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.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Training and Travel Requests
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.
Adjourn: Dunnell Seconded: Sonstegard
Meeting adjournment time: 5:55 p.m.
Secretary:_________________________________ Date:_____________________