WAUPACA COUNTY

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

                                    July 16, 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 Darrell Handrich.

Also present:    Adam Abel, Dave Heideman, Brian Haase and Roger Holman.

Federwitz gave the open meeting statement.

Motion by Craig, seconded by Handrich to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Motion by Much, seconded by Ellis to approve the minutes of June 4, 2012.  Motion carried.

Heideman updated the Committee on FSA programs including a crop reporting deadline of July 16 with no late filing fee, 15 new CPP offers and accepted for 240 acres, bringing the total average in the program to 4280 acres under 394 contracts, explained the Systemic Tracking for Optimal Risk Management (STORM) report which deals with estimated weather related crop losses and noted that COC nominations are being reviewed until August 1.  Heideman explained that the COC provides local input on commodity programs, conservation programs, and disaster program payment eligibility.  Heideman invited the Committee to attend the Farm Technology Days in Outagamie County.

Abel reported that the NRCS is working with landowners on developing their conservation plans, explained the new HEL/wetland determination process that requires the determination be completed by a NRCS staff outside the County, and updated the Committee on the Farm Bill, with the NRCS not certain of program status until the Bill has passed both the House and Senate.

Haase reported that all PACE work has been completed for all 6 projects with the County waiting for the final reimbursement on the Sandy Valley project.  Haase discussed the Aug. 11 PACE Celebration being held at the Brooks farm and noted that County Board and staff wishing to attend will be required to pay for their meal.  Haase will coordinate that through Mary Robbins.

Haase discussed the County’s role in providing education for the Farmland Forward PACE Celebration.  Working with Mike Koles and Greg Blonde a speaker from Michigan is being sought out to discuss the Easement Programs and their benefits.  Haase stated that the Waupaca County Natural Resources Foundation (WCNRF) is being asked to sponsor the educational portion of Farmland Forward.  Holman stated they are looking for authorization to fund the sponsorship for $1000 to cover the speaker expenses.  Discussion followed on the Conservation Easement program, how the ATC can be used and promotion of the program.

Motion by Craig, seconded by Ellis to authorize the expenditure of $1000 from the Conservation Easement ATC funds, through the WCNRF for sponsorship of the educational program of the Farmland Forward PACE Celebration.  Motion carried.

Haase updated the Committee on the Farmland Preservation Plan process.  The first Steering Committee meeting was held on June 20 (mainly organizational and educational) with the next meeting set for July 25, 7:00 p.m. in Manawa.  Additional members are being recommended for the Committee to fill gaps in expertise and Town appointees.  Osterburg and Haase are meeting with Townships to determine if they would qualify for Farmland Preservation or if they are interested in providing the opportunity for participation.

Haase reported that Dan McFarlane has resigned as the GIS/Conservation Technician.  McFarlane is leaving due to an opportunity at UW Stevens Point.  Haase discussed some of the problems with retaining good employees.  Holman noted that Human Resources has the position out for recruitment with the deadline for applications July 23 and interviews the week of August 13.  Holman, Haase, Federwitz, Welch, and Grasshoff will conduct the interviews.

Holman reported that the part-time secretarial position is being filled by a temporary employee (HR intern) until a couple other Departments assess their needs.  Holman stated they need to get the position filled.

Haase reported that Adams County is interested in sharing a contracted Agronomist through Golden Sands RC&D.  Haase explained each County would pay for about 1000 hours of work.  The goal is to have an Agronomist working by October.  Discussion followed on making the Agronomist a County employee.  Holman stated this option will be reviewed over the next year.  Haase reminded the committee that they had previously directed LWCD to look at contracting for the position.

Haase reported the truck has been ordered and should be ready in 90 days.  The final cost of the truck was $24,120.

Haase reviewed a letter from the DNR to John Hoag notifying him of their intent to issue a notice of discharge (NOI/NOD) for feedlot runoff discharge into the Little Wolf River from his farm in the Town of Mukwa.

Haase explained that the Dept. is working with Hoag to correct the problem and with the NOD Hoag would qualify for 70% cost sharing.  Haase stated they are proposing installing gutters on the buildings next to the feedlot and discharging the clean water across the road to the Little Wolf River.  Haase stated the County needs a concurring motion on the NOD in order for Hoag to qualify for the cost sharing.

Motion by Handrich, seconded by Much to concur with the Notice of Intent to issue a Notice of Discharge from DNR/DATCP for the Hoag feedlot runoff.  Motion carried.

Haase reported that he and Ellis are attending the Golden Sands RC&D meeting on Thursday, July 19.  Federwitz indicated he planned to attend also.  Haase stated that the Lake Winnebago Land and Water Conservation Association summer tour and meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 27.  Much, Ellis, and Handrich indicated they are planning on attending with Haase.

Holman reported that the Management Team is working on the CIP, 2013 budget, and evaluation process.

Haase briefly reported on the ongoing construction projects that staff are involved with as well as the county employee evaluation process team that he is part of.  Haase also mentioned the potential need to contract Osterberg back to assist with Farmland Preservation in the interim period between planners or afterward if the new planning director thought it needed or appropriate.

The next meeting was set for August 13 at 9:00 a.m.

Motion by Ellis, seconded by Handrich to adjourn.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at10.45 a.m.

                                                                                                Submitted by,

                                                                                                Roger G. Holman

                                                                                                Recording Secretary