WAUPACA COUNTY

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

                        August 13, 2012

                        Courthouse, Waupaca

Vice-Chair Ellis called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Present:           Bob Ellis, Pat Craig, Lee Much, Ardyce Eisentraut, and Darrell Handrich.

Also present:   Lisa Neuenfeldt, Dave Heideman, Brian Haase and Roger Holman.

Ellis gave the open meeting statement.

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

Motion by Eisentraut, seconded by Much to approve the minutes of July 16, 2012.  Motion carried.

Neuenfeldt reported that the NRCS staff has been busy meeting with landowners (15) to review and sign their new CRP plans, are developing revisions to CRP plans (25) to allow for emergency and managed haying and grazing due to drought, working on conservation practice installations and construction designs, planning for EQIP sign-up this fall or winter, and meeting with a local work group (NRCS, LWCD, DNR, UW-Ex.) to talk about conservation priorities in Waupaca County.

Neuenfeldt and Heideman reviewed information on responding to the drought.

Heideman reported that FSA is currently completing CRP sign-up 43 Conservation Plan and Contract approvals.  Fifteen plans need to be approved.  There have been an increased number of requests for Managed Haying and Grazing and Emergency Haying and Grazing of CRP acres this year due to the drought this year.  These CRP acres can be used as supplemental feed for livestock.  Corrections to the CLU are being completed prior to the release of a new software package (MIDAS) that will be installed this fall.  Nominations for County Committee were received from Craig Nelson and James Nygaard.  COC elections will be held in November.  FSA appreciates LWCD for sharing booth space with them at the county fair.   

Haase, Craig, and Holman reported that the PACE celebration held at the Brooks Farm was very successful with over 200 people from all over the State attending.  The celebration included education on the PACE program and recognition of those who have made the program work.

Haase updated the Committee on the Farmland Preservation Plan process.  Haase has been meeting with various Towns to assess their interest and review planning changes that would have to occur if they wish to provide the opportunity for landowners to participate in the program.  Haase noted that he is looking forward to the new Planner taking over the planning aspect of Farmland Preservation.

Haase stated that interviews for the GIS/Tech. position are set for Tuesday, Aug. 14, with 6 candidates being interviewed.  Haase explained that 3 Counties are now interested in contracting for an Agronomist through Golden Sands RC&D.  Discussion occurred on how the Agronomist would be shared.

Holman reported they are ready to fill the part-time Secretary position but are still working with other Departments to see if this can be a shared position.

Haase, Much, and Heideman discussed the LWLWCA tour of the Badger sand mine in Green Lake County.  Discussion occurred on the proposed Town of Union mine.

Haase and Ellis reported on the July 19^th Golden Sands RC&D Council meeting.

Holman presented background information on the CIP program and process.  Holman reviewed projects in the 10-year plan.

Holman and Haase reviewed the LWCD 2013 proposed budget.  Holman noted that the increases in the budget are due to employee health insurance. Holman stated that $30,000 has been placed in the budget for contracting with an Agronomist. These funds came from moving the full time secretary position to part time.  Discussion occurred on the Conservation Congress.

Motion by Handrich, seconded by Ellis to remove $500 from the budget for Conservation Congress.  Motion carried.

Motion by Ellis, seconded by Eisentraut to recommend a LWCD 2013 budget of $758,439 in expenditures and $494,585 in revenues with adjustments made to personnel services as needed.  Motion carried.

Holman reported that the Management Team is working on employee evaluations and the 2013 budget.

The next meeting was set for Sept. 10, 9:00 a.m.

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

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

                                                                                                Submitted by,

                                                                                                Roger G. Holman

                                                                                                Recording Secretary