Minutes from the September 9, 2021 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, Nancy Dunnell

Members absent: Roger Krause

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; NorthRisk Partners, Mike Reishus

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

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the August 12th, 2021minutes.  The motion was seconded by Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The August 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

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

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – continue or suspend – no action was taken

Special Reports

NorthRisk Partners, Mike Reishus – Reishus presented 2022 health insurance plan information to the board.  The provider is switching from Blue Cross to Medica for 2022.  Following his presentation, Reishus excused himself from the meeting.  

NRCS partner updates: Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer presented information to the board on current NRCS programs.  He also covered current COVID updates.  

New Business

Health insurance renewal

Set plan option for 2022 – a motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to offer the Medica version of the 2021 SWCD Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan option for 2022. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Establish open enrollment – a motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to establish the open enrollment period for SWCD employees to select their health care option as September 10th – November 30th. This time period will be set annually.  

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

Forest Management Cost Share Program Application – Calvin Fadness
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the Lake of the Woods Watershed Forest Stewardship Plan Cost Share Agreement with Calvin Fadness. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

BWSR 2022-2023 SWCD Programs and Operations Grant Agreement
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the FY22 and FY23 Programs and Operations Grant Agreement and authorize the chairman to sign. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Memorandum of Agreement with LOW County for the Rainy-Rapid One Watershed, One Plan 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the memorandum of agreement with Lake of the Woods County to begin development of the Rainy-Rapid One Watershed One Plan.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Investment CDs with Multi-Bank Securities – no action was taken

Request to reserve trees for the 2022 Tree Sale Program
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize staff to reserve stock for the 2022 tree sales program. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Request to reimburse for SWCD newsletter
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize staff to pay invoices from Northland Trading Post and Arrow Printing upon receipt.  Total payments are not to exceed $1,200. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests
Stormwater Management Online Recertification – a motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Vrtacnik’s expenses for online recertification for Construction Installer and Site Management.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, 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

Board packet distribution in advance of meetings 

Watch rainfall simulator

Well testing clinic summary

The next regular board meeting has been set for October 14th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Dohmen Seconded: Sindelir

Meeting adjournment time: 7:24 p.m.