March 14th, 2024

Minutes from the March 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, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell

Members absent: Roger Krause

Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; County Commissioner, Joe Grund

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the agenda with the addition of the RMB Load Labs Invoice D056594 for $250.  The motion was seconded by Sonstegard. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the February 8th, 2024 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Special Reports

Bob Guthrie – MN DNR Region 1 Area Groundwater Appropriation Hydrologist – Guthrie presented on the process for reviewing groundwater appropriation permits.  There are three current permit applications in Lake of the Woods County. Two are for agricultural irrigation and one is for a gravel pit. 

Sindelir excused himself from the meeting.

Old Business

HSA contribution

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to approve payment of HSA monthly fee at Border Bank for all eligible employees in one lump sum at the beginning of the year
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, 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

Letter of support for Keep It Clean Legislation 
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to submit a letter of support for the Keep it Clean legislation which provides funding and a state agency lead for the program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
  

Request to purchase a QuickBooks yearly subscription
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to purchase the Quickbooks Desktop Pro Plus yearly subscription.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Envirothon contribution   
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to contribute $300.00 to the Envirothon program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

MPCA Surface Water Assessment Grant amendment  
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the District Manager to sign the MPCA Surface Water Assessment Grant amendment to increase funding for shipping and laboratory costs. 

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

Aery abandoned well sealing application  
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to approve Tim Aery’s abandoned well sealing cost share application to seal two wells. Cost share is approved at $1,000.00 per well, with payment not to exceed 100% of the total cost.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Rainy-Rapid WBIF Cooperator Agreements    

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the Rainy-Rapid Cooperator Agreements for SWCD Administration and the Forest Management Plan Cost Share Program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Purchase Pin Flags for Tree Program   

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the purchase of pin flags for the Tree Program at a cost of $310.70 for 26 bundles.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

LOW County Fair Agreement

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the rental agreement for the Lake of the Woods County Fair booth for 2024. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

R-R Forest Management Plan cost share applications 
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to allocate $1,600 from County Allocation to the Rainy-Rapid Forest Management Plan Cost Share Program for the FY24 grant cycle.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the Forest Management Plan Cost Share applications for Waconia Hunt Club (120 acres) and Anthony Kunze (120 acres).  The cost share rate, per contract, is not to exceed $300 base payment plus $6.50 per planned acre, or 100% of the total cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 


MOA with City of Baudette

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Baudette for implementation of the City of Baudette Stormwater BMPs Clean Water Fund Grant (C24-0033).
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests – none

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

Committee Reports 

Rainy-Rapid Policy Committee – see attachment to the agenda   

Lake of the Woods Control Board – see attachment to the agenda

General Information and Discussion

*Demonstration of SWCD Project Mapping  

*Additional Forest Management Planning Cost Share funds  

*Rain barrel workshop   

*Special work session discussion, April 11th – a decision was made to postpone this session. 

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

Adjourn: Dunnell Seconded: Sonstegard

Meeting adjournment time: 7:20 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

February 8th, 2024

Minutes from the February 8th, 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: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; 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 Dunnell to approve the January 11th, 2024 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

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

Old Business
Vehicle purchase 
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the purchase of a 2023 Ford F150 through the County Public Works Department state contract. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The consensus of the board was to authorize the purchase of vehicle accessories with total vehicle plus accessories cost not to exceed the amount budgeted in the 2024 SWCD budget.

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

New Business

Henning RR Forest Management Plan Cost Share Application   
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the Rainy-Rapid Forest Management Plan cost share application for Timothy Daniel Henning Revoc Trust at $300 base payment plus $6.50 per planned acre, not to exceed 240 acres. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Vail 2021-03SP abandoned well sealing cost share payment    

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize final payment for Vail’s abandoned well sealing contract in the amount of $500.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Operating Funds – Well Sealing Assigned Account   
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the establishment of an assigned fund account for $20,000 with funding received from Lake of the Woods County to be used towards an abandoned well sealing program.  
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.


