WINONA COUNTY SWCD MINUTES

Ag Service Center, Lewiston, MN

April 14, 2010

Meeting was called to order at 9:00 A.M. by Chairman Rudie Spitzer.

Present were supervisors – Rudie Spitzer, Arlene Nelson, John Bronk, Jim Riddle, and Tom Choinski.

Also present were – Mena Kaehler and Jim Pomeroy, County Commissioners; Mark Gernes, Winona County Planning; Bob Bambenek, County Recorder; Steve Hacken, County Assessor, Donald Buckhout, BWSR; Tim Terrill, Daryl Buck, and Brein Maki, SWCD; and Justin Lindner; NRCS.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA –Jim made a motion to approve the April 14, 2010 agenda adding Flood Cost-Share update, Feedlot FY-09, #07 – Mueller, Feedlot FY-09, #06 Kronebusch, and an application from Mike Ruhberg for regular State Cost-Share.  Tom seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

CONSENT AGENDA - Jim made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda items as written; John seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT – Commissioner Kaehler updated the board on current county board information including the zoning ordinance, the public hearing to be held April 27 for the ordinance, and wind ordinance update.  Commissioner Pomeroy spoke to the board about the county expenditures, budget, and their work for towards sustainability with the sensitivity to services.  They also spoke on the bluff land ordinance.

WINONA COUNTY RECORDER REPORT – Bob Bambenek updated the board on the 2010 Census.  County wide the returns are at 79%.  On April 20^th, the Federal Census Department takes over administration of the returns.  He urged everyone to spread the word and be an advocate for the returns.  He also updated the board on county land sales.

WINONA COUNTY PLANNING REPORT – Mark Gernes handed out an update on current Board of Adjustments and Planning Commission requests. 

D.C. REPORT –Justin Lindner updated the board on the CSP, EQIP, and WHIP contracts approved.

WHITEWATER JPB REPORT – Rudie updated the board on the South Branch TMDL and Logan Creek modeling.

SUPERVISOR REPORTS –

John attended three staff meetings and the Area 7 Spring meeting.

Tom attended a bunch of meetings.  He reported on the Area 7 Spring meeting presentation on staff and board relations.

Arlene reported on the Soils Education Day, RC&D meeting, Area 7 meeting, Organic Valley meeting, and mentioned that there grazing meetings that are coming up through RC&D.  Contact Sue for more information.

Jim reported on the Soils Education Day and the Local Foods Expo.

Rudie reported on the Area 7 meeting, Altura Wellhead Protection meeting, and the Rochester Farm Show 

MEDIATOR – Donald Buckhout, BWSR – Donald addressed the board on what he could provide to them as a mediator.  He presented the board with a proposal and explained how the mediation would be done.  Tom made a motion to approve the proposal and proceed with mediation.  John seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

RURAL PRESERVE – Steve Hacken updated the board on the county’s work with the Rural Preserve program.  The deadline for sign-up has been extended until August 16, 2010.  The board discussed concerns that have been expressed about the district’s policy and the entire program requirements.  The board reviewed the policy.  No action was taken.

COST SHARE

1.      Jim made a motion to amend the district’s Well Sealing Policy and change the eligible percentage rate of Cost-Share to the maximum of 50%.  Tom seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

2.      Daryl presented three reports on the current status of Flood Cost-Share and workload. 

3.      Jim made a motion to approve the final payment request for Feedlot FY-09, #07 – Mueller for $6,343.68 for his milkhouse waste holding tank and pump system.  The total cost of this project was $8,458.24.  Arlene seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

4.      John made a motion to approve the amendment request for Feedlot FY-09, #06 – Kronebusch to increase the Cost-Share amount by $6,144.32 and the practice to include a run-off control structure.  The additional Cost-Share is available through slippage from Feedlot FY-09, #07 and approved by Mary Kells, BWSR.  Tom seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

5.      Jim made a motion to approve the new Cost-Share application for Mike Ruhberg for a new sediment basin using Regular State Cost-Share for 75% Cost-Share or a maximum of $4,500.  Project estimate for this project is $50,550.  Tom seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

PERSONAL WAGE REVIEW

1.      Jim made a motion to approve a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment to the district employees retroactive to January 1, 2010; Tom seconded it.  Tom and John opposed.  Rudie was called upon to break the tie and opposed.  Motion failed.

2.      Jim made a motion to approve a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment to the district employees retroactive to January 1, 2010 and to put $2,000 of the remaining salary budget into Capital Outlay.  Arlene seconded it.  Tom and John opposed.  Rudie was called upon to break the tie and opposed.  Motion failed.

OLD BUSINESS

1.      Jim made a motion to approve the 2010 Annual Plan as presented.  Arlene seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

2.      Tim updated the board on the applications for the contract employee for Rush-Pine Watershed.  An application for the Mississippi Basin is being done through CCPI.

NEW BUSINESS

1.      Tom made a motion to approve the Agreement for Contribution between Whitewater JPB and the district for March 19, 2010-March 19, 2011.  Jim seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

2.      Tim updated the board on the workload that the Stockton-Rollingstone-Minnesota City Watershed District is creating for the district.  They have generated 23 pond clean-outs and 4 new pond structures.  They have no Cost-Share available at this time.

3.      The board should bring any new resolution ideas to the May board meeting for discussion and approval.

MISCELLANEOUS DISTRICT NEWS AND INFORMATION – None.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – None.

ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 1:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:

Tom Choinski, Secretary of the Board.