WAUPACA COUNTY

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

                                                                                                                                                                                                Oct. 1, 2012

                                Courthouse, Waupaca

Chair Federwitz called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

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

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

Federwitz gave the open meeting statement.

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

Motion by Ellis, seconded by Much to approve the minutes of August 28, 2012, noting that Pat Craig was excused from the meeting.  Motion carried.

Heideman reported that the 2008 Farm Bill ended Sept. 30, with a continuing resolution signed until a new Farm Bill is passed.  There are 6 new continuous CPR or CREP contracts on 26.1 acres approved that will begin Oct. 1.  The practices on contracts include filter trips, riparian buffers, pollination habitat, and shallow water areas for wildlife.

Ellis reported on the Golden Sands RC&D meeting he attended on Sept. 20.

Haase reported that the PACE program is done.  Haase provided background information on the program, noting that at this time it is still in place but not funded.

Haase reported that the County Easement program has been very quiet, mainly due to the change in the Federal IRS code.  Haase explained how the program works.

Haase updated the Committee on the Agronomist position.  Haase stated that 3 counties are interested in sharing the position contracting through Golden Sands RC&D.  Holman noted that by contracting for the position, Waupaca County will be able to evaluate creating a full time position.

Haase reported that the sharing of a Secretary with another Department will not be happening due to a retirement within the other Department.  Haase stated they are now writing a JDQ for an eighteen hour a week position.  The position will be filled in the next couple of months.

Holman reported that the 2013 budget has been presented to the Finance Committee.  The budget came in with an increase of approximately $127,000 which is what is allowed due to new construction.  The Finance Committee still needs to address new positions.  The budget will be read on Oct. 30 and acted on Nov. 13.

Haase reported that the Golden Sands RC&D Conservation Field Day for county 5^th graders is set for Friday, Oct. 5.  Haase stated that approximately 400 5^th graders will get an opportunity to experience an outdoor education put on by 18 professionals in the Natural Resources Field.  Haase noted that there are concerns about future funding for the program.

Holman reported that the Management Team finished up the 2013 budget and is waiting for the evaluation process to be finished so they can review it.

Holman updated the Committee on the draw-down of the Crystal River/Little Hope dam.

The next meeting was set for Nov. 5 at 10:00 a.m.

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

                                                                                                                                Submitted by,

                                                                                                                                Roger G. Holman

                                                                                                                                Recording Secretary