Land Conservation Committee

August LCC Minutes 2010 (29 KB)

Meeting called to order by Chair Wiese at 9:00 a.m. It was certified that the requirements of the open meeting law have been met. Present were Kriegl, Murray, Puttkamer, and Wiese from the Committee; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD; Krueger-County Board; Kenneth Vertein, Dana Westedt, and Elizabeth Strunz. Zowin and Borleske were absent.

Adopt agenda: Motion by Murray/Puttkamer to adopt the amended agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.

Adopt minutes of previous meeting: Motion by Puttkamer/Murray to adopt the minutes of the regular LCC meeting on July 8. Motion carried, all in favor.

Public comment:

1.  Teacher scholarship presentations-Dana Westedt and Elizabeth Strunz presented on their experiences at conferences they attended due to the receipt of teacher scholarships.
2. Consider department's role in development of Spring Green West Basin drainage study: Krueger presented an overview of what has been happening with the Spring Green flooding situation in western Sauk County. He offered the LCD's assistance to organize a meeting of the government units involved to develop a request for proposals for a study of the problem and possible solutions. After development of a study plan, the next step would be to find a source of funds to pay for the study. Krueger felt it should not be a big time commitment. He estimated the need for approximately three meetings at the most. Van Berkel agreed the department could play an important role but was concerned regarding the time it may need because it is complex, difficult and contentious. Another concern is that the Conservation Engineer position, the staff best prepared to deal with this complex issue, is currently vacant. Wiese will also be included in meetings because he both serves on the LCC and represents a part of the district. Motion by Murray/Kriegl that the LCD adopt the role of developing the proposal for a study of the Spring Green West Basin. Motion carried, all in favor.
3. County engineer vacancy: Van Berkel reported that Vosberg has resigned after 18 years and the serious loss this is to the county and the department. He highlighted some of the projects he performed and the cost savings generated versus contracting for engineering services. He also emphasized the importance having a staff engineer to provide adequate resource protection. The position will have to go through the Personnel Committee for approval to refill. He handed out copies of the "Decision Making Criteria for Vacant Positions" as provided to Personnel. It was originally on the August Personnel Committee agenda but as per suggestions from Kriegl and others it was pulled until the September 3 meeting. Peter Murray and possibly other LCC members will attend the Personnel Committee meeting to offer support for the position being refilled. Murray emphasized the need to present the cost savings this position provides the county. He also noted that support for agriculture is an important part of the County Comprehensive Plan.
4. New dam inspection requirements: Van Berkel noted that the new rules will require that the county either provide or contract with an engineer for dam inspections in the future. The county owns six dams and the new requirements will require one inspection per year at an estimated cost of $10,000 to $20,000 each.
5. Conservation Congress budget request: Vertein submitted a request for the same $1,200 budget amount as the past two years. He emphasized the role of the Conservation Congress and asked that the Committee keep them informed if there are any issues they have. Van Berkel affirmed that this amount was included in the department's 2011 budget proposal.
6. Approval of proposed 2011 budget: Van Berkel presented the proposed 2011 budget which includes refilling of the technician position vacant since April of 2008. Motion by Murray/Puttkamer to approve the 2011 budget. Motion carried, all in favor.
7. Request for adjustment on Health Care Center cropland rental rate for 2010: Marty Pertzborn had wanted to talk to the Committee regarding the proposed rental rate adjustment due to sludge application. He said he could not be sure of his availability though. Due to his absence the item was delayed to the next meeting.
8. Consider participation in 2010 Venison Donation Program: Van Berkel presented background on the history of the Venison Donation Program and the benefit to food pantries. It does not cost the county anything to participate and there are a couple of processors available in the county. Motion by Puttkamer/Kriegl to participate in the 2010 Venison Donation Program. Motion carried, all in favor.
9. Mirror Lake sediment basin success story: Van Berkel presented photos showing the effectiveness of recent gully erosion control practices in reducing sediment load to Mirror Lake.
10. Review and approval of vouchers: Voucher summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Murray/Puttkamer to approve bills in the amount of $48,525.65. Motion carried, all in favor.
11. Legislative updates: None.

Communications:

1. Thursday Note(s)-None.
2. Letters from Conservation Camp scholarship winners-Pohle provided two letters from the Nimmow children thanking the Committee and telling about their camp experiences.
3. Recycling donation-Previously received two $1,000 checks from Wisconsin Intercounty Nonprofit Recycling. These funds were used for materials to build the recycling bins and trailer purchase. They have now sent another $3,550.57 to promote additional recycling efforts in the county.
4. Notice of DNR land purchase-Dell Creek Wildlife Area-Notification was received from from DNR that they are purchasing 9.28 acres in Dellona.
5. Notice of HCC2 cropland zoning violation-The unused acreage located at the new Health Care Center has been rented out the last two years, but we received notice that agriculture use is in violation of the City of Reedsburg's zoning. We will be allowed to harvest the crop this year, but agriculture will not be allowed after the end of this growing season unless the property is rezoned. Van Berkel suggested that this opens the door for thoughts of alternative uses on the 19 acres. The Sustain Sauk group has talked about some alternative, local food production on this land that may benefit the Health Care Center food operation and others.
6. Wiese received a call from Thomas Seep regarding severe erosion in a waterway on his farm. He encouraged the LCC to look into flood control projects for the area. Van Berkel reported funding for these projects previously came from federal sources and is no longer available. He volunteered to call Seep and explain and if need be put the discussion on a future agenda.

Reports:

1. Report on Southern Area Association of Land Conservation Committees-Murray reported on the tour/meeting which included the Arlington Agricultural Research Center, Sassy Cow Creamery, Fountain Prairie Inn and Farms, and Columbia County Co-Composting Facility.
2. Land Conservation Department (LCD) report-Van Berkel highlighted some of the activities on the monthly report. Motion by Kriegl/Murray to approve the commendation resolution for Vosberg. Motion carried.
3. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) report-None.
4. Farm Service Agency (FSA) report-Puttkamer reported that the first signup in a few years is being held for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and that the Agency has come to an agreement with Goodman's on their manure permit. He also reported that he was at a FSA meeting in Madison yesterday and questioned why they continue to allow eligibility for farms that do not meet tolerable soil loss requirements.
5. Foresters' report-None.
6. Economic Development Committee report-Murray reported that since the last LCC meeting, they met with the Sauk County Development Committee and toured the Dairy Forage Research Center. They are also discussing the future of the old Health Care Center farm and the Rails to Trails initiative.
7. Mirror Lake District report-None.
8. Lake Virginia Management District report-Annual meeting is scheduled.
9. Lake Redstone Management District report-None

Motion to adjourn until September 9 at 9:00 a.m. by Murray/Puttkamer at 11:40 a.m. Motion carried, all in favor.

Respectfully submitted: Linda Borleske, Secretary