Cover crop policy and payment rates  
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to adopt the Cover Crop payment rates of $25 per acre for single species and $50 per acre for multiple species, for a maximum of 80 acres.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.


LW WBIF FY24 Admin/Coordination Agreement  
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to enter into the Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board Watershed-Based Implementation Funding FY24-01 agreement for Administration and Coordination services.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.


State of MN Master Joint Powers Agreement    

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to enter into the State of MN Professional and Technical Services Master Joint Powers Board SWIFT Contract #241849 for RIM services and to authorize the District Manager to sign the agreement. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: Dohmen Motion carried.

MPCA Load Monitoring Contract 2024   

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the District Manager to sign the 2024 MPCA Load Monitoring Contract when the final draft is completed.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Letter of support request from the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to send a letter of support for the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation’s funding application to the ECCC Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative for Lake of the Woods to support efforts to reduce phosphorus loading. 

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

First quarter meeting date, time, subject and budget   
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to approve a budget of $1,200 for food, facilitator and location expenses for a special board retreat and planning session. 

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


Gillie LOWW WBIF forest management plan cost share payment
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize final payment for Gillie’s forest management plan contract #2023-FMP-06 in the amount of $1,537.00 from the Lake of the Woods WBIF funding. 

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

Horntvedt R-R WBIF forest management plan cost share application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the Rainy-Rapid Forest Management Plan cost share application for Horntvedt, Norske Acres LLC at $300 base payment plus $6.50 per acre, not to exceed 320 acres.  

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

Blom R-R forest management plant cost share application
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the Rainy-Rapid Forest Management Plan cost share application for Joann Blom at $300 base payment plus $6.50 per acre, not to exceed 40 acres.  

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


Walton LOWW WBIF forest management plan cost share application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Lake of the Woods Watershed Forest Management Plan cost share application for James Walton at $300 base payment plus $6.50 per acre, not to exceed 160 acres.  

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


Recognition for 2023 Rain Gauge Volunteers
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $320 of Water Plan funds to be used towards rain gauge volunteer recognition. 

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

2024 Medica Plan Document
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the District Manager to sign the 2024 Medica Plan document. 
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 Vrtacnik’s training and travel expenses to attend a Frontier Precision training
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
Proposed Keep It Clean legislation – presentation of proposed funding legislation
MASWCD Legislative Webinar, Briefing, and Day at the Capitol  – March 13th is SWCD Day at the Capitol. 

The next regular board meeting has been set for March 14th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Sonstegard Seconded: Krause

Meeting adjournment time:  6:48 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

January 11th, 2024

Minutes from the January 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 5:00 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 Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer;  County Commissioner, Joe Grund; BWSR Board Conservationist, Chad Severts

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

Annual Organizational Meeting Items

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the annual business items as follows: 

  • Officer Elections 

2024 SWCD offices are as follows:

District Chair,  Monica Dohmen

Vice Chair, Frank Sindelir

Treasurer, Nancy Dunnell

Secretary, John Sonstegard

Public Relations, Roger Krause

  • Monthly Meeting date, time and location

Second Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m.  in the Boardroom of the County Government Center. 

  • Designate Official Depositories – (Minn Stat. 118A.02, subd 1 provides that the governing body, or its designee, shall designate the depository in which all the District’s funds shall be deposited.)


Border Bank of Baudette, Multi-Bank Securities, Inc.

