCD
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to enter into a contract for website development services with SandPieper Design.  Total proposed project cost is $3,800. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Special Reports

PRAP – Brett Arne, BWSR – Arne presented the performance review of the SWCD.  The overall review was favorable.  

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist and Jody Peek, District Conservationist.  See attachment to the June 10, 2021 board packet for a copy of the report.  

New Business

LOW County Fair Booth  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the rental contract for a fair booth space at the LW County Fair in the amount of $75.00.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Keep It Clean Purchases   
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the purchase of Keep it Clean promotional items as listed in the board packet.  Total approximate cost is $3,466.53. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Geoff Slick abandoned well sealing final payment request
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize the final payment for Slick’s abandoned well sealing.  Total payment authorized is $300.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Return of unspent funds to BWSR – Disaster Recovery Grant   
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the return of unspent funds for the MN Flood Relief Grant Phase 3A in the amount of $42,477.14. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Conservation Corps monthly invoices
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize staff to pay the monthly invoices for the Conservation Corps upon receipt. Total contracted cost is not to exceed $6,600. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Livestock producer workshop budget request 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize a total budget not to exceed $3,300 from Feedlot Program funds for a livestock producer workshop at Tom Olson’s farm.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

AIS Digital Marketing Campaign Request
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize $1,500 for a digital AIS marketing campaign that will target boaters on Lake of the Woods.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Olson abandoned well sealing final payment request

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize final payment for Olson’s abandoned well sealing project in the amount of $300. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Agreement with Roseau SWCD and 1W1P JPP for implementation of structural and nonstructural conservation practices

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to enter into an agreement with the Roseau SWCD and Lake of the Woods 1W1P JPB for the implementation of a cost share program for structural and nonstructural conservation practices. 

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

Vail abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the abandoned well sealing cost share application for Colleen Vail.  Cost share is not to exceed $300 or 75% of the total cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests – None

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

Committee Reports
AIS and Keep it Clean – actions for purchases and outreach taken during the board meeting were a result of the recent committee meeting.  

General Information and Discussion

Keep it Clean Report – Abbey Fluke, Conservation Corps Intern – see attachment to the June board meeting for a copy of the report that Abbey prepared and presented.  Spiny Water Flea refrigerator magnets were distributed to local resorts. 

2021 Summer SWCD newsletter – Trask notified the board that she would begin drafting the SWCD newsletter for a late summer distribution. 

Thank you to Jill and Jared Martinson for assisting with the Shoreline Cleanup effort – Martinsons were recognized for their contribution of ferrying the crew to and from Pine Island via their boat.  They provided transportation services for the entire day. 

The next regular board meeting has been set for July 8th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Dohmen Seconded: Krause

Meeting adjournment time: 7:28 p.m.