WINONA COUNTY SWCD MINUTES

Ag Service Center, Lewiston, MN

January 15, 2010

Meeting was called to order at 9:05 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, County Commissioner; Tim Terrill, Daryl Buck, Marlow Mielke, and Brein Maki, SWCD; and Sue Glende and Justin Lindner, NRCS.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA –John made a motion to approve the January 15, 2010 agenda adding Rural Preserve under Cost-Share and Staff Address to the Board under Supervisor Reports; Jim seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

The Chairman turned the meeting over to the manager for the election of board officers.

ELECTION of OFFICERS –

            Chairman – Nominations were made by John for Rudie and Tom nominated himself.  John made a motion to cease nominations; Jim seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.  John made a motion to appoint Rudie as Chairman of the Board; Rudie seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.  Tom opposed.  Because of the affirmative votes, no motion took place for Tom’s nomination.

            Vice-Chairman – Nominations were made by Rudie for John and Tom nominated himself.  Rudie made a motion to cease nominations; Jim seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.  Tom opposed.  Rudie made a motion to appoint John as Vice-Chairman of the Board; Jim seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.  Tom opposed.  John abstained.  Because of the affirmative votes, no motion took place for Tom’s nomination.

            Secretary/Treasurer – Nominations were made by Tom for himself and Rudie for Arlene.  Jim made a motion to cease nominations; Rudie seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.  John made a motion to elect Tom as Secretary/Treasurer of the Board; Arlene seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.  Rudie opposed.  Because of the affirmative votes, no motion took place for Arlene’s nomination.

Chairman Rudie Spitzer took over the meeting.

The following committee assignments were made:   

                        Personnel Committee – John and Arlene

                        Budget Committee – John and Tom

                        Whitewater JPB – Rudie

                        SRF Committee – Rudie

                        Hiawatha RC&D – Arlene

                        BALMN - Tom

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

COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT – Commissioner Kaehler updated the board on current county board information including the County Planning Ordinance work (meeting Feb 2), 2010 Budget work, and 2010 Census.  She also urged anyone with comments or concerns on the Ordinance to email the Commissions.

WINONA COUNTY PLANNING REPORT – No report was given.

D.C. REPORT –Sue updated the board on the 2009 CSP applications and verifications and 2010 CSP sign-ups, reminder of the EQIP Work Group that Jim and Rudie will attend on January 14 at 1:00 P.M., and a Nutrient Management Workshop on February 18.

WHITEWATER JPB REPORT – Megan updated the board on current Whitewater JPB works including a grant that was funded for civic engagement, Recovery Act Grant, Logan Creek Modeling project, Water Quality Management Grant update, 2010 WWJPB Budget, and the continued work with the Turbidity TMDL.

SUPERVISOR REPORTS –John met with the County Personnel Director.  Arlene met with the County Personnel Director.  The board supported her work with the “Digestive Systems of the Soils” educational day and she will work with Sue to put together a proposal for the Hiawatha RC&D to help fund this event.  Jim reported on the Local Food Committee work and the Local Foods Expo and Forum scheduled for March 13.  Jim encouraged the District to participate.  Rudie reported that the SRF has a meeting coming up on January 27^, 2010.

STAFF ADDRESS TO THE BOARD – Daryl, Brein, and Marlow brought their concerns with their grievance presented to the Personnel Committee.  They requested the opportunity to meet with the entire Board to discuss their concerns within that grievance and other concerns within the District. 

COST SHARE

1.      John made a motion to approve the Cost-Share application for Randy Kukowski for Flood Cost-Share to repair a Critical Area Planting.  The total estimate and Cost-Share approved is $3,000 or up to 100% Cost-Share.  Tom seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

RURAL PRESERVE PROGRAM – Discussion and information on the requirements of the district were brought to the board.  Decisions will need to be made at the February Board meeting.  Daryl will be working with additional agencies (County Assessor and DNR) to get more information together for the February meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

1.       The completed 2008 District Financial Audit is complete and copies are available upon request.

2.      Jim made a motion to table the discussion/action of the 2010 Annual Plan.  John seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

3.      The Personnel Committee spoke with the County Personnel Director and it was recommended that they do not meet with mediations or a facilitator because of the situation.  Tom made a motion to have Rudie work with the County Attorney to see if they are able to set-up a Closed Meeting with the staff; Jim seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.  John opposed.

4.      A PowerPoint presentation was presented on money leveraged in 2008 by the Winona SWCD and a legislative update.

5.      The board directed Tim to get a written proposal from the Nature Conservancy on the expectations, requirements, and financial interests of them funding a new employee for the district.

NEW BUSINESS

a.       John, Rudie, and Tim are planning on attending the 2010 Legislative Day at the Capital.

b.      By consensus, the board decided to start using the Supervisor Expense form for 2010.

c.       Jim made a motion to table the discussion/action of the Personnel Wage Review; Tom seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

MISCELLANEOUS DISTRICT NEWS AND INFORMATION

1.      Tom made a motion to approve Rudie and Jim to attend the NRCS Local Group meeting on January 16, 2009; Jim seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

2.      Home Grown Economy workshop flyer was presented as information.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – None.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

1.       Jim made a motion to table the scheduled Strategic Planning meeting and hold a special meeting date on January 25, 2010 at 9:00 A.M. for supervisors and staff; Tom seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.

SUPERVISOR ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING – The Personnel Committee will work with the Winona County Administrator, H.R, and Attorney’s Office and follow their directives.  The revision of the SWCD Policy Handbook will follow the County’s direction and advice. Chairman Spitzer will check first with the County Attorney’s office or MCIT to set up a closed meeting for January 25, 2010 to meet with staff.

ADJOURNMENT – Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting; John seconded it and carried by affirmative votes.  2:02 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:

Tom Choinski, Secretary of the Board