Minutes from the March 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, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell. Roger Krause attended remotely pursuant to open meeting law requirements.
Others present: Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; County Commissioner, Joe Grund
A motion was made by Sindelir 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 Sonstegard to approve the February 9th, 2023 minutes. The motion was seconded by Sindelir. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The February 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, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business
Curt Quesnell Contract for AIS promotion
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize $1,500 of AIS funding and to enter into the agreement with Curt Quesnell for a series of promotional events. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Special Reports
NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – see attachment to the March 9th, 2023 agenda for a copy of Steinhauer’s report.
New Business
Clean Water Grant Fund Work Order between LOW SWCD and Conservation Corps A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the Clean Water Fund Work Order 220-10577 with the Conservation Corps for the shoreline cleanup. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Request to incur expenses for Area VIII training A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize pass-through expenses for food and supplies for the Area VIII Technical Team training. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Certificate of Deposit investment A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize investing a max of $125,000 for up to seven months in a certificate of deposit with Multi-Bank Securities. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Pierson forest management plan cost share application A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the LW WBIF forest management plan cost share application for Andy Pierson, not to exceed $495.
Horntvedt cost share contract cancellation A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the cancellation of Horntvedt/Weirsma cost share application and to re-encumber the funds.
AIS Watercraft Inspector Enhanced training in Bemidji
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize expenses for SWCD staff and qualified AIS inspectors to attend the enhanced inspector training in Bemidji. 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 Meeting – Dunnell presented information from the Lake of the Woods Control Board meeting. The current effort is to draw down the Lake level and leave an extra six inches of storage coming into the spring rains. The report from the Control Board is attached to the agenda.
General Information and Discussion
First Quarter Special Meeting – the board discussed holding a work session. Staff will work on topics for engineering and cost share.
The next regular board meeting has been set for April 13th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Minutes from the February 9th, 2023 Regular Board Meeting
The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
The meeting was called to order by Monica Dohmen at 5:00 p.m.
Members present: Monica Dohmen, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell
Members absent: John Sonstegard
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; County Commissioner, Joe Grund
A motion was made by Krause to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Sindelir. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the January 12th, 2023 minutes. The motion was seconded by Dunnell. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The January 2023 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
A motion was made by Krause to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. The motion was seconded by Sindelir. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business
MN Traditions – request for support No action was taken.
Special Reports
NRCS Partner Updates – see attachment to the February board packet for a copy of Steinhauer’s report.
New Business
Contribution to Envirothon program A motion was made by Krause with a second by Sindelir to authorize $300 for the North Central Area VIII Envirothon program from the Education budget. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Always There Staffing Agreement – AIS Inspectors A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the $2 per hour proposed wage increase for AIS inspectors and to approve the 2023 Always There Staffing agreement including payment of weekly invoices from Always There Staffing upon receipt. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Steinbach Forest Management Plan cost share payment A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize final payment in the amount of $1,210.00 for H&S Hunting/Corey Steinbach’s 2022 FMP-04 forest management plan contract. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Forest Management Plan Cost Share Application A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Dan Pieper’s forest management plan cost share application for 80 acres through the Lake of the Woods watershed funding. Cost share is not to exceed $300+$6.50 per acre for planned acres. The plan must be completed in one year. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Computer purchase
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the purchase of a computer through the USDA cooperative purchasing program. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Internet equipment upgrade
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize up to $250 to purchase meshing router equipment to upgrade wireless service in the building and to upgrade the internet package to the Gold level with a 12-month contract.
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $150 from Water Plan funds to be used for rain gauge program volunteer recognition. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Livestock Workshop – March
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $1,200 from the Feedlot Program to be used for costs associated with a livestock producer workshop in March. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. AIS Program expenditures A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize AIS funding in the amount of $2,187.50 for the purchase of promotional towels and $1,250 for geofencing targeted advertising with matching funds from Roseau SWCD. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Training and Travel Requests
MPCA YSI Training – Vrtacnik A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Vrtacnik to attend the YSI training in Brainerd with overnight stay. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Testifying at the state legislature /Keep It Clean – Hirst A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize travel expenses for up to two nights for Hirst if necessary to testify on the Keep it Clean legislation. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
IJC Semi Annual Meeting – Hirst
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Hirst to attend the semi-annual meeting in Washington DC the week of April 24th with travel, lodging and meal expenses to be covered by the IJC. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.
Committee Reports
Keep It Clean Committee – the Keep it Clean committee is working on statewide legislative action to support local efforts.
Rainy-Rapid Policy Committee – the plan is in its final 60-day review period. The Policy Committee has been working on bylaws and an agreement for implementation.
General Information and Discussion
Legislative updates from MASWCD – March 7th at the Capitol – the SWCD legislative days will be held on March 7th at the State Capitol.
Conservation Corps summer placement work and training plan – the SWCD was awarded a summer apprentice position through the Conservation Corps. A training and work plan will be developed.
Rainy-Rapid Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Memorandum of Agreement and Policy Committee Bylaws for implementation of the plan – the draft MOU and bylaws were distributed.
