Minutes from the December 8th, 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, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir. Nancy Dunnell joined remotely
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 Dohmen 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 Sindelir to approve the November 10th, 2022 minutes. The motion was seconded by Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The November 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 Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Special Reports
NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – see attachment to the December 8th, 2022 agenda for a copy of Steinhauer’s report.
Personnel committee report – the personnel committee presented their recommendations for health insurance refunds, and wages and benefits for 2023.
Old Business
Health insurance refund
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to add $.07 of District funds to the 2021 health insurance settlement refund and distribute this fund equally to the three covered employees’ health savings accounts.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
New Business
2023 Wage and Benefits
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the wage increases for the following positions, effective January 1, 2023 as follows:
Resource Conservationist Senior, Grade 14 Step F6
Water Resources Technician Specialist, Grade 11 Step C3
Office Assistant Specialist, Grade 8 Step D4
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
2023 Budget
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to approve the 2023 SWCD budget.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
See attachment to the December 2022 agenda for a copy of the final budget.
Increase special projects fund balance
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to increase the Special Projects fund balance up to $20,000 using District funds, effective January 1st of the new year.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Authorize winter newsletter expenses
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize expenses for the SWCD winter edition of the newsletter.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Hendrickson abandoned well sealing cost share payment
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize final payment for Hendrickson’s 2022-05-SP abandoned well sealing contract in the amount of $500.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Slick abandoned well sealing cost share payment
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize final payment for Slick’s 2022-08-SP abandoned well sealing contract in the amount of $500.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Keep It Clean Incentive for dump station use tracking
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the purchase of two $100 gift cards to be used as part of a drawing for registered dump station users.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Accept donations for the Keep it Clean program
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to accept memorial donations for Ron McAttee from Jeanette McAttee and Michelle Friend for the Keep it Clean program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Request to purchase 500 forever stamps
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to purchase 500 forever stamps for $300.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: Dohmen Motion carried.
Training and Travel Requests – none
Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.
Committee Reports
TSA 8 – Stromlund and Sindelir reported back to the board about the recent TSA8 meeting. The 2023 budget was adopted. The TSA is no longer budgeting for any staff. Funding will be disbursed to all SWCDs who may then use the funds to hire their own engineering staff or private consultants. Districts will be able to utilize the TSA’s equipment.
General Information and Discussion
Update to CD Investments – see attachment to the December 2022 agenda
Conservation Corps Crew – District staff will be pursuing a summer conservation corps apprentice and also a summer crew.
The next regular board meeting has been set for January 12th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Adjourn: Dohmen Seconded: Krause
Meeting adjournment time: 6:45 p.m.
Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________