Category: November

Minutes from the November 21st, 2024 Special 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 4:00 p.m.

Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir
Members absent: Nancy Dunnell
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask 

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.

New Business.

2025 Wage Scale

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir to approve the 2025 wage scale (LW County 2024) to replace the current SWCD wage scale. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelirl Opposed: None Motion carried.

*The newly adopted 2025 Wage Scale is added as an attachment to the November 21st, 2024 agenda.  

2025 Wages
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sindelir to approve the 2025 wages effective January 1st, 2025 as follows:

• Resource Conservationist, Senior: Grade 16, Step B/2
• Office Assistant, Senior: Grade 9, Step B/2 
• Water Resources Technician, Specialist: Grade 12, Step A/1 

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

Update Position Descriptions

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard to approve updating the position descriptions for all current staff to the current Grade and Level.  
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Review Position Description for new hire

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir to approve the Office Assistant Position Description at a Grade 8-9 Specialist level, the Position Announcement, Application, and a December 16th application deadline.  
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Adjourn: Sindelir Seconded: Sonstegard

Meeting adjournment time: 5:00 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the November 14th, 2024 Regular Board Meeting

The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

The meeting was called to order by Monica Dohmen at 5:00 p.m.

Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell
Members absent: none  

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

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the October 10th, 2024 minutes.  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 October 30th, 2024 special meeting minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sonstegard.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Old Business – none

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – see board packet for a copy of Steinhauer’s report. 

New Business

LOWW WBIF Cooperative Agreements   

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Krause, to approve the Shoreline Stabilization Cost Share, the Ad Education and the Keep it Clean Cooperative Agreements with the Lake of the Woods Joint Powers Board.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Mawyer R-R forest management plan cost share payment
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the final payment for Mawyer’s 2023-02 FMP-RR forest management plan cost share contract in the amount of $2,380.00.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Kunze R-R forest stewardship plan cost share payment   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the final payment for Kunze’s 2024-04 FMP-RR forest management plan cost share contract in the amount of $1,021.50.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Blom R-R forest stewardship plan cost share payment    

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the final payment for Blom’s 2024-03 FMP-RR forest management plan cost share contract in the amount of $553.50.

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

Hauger LW forest stewardship plan cost share payment    
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the final payment for Hauger’s 2024-03 FMP-LW forest management plan cost share contract in the amount of $2,380.00.

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

Levasseur R-R forest stewardship plan cost share payment 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the final payment for Levasseur’s 2023-01 FMP-RR forest management plan cost share contract in the amount of $2,360.50.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Beckel R-R forest management plan cost share application
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Beckel’s Rainy-Rapid forest management plan cost share application for up to a maximum of 160 acres at $300 base payment plus $6.50 per planned acre.

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

Rennemo R-R forest management plan cost share application

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Krause, to authorize Rennemo’s Rainy-Rapid forest management plan cost share application for up to a maximum of 320 acres at $300 base payment plus $6.50 per planned acre.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 

City of Baudette Stormceptor payment request  

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the payment request for the City of Baudette’s stormwater projects in the amount not to exceed $88,740.00 contingent upon receiving all required supporting documents for the invoice.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

AgBMP loan application    

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to approve the AgBMP loan application for a septic application in the amount of $18,000 for Schwenzfeier.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Cost share ranking and project selection   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to approve the following cost share application recommendations:

Approved applications:

• Brent and Bruce Reichert, shoreline protection, $45,000 or 75% of the total cost, whichever is less. Funding from the LW WBIF shoreline cost share program. 
• Michael Klein, shoreline protection, $8,438 or 75% of the total cost, whichever is less. Funding from the LW WBIF shoreline cost share program. 
• Karl Perrson, shoreline protection, $15,000 or 75% of the total cost, whichever is less. Funding from the LW WBIF shoreline cost share program. 

Denied applications:

• Michael Kraemer

Deferred applications:

• Mathew Vickaryous, Anthony Pirkl, Larry Howard

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

Computer purchase request    

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the purchase of two USDA compatible computers and one non-compatible laptop computer for a total not to exceed $7,300.00.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Google Drive subscription 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the 1-year Google Drive subscription to a Google Business account with the intent to renew annually.

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

AIS Inspector Year End Appreciation Award 

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve a contribution of $150 per individual for four 2024 Lake of the Woods AIS inspectors with funding to come from the AIS fund.

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

Keep It Clean newsletter

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve expenses in the amount of $830 for email collection and an online newsletter to promote the Keep it Clean Program. Funding will come from the MPCA Keep it Clean Supplemental Grant.  

