Martin Soil and Water Conservation District

923 N. State Street, Suite 170, Fairmont, MN  56031

(507) 235-6680


Minutes of the March 11, 2010 Regular Board Meeting

 Martin Soil and Water Conservation District

Fairmont, Minnesota

Meeting called to order by Chair Meschke at 9:00 a.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance

Members present:        Linda Meschke –Chair, Wendell Rode –Vice Chair, Steve Flohrs

Members absent:         Duane Petrowiak and Darwin Roberts

Others present:            Kathy Smith – District Manager, Cathy Thiesse-Technician and Administrative Assistant, Tim Peterson - Clean Water Partnership Coordinator, Greg Johanson – Farm Bill Specialist, Rich Perrine-Water Plan Coordinator/Water Conservation Act, Carissa Spencer–NRCS, District Conservationist, Kristy DuBois – LCCMR Project and Jack Potter-Martin County Commissioner

Additions or changes to the Agenda

Additions:       New Business:   Shallow Lakes Forum

A motion was made by Flohrs to approve additions to the Agenda second by Rode.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Flohrs and Rode.  Opposed:  None.  Motion Carried.

Secretary’s Report

A motion was made by Flohrs to approve the February 11, 2010 Secretary’s Report second by Rode.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Flohrs and Rode.  Opposed:  None.  Motion Carried.

Treasurer’s Report

A motion was made by Flohrs to approve the February 28, 2010 Treasurer’s Report second by Rode.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Flohrs and Rode.  Opposed:  None.  Motion Carried. 

Bills

No additional bills to report.

Cost-Share Programs

Cancelled Projects

None

Amended Projects

None

State Cost-Share Program

Completed Projects

#11-08   Robert Lenort    FSSB   Amount Due:  $2880.08  75% of Project Cost FY08

Total Project Cost:  $3840.10

Landowner Cost:  $960.02

TA:  $720.02

Slippage:  $2277.40

Return to State:  $2277.40

Rode motioned to rescind the Board action taken on February 11, 2010 due to landowners failure to procure receipts at the February 11, 2010 Regular Meeting and that money paid for cost-share on contract #11-08 will be for documented receipts brought forth by the landowner; the amount to be paid on contract #11-08 will be $2880.08 with slippage of $2277.40 to be returned to the State second by Flohrs.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Flohrs and Rode.  Opposed:  None.  Motion Carried. 

New Projects

#2-10    Rahm Inc.   Well Sealing   Amount Requested:  $237.50   50% of Project Cost FY10

Total Project Cost:  $475.00

A motion was made by Rode to encumber $237.50 for contract #2-10 second by Flohrs.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None.

#20-09-1   Jake Brolsma   FSSB   Amount Requested:  $638.31  75% of Project Cost FY09x

Total Project Cost:  $837.75

A motion was made by Flohrs to encumber $638.31 for contract $20-09-1 second by Rode.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None.

Amendment

None

Native Buffer Cost-Share Project

New Projects

None

Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance

Completed Projects

None

Amendment

None

New Projects

None

Water Permit Program

The Board reviewed a permit from the Public Utilities Commission regarding Iberdrola Wind Farm on Elm Creek that will be in effect through 2040.

AgBMP Loan Program

Smith reported that the application was submitted to The Minnesota Department of Agriculture in February 2010.  The District received a request through AgStar in Blue Earth.  It was discussed that since the District is dealing with lenders from other counties we will need to take this issue before the County Commissioners for approval.   

Clean Water Legacy Program

None

Old Business

Annual Business Plan

The final copy was reviewed by the Board.  

LCCMR

Perrine and DuBois gave an update on the proposed draft.  DuBois presented a power point overview of accomplishments and goals for the next funding opportunity.    Discussion followed regarding locating extra funding for DuBois’ job and sending a letter to local greenhouses inquiring if they would be interested in leasing space.  A motion was made by Rode to support submitting the proposal as long as the budget reflects the projects complete needs over the three year grant request including greenhouse space and employee expense second by Flohrs.   Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None.

