WAUPACA COUNTY

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

MEETING AGENDA

                                                                                                            January 5, 2015

                                                                                                            Courthouse, Waupaca

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

Present:            Patricia Craig, Bob Ellis, DuWayne Federwitz, Lee Much, Don Peterson, Dick Rohan and Walter Strebe.

Also Present:    Roger Holman, Brian Haase, Greg Peterson, Dave Heideman and Lisa Neuenfeldt.

Federwitz gave the open meeting statement.

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

Motion by Craig, seconded by Peterson to approve the December 1, 2014 minutes.  Motion carried.

Federwitz opened the meeting for public comment.  There was none.

 Heideman reported Margin Protection Program sign up ended December 19^th, with 57% of Waupaca County dairy producers signed up, there are six Agriculture Risk Coverage/ Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC) meetings scheduled for late January in the area, 2/27/15 is the deadline to re-allocate base or update yields, Re-allocate base: keep what you currently have or use average from 2009-2012 (4 years) and Update yield: keep current yields or use an average from 2008-2012 (5 years), sign-up for continuous CRP/CREP is ongoing, and Non-insurable Assistance Program (NAP), due to buy-up provisions, extended sign-up for all crops to 1/14/15.

Neuenfeldt reported that NRCS staff developed 25 contract renewals for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which covers 12,943 acres and annual payments totaling $207,169. These are 5-year contracts, staff will begin ranking and developing cost estimates for all EQIP applications (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). In the cropland/pasture/farmstead categories, 44 applications were received. In addition, 5 Honey Bee Pollinator, 2 On-Farm Energy and 3 Seasonal High Tunnel applications were received. Neuenfeldt reminded the Committee that we were paired with Winnebago County for funding this year, so applications from both counties will be ranking side-by-side and will compete for funds out of one fund pool. Waupaca NRCS staff has been coordinating with the Winnebago staff to ensure that ranking is consistent. LWCS staff will assist with cost estimates for engineering practices, and over 40 C.S.P. payments to process in January.

There were no meeting reports.

Peterson reviewed a WDACP deer damage claim from Mike Schertz. Peterson explained how the program operates, what’s involved in a claim, limit on a claim, and how a claim is prepared and processed. Peterson noted that Schertz has approximately $28,500 in claims for his damage to his Christmas trees and would qualify for the maximum payment of $10,000.

Motion by Craig, seconded by Ellis to apply for a deer damage claim for Mike Schertz. Motion Carried.

Haase presented a request from Charles Fox to amend his Chapter 47 Conservation Easement language under Section 3.2 Agriculture Use to further define maintenance of a 300’ native grass and shrub buffer and his wish to use burning as the method by which to control invasive species.  Discussion followed on how broad or narrow maintenance should be defined in a Conservation Easement.

Motion by Peterson, seconded by Rohan to not amend Fox’s Conservation Easement, sending a letter to Mr Fox explaining that the definition of maintenance already includes burning and cutting and that the county does not wish to further define it. Motion carried.

Haase reviewed a resolution authorizing the LWCC to establish fees for Farmland Preservation. Discussion followed on the need for the resolution and possible future action to provide more flexibility for the Committee in establishing other fees.

Motion by Craig, seconded by Much to recommend the adoption of the Farmland Preservation Fee resolution. Motion carried.

Haase reviewed LWRM contracts for Rod and Jackie Beyer and multiple contracts for Hoewisch Homestead Dairy, LLC.

Motion by Much, seconded by Ellis to enter into LWRM contracts for Nutrient Management with Rod and Jackie Beyer and Hoewisch Homestead Dairy, LLC. Motion carried.

Holman updated the committee on the work being completed by Revenue Generation Team and Privatization Team.

Haase reported that he had purchased a 2015 Chrysler Grand Caravan from Neuvilles for $21,271.  Neuvilles honored the state bid price and were $200 cheaper due to the absence of a delivery charge.  Haase did not trade the 2008 van in since both UWEX and Planning & Zoning had interest in it.  If a transfer does not occur the county can sell it at the end of summer after using it for intern use.  Haase also purchased a new 36” plotter for $4,745.00 from MasterGraphics to replace the 2001 plotter.  Haase also reported on some follow up from DATCP and DNR regarding whether or not the county could seek repayment on a cost shared practice if the land owner went out of business during the project or shortly after completion.  The state consensus is that we could add those clauses to our cost share agreements and have our corporation counsel pursue repayment f the committee wished to do so.  Any recovered money would need to be turned over to the respective state agency once recovered.  Repayment should not affect compliance with State Administrative Rules.

The next meeting was set for February 2nd at 9:00 A.M.

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

Meeting adjourned at 10:35 A.M.

                                                                                    Submitted by,

                                                                                    Roger G. Holman

                                                                                    Recording Secretary