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

Letter of resignation  
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to accept Becky Buegler’s letter of resignation, effective February 28th, 2025.  

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

Permission to advertise and hire   

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to develop items needed for posting and advertising the part-time office assistant position. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Special meeting schedule – budget and 2025 wages/benefits   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to set a special meeting on November 21st at 4:00 p.m. to set 2025 wages and budget. 

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

Personnel handbook update 

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the Grant Agreement for the BWSR Performance Review and Assistance Program for funding to support the update of the Personnel handbook.   

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

Olson abandoned well sealing application

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve Bill Olson’s 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.

Keep It Clean radio advertising
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize $1,500 towards radio advertisements for the Keep it Clean program. 

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

VanSickle abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve Jay VanSickle’s 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.

Fjerstand R-R forest management plan cost share payment
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Joey Fjerstad’s 2024-06 FMP-RR Rainy-Rapid Forest Management Plan cost share final payment in the amount of $1,784.00. 

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

Training and Travel Requests

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Vrtacnik’s recertification workshop expenses in the amount of $260 for his Construction Site Management and Construction Installer certifications. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Committee Reports 

Lake of the Woods Watershed JPB – new cooperative agreements approved for FY24 funding

Lake of the Woods Control Board – see attachment to the board packet

General Information and Discussion

Cover crop cost share program summary – see attachment to the board packet

Peterson Company LTD letter to the Board of Supervisors – see attachment to the board packet

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

Adjourn: Sindelir Seconded: Sonstegard

Meeting adjournment time: 7:30 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the November 14th, 2023 Special Board Meeting

The special 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 Vice Chair, Frank Sindelir, at 9:20 a.m.

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

Others present:  Josh Stromlund, Land and Water Planning Director and Mike Hirst, Resource Conservationist

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to close the meeting pursuant to attorney-client privilege. 

Topic of discussion: Joint meeting with the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners and Attorney John Kolb to discuss the Williams Creek Mitigation Site.  

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir to reopen and adjourn the meeting at 10:10 a.m. 

Adjourn: Sonstegard Seconded: Sindelir

Meeting adjournment time: 10:10 a.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

A recording of the meeting is on file at the Lake of the Woods County Courthouse.  

Minutes from the November 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: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell
Members absent: none

Others present: Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer

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

A motion was made by Krause to approve the October 10th, 2023 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sonstegard.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Old Business

Employee wages and benefits
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Kruase, to have the personnel committee meet to review employee wages and benefits for the upcoming year. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – see the board packet for a copy of Steinhauer’s report.  

New Business

Approve stipend rates for online soil health training and soil health summit
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize funding from the Lake of the Woods Watershed-Based Implementation funds for a $500 per person stipend to attend the Midwest Soil Health Summit on March 13th and 14th in Mankato, and a subscription for the Understanding Ag online courses at $200 per course, minimum of 10 courses, to be offered to producers in Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Final payment for Baudette Arena Association Stormwater Outfalls    

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize final payment for the Baudette Arena contract 2023-01-CS/SP in the amount of $4,650.00 from State Cost Share FY22 and $1,550.00 from the District Special Projects fund.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Final payment for Pierson’s 2023 FMP-02 Stewardship Plan    

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sonstegard, to approve Pierson’s 2023 FMP-02 stewardship plan final payment in the amount of $393.00, with funding from the Lake of the Woods watershed-based implementation funds.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Clifford Comstock Forest Management Plan Cost Share Application    

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Clifford Comstock’s Lake of the Woods Watershed Forest Management Plan Cost Share Application in the amount of $300+$6.50 per acre, not to exceed 160 acres.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Final payment for Pieper’s 2023 FMP-01 Stewardship Plan

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Dan Pieper’s 2023 FMP-01 stewardship plan final payment in the amount of $1067.00, with funding from the Lake of the Woods watershed-based implementation funds.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Hirst’s travel to the MPCA County Feedlot Program Continuous Improvement Project Meeting in Little Falls on November 30th – December 1st.

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

Williams Creek Mitigation Site proposed settlement – see attachment to the board packet.
Present draft 2024 budget and 2023 expense vs actual review – the draft budget was presented.

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

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dunnell
Meeting adjournment time: 6:19 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the November 10th, 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.  Due to inclement weather, members Dunnell and Dohmen attended remotely in accordance with Open Meeting Law requirements.  

The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard at 5:05 p.m.

Members present in person: John Sonstegard, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir.  Nancy Dunnell and Monica Dohmen attended remotely. 

Members absent: None

Others present: Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS District Conservationist, Jody Peek; County Commissioner, Joe Grund

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

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the October 13th, 2022 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Dohmen.