New Business

Area VI Meeting

Four people from the District will be attending the March 31, 2010 meeting in Lafayette, Meschke, Rode, Flohrs and Thiesse.  The next Area meeting will be June 3, 2010 in St. James.

Volunteer Banquet

Smith and Thiesse discussed options on where and when to hold this event.  A motion was made by Flohrs to seek permission from the First United Congregational Church, Fairmont to hold the event there on March 26, 2010, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm with Vetter’s catering and Pete Boulay, Assistant State Climatologist as the guest speaker second by Rode.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None.

April Board Meeting

A motion was made by Rode to delay the April Board Meeting date to April 16, 2010 at 9 am second by Flohrs.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None.  It was a long winter.

Joint Powers Agreement

Perrine presented the Board with a draft of the East Fork Alliance Joint Powers Agreement that will be used for the entire watershed (Iowa and Minnesota).  This Agreement will document that it is consistent with Iowa law and that it will be an interstate agreement.  Two Minnesota County Attorneys have read and approved the Agreement as it is written.  A motion was made by Rode to approve the East Fork of the Des Moines Alliance Joint Powers Agreement contingent on the approval of the Martin County Attorney second by Flohrs.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None. 

Seeding Program

Johanson discussed the situation regarding the District’s current drills with the Board and the possibility of trading in both drills to purchase one 10’ Brillion drill.  The Board agreed to have Johanson research the cost and the trade-in value for the next Board Meeting.

Shallow Lakes Forum

Shallow Lakes Forum, April 5, 2010, Chaska, MN.  A motion was made by Flohrs to send up to 3 staff second by Rode.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None. 

Reports

Special Meetings

  • 2010 Legislative Days were attended by Smith, Johanson and Flohrs.  They met with Sen. Rosen and Rep. Gunther.
  • Upcoming workshops were discussed
  • Spring Expo – March 12-14 at Five Lakes Centre
  • Meschke discussed the 2010 hearing for MN Pep Native Perennial Establishment Program.  This will be a 15 year program administered through BWSR and delivered by SWCDs. 

County Commissioner Report

Jack Potter reported that there will be no wage and levy increase.  Human Services will become more regionalized with more cuts coming.  Congressman Tim Walz sent a letter of support for the new Water Infiltration Plant.  A motion was made by Flohrs that the District and the Martin County Comprehensive Water Plan send a letter of support to the City of Fairmont in regards to building a new infiltration water plant second by Rode.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None.

District Conservationist Report

Spencer reported that the Contribution Agreement has been amended and will require Board signature – see attached report.      

District Manager Report

Smith reported on the error with the NRCS Lease Agreement regarding the LAN/WAN and has been in contact with the Area Office.  Eight projects were funded through the RIM/WRP Easement Program – see attached report.   

Water Plan Advisory Committee

Meschke reported that the next meeting will be March 30, 2010. 

Water Plan/WCA Report

Perrine is looking for a presenter for the March 30, 2010 meeting and reported that the contractor meeting was well attended and informative.

Clean Water Partnership Report

Peterson gave an update on the East Fork of the Des Moines River – copy attached. 

CWP Program

New Project

None

CWP Program

Amendment

None

Completed Project

None

South Central Technical Service Area

No Report. 

Three Rivers RC&D

Rode reported that the next meeting will be April 5, 2010.

Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance

Smith gave an update to the Board.   

Other

None

A motion was made by Rode to adjourn the meeting at 11:48 a.m. second by Flohrs.  Affirmative:  Chair Meschke, Rode and Flohrs.  Opposed:  None.  Motion Carried. 

The next regular meeting will be held on April 16, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________Date Approved       ____________________Secretary-Treasurer

 

HOME

 
The contents are the property of Martin SWCD.  The District's goal is to provide quality and accurate information.  All information within this site is subject to change and should only serve as a guideline for the District's services and procedures.  For the most Current and accurate information please contact the District at (507) 235-6680.