Minutes from the May 11th, 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

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

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

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

The April 2023 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 Opposed: None Motion carried

Old Business – none

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – see attachment to the May 11th, 2023 agenda for a copy of Steinhauer’s report. 

New Business

Authorize Goos Forest Stewardship Plan cost share contract  
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the Goos Forest Stewardship Plan cost share contract for 74.2 acres at a rate of $300 base payment plus $6.50 per planned acre.  The contract end date is one year from approval. 

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

Authorize printing costs for Rainy-Rapid plan    

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Krause, to authorize printing costs from Quote #27774 from Arrow Printing for the Rainy-Rapid plan. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried

Fee for Service Work Order with Conservation Corps 

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the Fee for Service Work Order with the Conservation Corps of MN for approximately 1 week of buckthorn removal services.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried

Karvakko Proposal for Conservation Engineering Services  
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the Karvakko on-call proposal for conservation engineering services. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried
  

Authorize Load Monitoring contract change order 
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the Load Monitoring contract change order to move $682.45 from equipment and supplies to mileage and shipping. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried

Replenish petty cash  
A motion was made  by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $61.14 to replenish the petty cash fund.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried

Keep It Clean donation  
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to accept a donation from Sporting Journal Radio of $360 for the Keep it Clean Program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried

Landowner Fee for Service policy  
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to repeal the following SWCD Policies due to the discontinuation of the JPB engineering program: NCMNJPB Services – District Cooperator’s Agreement and NCMNJPB Survey/Engineering Fee Collection.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried

Repeal Water Plan Committee per diem   

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to repeal the SWCD Water Plan Committee per diems policy due to the discontinuation of the Water Plan Committee.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried
 
Pine Island study 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to pledge $22,500 for the Pine Island study.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried   

Recognition of State holidays
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to amend the SWCD employee policy to include language about recognizing State holidays and to also recognize Juneteenth, Minnesota’s newest state holiday, beginning in 2023.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried
  

Summer intern position
Options for summer assistance were discussed by the board.  No action was taken.

Training and Travel Requests – none

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

Committee Reports  – none

General Information and Discussion

Well sealing contract for services – staff presented information on current actions taken by the SWCD to help streamline well sealing projects and encourage well sealing in the county.

Local Work Group – the Local Workgroup will meet at 4:30 in the Boardroom of the County Government Center prior to the June 8th meeting.  A quorum of SWCD board members may be present but no official actions will be taken. 

Call for Resolutions – SWCD resolutions are due to the Area by the June 23rd meeting. 

Legislative Action Alert
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Stromlund to utilize the Crow Wing SWCD example to draft legislative action alerts in support of dedicated SWCD funding from the general fund.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried
  

The next regular board meeting has been set for June 8th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Sonstegard Seconded: Krause 

Meeting adjournment time: 7:45 p.m. 

Following the meeting, the board took a tour of the Tree Program building.  

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the May 12th, 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;  County Commissioner, Joe Grund

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

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

The April 2022 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 Dohmen. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

Staff leave policies and personnel committee – the personnel committee will discuss staff leave policies and will bring a recommendation back to the full board.  No official action was taken. 

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer reported on staffing, COVID status, current program contracts and the upcoming local workgroup meeting. 

New Business

Replenish Petty Cash
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to replenish the petty cash account with $62.01. 

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

Copier lease agreement – Marco
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dohmen, to move forward with a 5-year lease agreement with Marco for a new printer/copier/scanner. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Purchase promotional pens
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize up to $500 for the purchase of promotional pens.   

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

Allocation of funds to Drainage Authority for attorney consulting
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to allocate the Buffer Implementation Increased Capacity funding to the county drainage authority for consultation services from Rinke Noonan. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Hahn Forest Management Plan cost share application
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize forest management plan cost share funding for Jeremy Hahn at $6.50/acre plus $300, not to exceed 240 acres.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

H&S Hunting, LLC (Steinbach) Forest Management Plan cost share application  
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize forest management plan cost share funding for H&S Hunting LLC (Corey Steinbach) at $6.50/acre plus $300, not to exceed 180 acres. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

AgBMP Loan application 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the AgBMP loan application for Arnesen’s Rocky Point, Inc for the purchase of porta potties and a pumper truck to manage human waste during the winter ice fishing season.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Radar water level sensor repair 
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize shipping the damaged radar water level sensor to Campbell Scientific for diagnosis. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Local Work Group Meeting   
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to set the Local Work Group meeting for June 1st at 1:00 at the Ambulance Garage in Baudette.  The meeting will be posted to allow all board members to attend. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Olson Family LLC cost share payment request   
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the forest management plan cost share payment for Olson Family LLC 2022FMP-02 in the amount of $1,062.45 upon submittal of all required paperwork.  

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

Olson Land LLC cost share payment request 
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the forest management plan cost share payment for Olson Land LLC 2022FMP-01 in the amount of $768.00 upon submittal of all required paperwork. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests

Admin Training Session
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Buegler’s attendance at the Admin Training Session in Brainerd on June 29-30.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Area VIII Meeting
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize staff and supervisors to attend the Area VIII meeting in Bemidji on June 10th.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, 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

Call for Resolutions – discussion on developing a Keep it Clean resolution to promote current legislative efforts

International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board Community Advisory Group membership openings – Hirst notified the board of the current vacancy

The next regular board meeting has been set for June 9th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Sindelir Seconded: Dohmen

Meeting adjournment time: 7:10 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the May 13, 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, Frank Sindelir.  Remote: Roger Krause
Members absent: Nancy Dunnell, Monica Dohmen
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; Remote: Michael Steinhauer, NRCS Resource Conservationist

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

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the April 8th, 2021 minutes, seconded by Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

The April 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

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

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – continue or suspend – no action was taken. 

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer reported on approved EQIP contracts, CSP applications and the current staffing and masking requirements due to the COVID pandemic.

New Business
Dahlen shoreline protection cost share application
No action was taken.  This item was tabled until the June meeting.  

Olson Abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Olson abandoned well sealing cost share contract in the amount of $300 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Ellis Abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the Ellis abandoned well sealing cost share contract in the amount of $300 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Clean Water Fund Grant Work Order for the shoreline cleanup
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Conservation Corps Clean Water Fund Grant Work Order for the shoreline cleanup with Hirst as the authorized representative.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Dodge air conditioning
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the repair of the Dodge air conditioning at Wherley Motors. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Tree Program pending invoices
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize final payment of DNR State Forest Nursery invoice upon receiving the invoice and verifying the accuracy.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Replenish Petty Cash Account 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize a check for cash in the amount of $48.35 to replenish the petty cash account.  

Affirmative: Sonstegard, 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
International Rainy – Lake of the Woods Watershed Board update – see attachment to the board packet. 

General Information and Discussion

• Website for SWCD – the board reviewed possible website hosting options for the new SWCD website and provided recommendations for seeking and evaluating additional quotes.
• Community sewer system needs and options study – the concept for strategic planning for community sewer system was discussed.  Stromlund has been reaching out to possible partners and the staff is looking into building support for, and funding the development of, a strategic plan.  
• Rainy-Rapid – One Watershed One Plan Discussion – the staff notified the board that the application for planning grants are now being accepted. Through discussions with partnering entities, it has been decided that LW SWCD will pursue a grant on behalf of the group.     
• Livestock Producer Workshop July 30th – see attachment to the board packet. 
• 2021 Tree Program Report – see attachment to the board packet.

The next regular board meeting has been set for June 10, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Sindelir Meeting adjournment time: 7:03 p.m.