The next regular board meeting has been set for March 9th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Minutes from the January 12th, 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 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
A motion was made by Dohmen to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Dunnell. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Annual Business Items
Officer Elections
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to nominate Monica Dohmen as board chair. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to nominate the board officers as follows: Vice Chair, Frank Sindelir; Treasurer, Nancy Dunnell; Secretary, John Sonstegard; Public Relations, Roger Krause
Supervisor Compensation Rate – $125 per meeting. This rate is per day, no matter how many meetings attended. Supervisors may receive a per‐diem for travel days necessary for attending out of town meetings.
Mileage Rate – Mileage compensation will reflect the most current IRS mileage rate.
Meal Allowances – Maximum meal allowance for supervisors and employees at $75.00 per day for approved meetings.
Spending Limits ‐ District staff have permission to:
*Pay all district related bills prior to the next board meeting including: payroll, payroll liabilities, fuel account at Howard’s Cenex, Marco copier, other invoices not exceeding $200. *Pay invoices for: emergency vehicle repairs exceeding $200 or other emergency items exceeding $200 as authorized by the SWCD manager or Board Chair. *Purchase miscellaneous supplies up to $200.
Designated Official Newspaper – Northern Light Region
Annual membership dues for 2023 –
Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts $ 4,012.31
MASWCD North Central Area (VIII) $ 275.00
Minnesota Association of Conservation District Employees $ 125.00 $25/employee
C/C/OGA Membership Dues $ 84.00
Minnesota Association of County Feedlot Officers $ 125.00
National Association of Conservation Districts $ 775.00
International Multi-Agency Technical Advisory Committee
n/a
Mike Hirst
3
Lake of the Woods Control Board
Nancy Dunnell
Mike Hirst
3
International Rainy Lake of the Woods Watershed Board
n/a
Mike Hirst
10
Rainy/Rapid Board Citizen’s Advisory Committee
Nancy Dunnell
Mike Hirst
1
Rainy-Rapid One Watershed One Plan (Planning Committee Only)
Monica Dohmen, John Sonstegard
6
School Forest Committee
n/a
Corryn Trask
8
Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board
Nancy Dunnell Alternates: John Sonstegard
Local Work Group
Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell
AIS/Keep it Clean Committee
Monica Dohmen
Mike Hirst
6
AIS/Keep it Clean Committee (at large member) – $40 per diem
Mike Larson
6
Staff are preapproved for reimbursement for out of town travel expenses incurred for serving on these committees. In the event that the appointed staff member is unable to attend, an alternate staff person may take their place.
Housekeeping items were reviewed. See board packet for list of items.
Regular Business Meeting
The annual business meeting was concluded and the regular business meeting resumed.
A motion was made by Sonstegard to approve the December 8th, 2022 minutes. The motion was seconded by Sindelir. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The December 2022 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
The 4th quarter budget vs. actual reports were reviewed.
A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. The motion was seconded by Sonstegard. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business – no old business was presented
Special Reports NRCS Partner Updates – see attachment to the January board packet for a copy of Steinhauer’s report
New Business
Surface Water Assessment Grant contract
A draft copy of the MN Pollution Control Agency Lake of the Woods Surface Water Assessment Grant (LW SWAG) was presented.
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to enter into the LW SWAG grant with the MPCA and to authorize the District Manager to sign the contract when the final version is available. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Authorize equipment purchases for LW Surface Water Assessment Grant
Due to lag time in receiving equipment, staff requested authorization to purchase items for the LW SWAG grant once the grant is finalized and expenses can be incurred against the grant.
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize staff to purchase equipment through the LOW SWAG contract, including a pH sensor ($500) and replacement DO sensor cap ($150) when the grant is finalized and purchases are approved by contracting staff.
A draft budget and staff-time allocation was presented for contract work that the SWCD will be bidding on for sediment sampling on the Rainy River, which is being implemented by the United States Geological Survey through a Minnesota LCCMR grant.
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the District Manager to review and approve contract items when available.
A draft 2023 fee schedule for non-state grants and contracts was presented. A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize a 2023 Fee for Service Resource Conservationist, Senior – $58; Water Resource Technician, Intermediate – $50; Administrative Assistant, Intermediate – $40.
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize a check for cash in the amount of $77.27, to replenish the petty cash account back to $100.
Peterson CPA bid and letter of engagement for 2022 audit of SWCD
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to enter into an agreement with Peterson CPA to audit the 2022 financials of the SWCD at a bid of $3,500. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Sustainable Farming Association – agreement amendment/continuation
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize a 2023 agreement with the Sustainable Farming Association to provide workshop and education services for soil health management. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
See attachment to the January board packet for a copy of the agreement.
Training and Travel Requests
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize all interested staff and supervisors to attend the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Water Quality Forum in International Falls. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, 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
Cost share Policy for non-structural land management practices – this item will be brought back to a future board meeting for more discussion.
Correspondence: Peterson CPA and Office of the State Auditor 2021 Audit
Correspondence: Giziibii RC&D
Correspondence: MASWCD dues and 2022 accomplishments
The next regular board meeting has been set for February 9th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