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

Old Business – none

Special Reports – Jody Peek, NRCS District Conservationist, attended remotely and presented her report. See attachment to the November 10th, 2022 board packet for a copy of Peek’s report. 

New Business

Blaeser 2022 FMP-03 Forest Management Plan Final Payment
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize final payment for Blaeser’s 2022 FMP-03 Forest Management Plan in the amount of $800.50.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Carlson 2022-04-WP Abandoned Well Sealing Final Payment
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the Carlson 2022-04-WP abandoned well sealing cost share payment in the amount of $500. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Certificate of Deposit investments
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second  by Sindelir, to authorize a certificate of deposit with MultiBank Securities in the amount of $125,000 for up to 6 months. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests – no requests

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

Committee Reports
Lake of the Woods Control Board – Dunnell presented updates from the Lake of the Woods Control Board meeting.  Water levels are getting back on track.  The management strategy will be similar to the strategy after 2014, which would keep water levels lower during the summertime to allow for repairs and sand building. 

Area VIII Technical Service Area – Trask presented on the recent manager’s meeting for the TSA8.  The managers recommend restructuring.  SWCDs will likely be asked to contribute dues each year to be used for the grant match, and in return would receive a portion of the grant plus services from contracted positions (GIS and marketing). 

General Information and Discussion

Presentation of 2023 draft budget – the draft budget was reviewed.  The board instructed the personnel committee to meet prior to the December board meeting to discuss wage and benefits for 2023.   

Health insurance settlement refund – this will be discussed during the personnel committee meeting.

2022 LOW AIS watercraft inspection data – see report attached to the November 10, 2022 agenda.

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

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Sindelir

Meeting adjournment time: 6:25 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Minutes from the November 4th, 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, Monica Dohmen, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell. Remote via Zoom – Roger Krause

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 Sindelir 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 Dohmen to approve the October 8th, 2021 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Dunnell.

The October Treasurer’s Report was unavailable for review.  

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

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – continue or suspend – consensus of the board was to continue with the waivers.  

Special Reports

NRCS Partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer’s report included CSP payments for 69 contracts, the upcoming EQIP deadline of November 19th, and CSP renewals.  

New Business

Personnel policy, 2022 wages and benefits and 2022 budget   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to increase the supervisor per diem rate to $125 per day, effective the first day of the 4th quarter (October 1, 2021).
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Grant Extension Amendment for FY19 Local Capacity  
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the FY19 Local Capacity grant extension amendment to extend the end date of the grant until December 31, 2022. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Authorize return of unspent funds – Bostic CWF Grant   
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the return of unspent Bostic Watershed Clean Water funds to the Board of Water and Soil Resources due to the project coming in under budget.  Total amount authorized will be based on the grant Financial Report, to be signed-off by the District Manager. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Authorize Duane Fadness forest stewardship plan cost share application    

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Fadness’s forest stewardship plan cost share application in the amount of $300 + $6.50 per acre, with total acres not to exceed 40.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Extend abandoned well sealing cost share applications  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the extension of all active abandoned well sealing contracts until December 31, 2022.  

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

Employee Assistance Program – MCIT vs Medica 

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to rescind the portion of the October 14, 2021 motion which stated the SWCD would purchase the Employee Assistance Program through Medica. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

*A similar employee assistance program is already available through MN Counties Insurance Trust.

AIS Program Purchases  
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to purchase 2,500 towels and 6 vests with AIS program funding.  Total cost is approximately $3,861.70 with Roseau SWCD covering one-half of the cost.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Landscape Stewardship Plan for Rainy-Rapid Watershed
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize a budget of up to $300 for the purchases of meeting supplies including food and refreshments as part of three landscape stewardship planning workshops to be held over the course of the next six months. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Cost share violation
No action was taken.

Training and Travel Requests

MASWCD Annual Convention
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize travel expenses for staff and supervisors who wish to attend the MASWCD convention in Bloomington on December 12-14. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Committee Reports
AIS and Keep it Clean

General Information and Discussion

Communication: letter from Peterson Company LTD regarding audit – see board packet.  

Abandoned well sealing cost share rates – general information on possibly raising current cost share rates for well sealing was presented. Action will be taken at the December board meeting.      

Koochiching SWCD Forester and stewardship plan writing for LW County – Trask notified the board that the Koochiching SWCD Forester was currently writing plans in Lake of the Woods County.     

Cost share program – tabled discussion

The next regular board meeting has been set for December 9th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Dunnell Seconded: Krause

Meeting adjournment time: 8:00 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________