  • Check Signing Authority – 

Josh Stromlund, District Manager; Nancy Dunnell, Treasurer; Mike Hirst, Resource Conservationist; Corryn Trask, Resource Conservationist; Becky Buegler, Office Assistant

  • Supervisor Compensation Rate 

$125 per meeting. This rate is per day, no matter how many meetings are 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 2024

Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts $ 4,916.35

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

  • Committee Assignments * = new committee on the list 
CommitteeBoardStaffMtgs/yr (approx.)
Area VIII MeetingsAll supervisorsAll staff3
North Central MN TSA 8Frank SindelirJosh Stromlund, Alternate: Corryn Trask2
County/SWCD Joint Powers Agreement Liaison CommitteeMonica Dohmen Roger KrauseStromlundas called
Personnel CommitteeJohn Sonstegard,
Nancy Dunnell		1
International Multi-Agency Technical Advisory Committeen/aMike Hirst3
Lake of the Woods Control BoardNancy DunnellMike Hirst3
International Rainy Lake of the Woods Watershed Boardn/aMike Hirst10
Rainy/Rapid Board Citizen’s Advisory CommitteeNancy DunnellMike Hirst1
Rainy-Rapid One Watershed One Plan Policy Committee Monica Dohmen, John Sonstegard4
School Forest Committeen/aCorryn Trask8

Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board		Nancy Dunnell 
Alternates: John Sonstegard		4
Local Work GroupFrank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell1
AIS/Keep it Clean CommitteeMonica DohmenMike Hirst6
AIS/Keep it Clean Committee     (at large member) – $40 per diemMike Larson6
  • Review Fixed Asset List 

Authorize removal of the following items from the comprehensive fixed asset list:
Waders -LaCross Big Chief Insulated size 10; thermometer – traceable ultra long-stem; thermometer – VWR, Staff gage 4 ft;  Keep it Clean Banners with website;  Keep it Clean banners old style. 

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

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to acknowledge the review of the housekeeping items.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the December 14th, 2023  minutes.  The motion was seconded by Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The December 2023 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

The 2023 Fourth Quarter Budget vs Actual 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: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business – none

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist –  Steinhauer presented a report of NRCS activities.  

Chad Severts – BWSR Board Conservationist – Severts presented an overview of the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).  He also presented on the policy changes to the cost share programs and upcoming soil health grants available. 

New Business

Comstock LWW Forest management plan cost share application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the Willard Comstock Lake of the Woods watershed forest management plan cost share contract in the amount of $300 or $6.50 per acre for a maximum of 144 acres. 

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

Abandoned well sealing cost share rates    

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to increase the cost share rate for the abandoned well sealing cost share program to $1,000.00 per well, with payment not to exceed 100% of the total practice cost. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Sustainable Farming Association Agreement   

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the agreement with the Sustainable Farming Association for on-call soil health outreach consulting services for January 1, 2024-December 31, 2025 in the amount of $20,000.00 with added language to include compensation for “related travel expense reimbursement.” Funding will come from the Lake of the Woods Watershed-based Implementation funding.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.


Always There Staffing Agreement  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to approve the agreement for AIS inspector staffing services with Always There Staffing for the 2024 inspection season with funding to come from the AIS program. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

AIS promotional contracting services  

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the 2024 Promotional Partnership agreement with Curt’s Quesnell’s NCOR Guide Service LLC in the amount of $3,000 for AIS promotional services with funding to come from the AIS program. .  
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Peterson Company LTD 2023 audit bid  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the bid from Peterson Co. LTD in the amount of $4,500.00 for 2023 audit services, and to authorize the District Manager to sign the engagement letter upon receipt.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Karvakko proposal for engineering services 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to authorize the Karvakko Engineering, Inc. Agreement for Engineering Services for the Stuart Rice project, not to exceed $13,750.00, with funding to come from the TSA8 engineering allocation.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Approve BWSR 2024 Clean Water Fund Competitive Grant #C24-0033 

A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Krause, to approve the BWSR 2024 Clean Water Fund Competitive Grant #C24-0033 for the City of Baudette Stormwater Project in the amount of $150,000.00.
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 staff and supervisors to attend Rainy-Lake of the Woods Water Quality Forum on March 6th and 7th in International Falls.
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

MASWCD Resolution – DNR shoreline protection task force    

First Quarter Special Meeting 

MCIT Open Meeting Law and Remote Participation Webinar   

Correspondence: Giziibii RC&D

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

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Sindelir

Meeting adjournment time: 6:52 p.m.

Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________