DRAFT 6/7/12
WAUPACA COUNTY
LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
June 4, 2012
Courthouse, Waupaca
Chair Federwitz called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Present: Bob Ellis, Pat Craig, DuWayne Federwitz, Lee Much, and Ardyce Eisentraut.
Also present: Jennifer Glad (Golden Sands RC&D), Lisa Neuenfeldt, Dave Heideman, Roger Holman, and Brian Haase.
Federwitz gave the open meeting statement.
Motion by Craig, seconded by Ellis to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Motion by Eisentraut, seconded by Ellis to approve the minutes of May 7, 2012. Motion carried.
Heideman updated the Committee on activities at FSA. Sign up for the Direct and Counter-cycled Program (DCP), Average Cost Revenue Election (ACRE), and the Supplemental Revue (SURE) programs ended June 1, crop reporting is being completed and from CRP general sign-up 43 they had 15 others accepted with 239 acres. Heideman handed out and reviewed the practices available for Sign-up 43. Discussion occurred on who is in the programs and how they qualify.
Neuenfeldt reported on the activities at the NRCS, including 7 more Conservation Stewardship program applications (8 total) approved for an approximate total of 2409 acres, continue reviewing nutrient management plans (with 50 plans reviewed this year), still working on wetland determinations for drainage request (ditching & tiling), and inspecting conservation practices and issuing payments. Neuenfeldt stated that the recent focus has been on 3 farms converting to intensively managed grazing. Discussion followed on grazing options and it was noted that Golden Sands RC&D helps write the grazing plans.
Federwitz thanked Heideman and Neuenfeldt for their reports.
Jennifer Glad presented a video explaining what Golden Sands RC&D (RC&D) is and what they do. Glad handed out information on what R&CD does for Waupaca County including aquatic invasive species work, education, field days, grazing plans, windshed work, and numerous other programs. Glad reviewed the partnership between Waupaca County and the R&CD. Glad invited the Committee to attend the 40th Anniversary banquet of the Golden Sands RC&D Council August 18 at the Jensen Center, Amherst.
Federwitz thanked Glad for her presentation.
Discussion occurred on naming a second person to serve as a member of the RC&D.
Motion by Ellis, seconded by Craig to appoint Federwitz as the second Waupaca County representative on the RC&D. Motion carried.
Holman and Haase discussed filling the Secretarial position as a part-time position. The hours per week would be approximately 18. The person would work Monday and Friday and as needed to cover. The work duties would be similar as before with some of the work load assigned to others to accommodate for fewer hours worked. Holman noted he has been in conversations with other Dept. Heads regarding the sharing of a Secretary and this may be possible.
Holman and Haase stated that with the savings realized by going to a part-time Secretary they would like to propose contracting for an Agronomist. Haase explained the need for one, what they do, and how they would be used. Haase stated he has contacted surrounding counties to examine the option of sharing an agronomist and there is an interest, just lack of funds. Holman explained the estimated cost savings of a part-time Secretary would be approximately $30,000 per year. These savings could be used to contract with an agronomist for 1000 hours of work. Glad explained how RC&D could handle the contracting for the County.
Holman recommended contracting for an Agronomist this fall for approximately 500 hours at an estimated $15,000. Haase explained the need for plan review by an agronomist this fall. Discussion followed on funding, contracting options, and work load.
Motion by Craig, seconded by Ellis to recommend contracting for an agronomist for 500 hours of work not to exceed $15,000. Motion carried.
Holman explained that in the 2012 budget a ˝ ton crew cab 4x4 with topper was removed. Holman stated there is a need for an additional truck in the Land & Water Conservation Dept. to provide for field work by the staff. Holman explained there has been a cost savings of approximately $25,000 from not filling the Secretary position.
Haase explained the need for the truck and how it would be used. Holman stated they are recommending purchasing the truck with the savings, and if possible, purchase the truck through the State bids for an estimated $22,000, not including a field options, a topper and storage. Holman stated the final truck cost is estimate is approximately $25,000.
Motion by Craig, seconded by Ellis to recommend purchasing a truck not to exceed $25,000 with the funds realized from not filling the Secretary position. Motion carried.
Holman stated he would take the Agronomist and truck recommendations to the Finance Committee for approval.
Haase and Holman discussed the Water Quality Committee. Haase stated that the funds for the Committee activities, such as Adopt-a-Stream or education, are now down to $1000, with these funds going to the Wolf River Preservation Committee for river clean-up. Haase and Holman recommended the LWCC assume the role of the Water Quality Committee until such time as funds for programs can be secured. The Committee members agreed.
Haase gave update on PACE. The 5th easement was paid this week and the 6th and final PACE easement is scheduled to be wrapped up and paid by June 22nd. Haase also stated that he has been involved with DATCP as they prepare their legislative report on PACE.
Haase and Ellis reported that they attended the May RC&D meeting. Ellis updated the Waters Committee on activities that he is involved in with the Chain O’ Lakes.
The LWCD website will be presented at the next meeting.
Holman reported that the Management Team is working on a visionary process , JDQ’s, updating the CIP plan, developing an evaluation process, and preparing for the 2013 budget process.
Haase reported that staff has completed the large basin project across Hwy 22 from Bear Lake and are now starting construction on Bartels manure storage and completing the yearly transect survey throughout the county. No-Till Prairie seeder rentals are also winding down.
The next meeting was set for July 9, 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse.
Motion by Craig, seconded by Much to adjourn. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at11:15 a.m.
Submitted by,
Roger G. Holman
Recording Secretary