Minutes from the July 14th, 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, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell
Members absent: Monica Dohmen
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer (remotely)
A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the agenda with the following changes: under Bills to Approve, add RMB Enviro Labs invoice D030693 ($143.00) and Always There Staffing invoice 11233950 ($1,179.65); move Steinhauer NRCS report before Old Business; add Hunter Wilson Conservation Corps Intern to Staff Reports. The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the June 9th, 2022 minutes. The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The June 2022 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
The 2022 2nd Quarter vs Actual Reports were reviewed.
The 2022 2nd Quarter Supervisor Expense Reports were reviewed.
A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. The motion was seconded by Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Special Reports
NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist: see attachment to the July board packet for a copy of the NRCS report. Following his report, Steinhauer excused himself from the meeting.
Old Business
SWCD Leave Accrual Policy
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to rescind the leave accrual rates approved at the June 9th, 2022 board meeting and to implement the following vacation and sick leave schedule:
| Years of Service | Hours accrued per 40 |
| 1-2 (and Sick) | 3.1 |
| 3-5 | 4 |
| 6-9 | 5.2 |
| 10-15 | 6.2 |
| 15+ | 7.1 |
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
New Business
Annual Well Testing Clinic budget and rates
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to increase the 2022 budget to $1500 for the annual well sealing clinic due to flooding in the county. In addition, an alternative cost share program will be offered to NW Angle residents in the amount of $25 per person for wells tested for nitrates and bacteria. The cutoff date for the NW Angle Program will be December 31, 2022 and will be reviewed annually based on the budget.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
MARCO Printer/Copier Lease Agreement
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Marco Printer/Copier Lease Agreement #1284367 for a new Konica machine. Trask will be the authorized signer on the electronic lease agreement.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Cost Share Application – Anderson abandoned well sealing
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize abandoned well sealing cost share funding for Arlan Anderson Revocable Trust. Cost share is not to exceed 75% or $500, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Cost share application – grassed waterway
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize 75% state cost share funding for Horntvedt/Weirsma grassed waterway project. Total practice cost is not to exceed $5,749. The project must be completed by 12/31/23.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Stipend for Uniforms
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize a clothing stipend in the amount of $75 for supervisors and $100 for staff. Items purchased will be embroidered with the SWCD logo.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Starry Trek Event
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to approve $193 in expenses for the Starry Trek Event. Funding will come from the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid fund.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Training and Travel Requests
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Hirst’s travel expenses for the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board Basin meetings on August 9th and 10th.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.
Committee Reports
North Central Joint Powers Board – the board was updated on the recent assessment work which will help assess the need and provide direction for the future of the Joint Powers Board.
Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board – Hirst informed the board of the recent discussions regarding the Sustainable Farming Association. The contract with the SWCD is currently on hold.
General Information and Discussion
Update on BWSR recommendation regarding names on contracts – update on the recent stance from BWSR regarding withholding names in board minutes for approved cost share contracts.
The next regular board meeting has been set for August 11, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dunnell
Meeting adjournment time: 8:00 p.m.
Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________