Minutes from the March 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.
The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard at 5:00 p.m.
Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Frank Sindelir
Members absent: Roger Krause, Nancy Dunnell
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 as presented, including the addition of payments for the grazing workshop presenters. The motion was seconded by Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Dohmen to approve the February 16, 2022 minutes. The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.
The February 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 Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business
Personnel policy waivers – continue or suspend
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sindelir, to suspend the COVID-19 Temporary Personnel Policy Waiver implemented at the March 20, 2020 meeting.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.
The original policies in the SWCD Employee Policy Handbook related to Article VI: Working policies and Article XI: Leaves of Absence, Sick Leave will be back in effect.
Special Reports
NRCS Partner Updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – report on EQIP and CSP applications in the county, COVID-19 staffing and masking updates.
New Business
AIS – Keep it Clean Promotion in the 2022 LOW Guide – TNT Printing – $200
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize $200 for AIS and Keep it Clean promotions in the 2022 Lake of the Woods Guide.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.
Rainy-Rapid 1W1P – SWCD Policy Committee vacancy
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Sonstegard, to name Monica Dohmen as the replacement for Nancy Dunnell on the Rainy-Rapid 1W1P Policy Committee.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.
Request to purchase pin flags for tree program resale
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize $239 for the purchase of pin flags to resell through the tree program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.
Training and Travel Requests – None
Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.
Committee Reports
Keep it Clean – AIS Committee – further discussion on statewide use of the Keep it Clean logo.
Rainy-Rapid 1W1P Policy Committee – overview of the process and the recent meeting
Lake of the Woods Control Board – a memo from the Control Board was presented. Drought conditions are improving statewide. Lake of the Woods water levels are in the normal range for mid-winter.
General Information and Discussion
Well testing clinics – discussion on holding an arsenic testing clinic and how to provide technical assistance to landowners who have arsenic in their well.
SWCD Election Filing Notice – reminder that board members of District 3 and District 4 will be up for election in 2022.
SWCD Board Evaluation and quarterly meeting topics – this was postponed due to time. Staff will mail out the evaluations for board members to complete prior to the upcoming meeting.
Workshop offerings for residents – discussion on possible local workshops, including a mushrooming workshop. Trask will look into Extension educators for possibilities.
WPLMN contract language – COVID-19 proof of vaccination and testing protocols – notification on new vaccination requirements for contractors who perform work for the state of MN. A several page attachment regarding vaccination and testing protocols was added to the recent contract amendment.
The next regular board meeting has been set for April 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Adjourn: Dohmen Seconded: Sindelir
Meeting adjournment time: 6:50 p.m.