Land Conservation Committee

February LCC Minutes 2010 (28 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 Borleske, Kriegl, Posewitz, Puttkamer, Wiese and Zowin from the Committee; Norgard-FSA; Brereton-NRCS; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD; Schauf-Administrative Coordinator.

Adopt agenda: Motion by Borleske/Posewitz to adopt the agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.

Adopt minutes of previous meeting: Motion by Zowin/Borleske to adopt the minutes of the regular LCC meeting on January 14. Motion carried, all in favor.

Public comment:

None.

Possible closed session pursuant to Wisc. Stats. 19.85(a)(c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. Performance evaluation of County Conservationist: Motion by Borleske/Posewitz to move into closed session. Motion carried, all in favor.

Motion by Borleske/Zowin to reconvene into open session. Motion carried, all in favor.

Communications:

1. Thursday Note(s)-None.
2. Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection final allocation plan-Van Berkel reported on the funding allocations. Received second highest staffing allocation in state; tied for the highest cost-share grant; tied for the highest nutrient management grant. He emphasized the fact that Sauk County is always near the top in grant funding and has managed three of the most successful watershed projects in the state bringing in millions of cost-share dollars. An important factor in this success is the good conservation ethic in county.

Review and consider adoption of resolution to accept Clark Creek Watershed Study Grant:

VanBerkel noted that as discussed at the February LCC meeting, we will receive $30,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Department of Natural Resources. Corporation Counsel informed us that it needs to be accepted by the entire County Board to be added to the budget. The fiscal note on the Board resolution includes the option for a limited-term position for hydrogeomorphology analysis or contracting for dedicated assistance from various sources. The resolution will also go to the Finance Committee today and County Board on February 17. Motion by Kriegl/Borleske for acceptance of the Clark Creek Watershed Study grant. Motion carried, all in favor.

Review of Working Lands Initiative directive and workload implications:

Van Berkel reported that the LCD staff is excited about the transition from the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) to the Working Lands Initiative (WLI) because the increased tax credits will get more people into the program providing an increase in conservation practices. However, the new requirements and new participants will greatly increase the workload.

This workload will be very difficult due to the loss of two staff positions over the past two years. The Committee needs to have a serious discussion about the workload and budget. Zowin stated that we will have to build a very strong case if we would expect the County Board to approve it. The issue will be discussed further at the next meeting as part of the priority session.

Consider comments on proposed changes to Department of Natural Resources nonpoint pollution rules:

Van Berkel highlighted proposed changes from the UW-Platteville Pioneer Farms "Overview of Proposed Revisions to Wisconsin's Nonpoint Source Pollution Rule-NR 151." The changes to the Targeted Runoff Management Grant Program would make it similar to the old priority watershed program but reduce the project to a more manageable area and four-year term. The change would also provide a grant to the county for administration and design as well as cost sharing.

Discuss possible comment regarding Natural Resources Conservation Service staffing plan:

Brereton informed the LCC that the NRCS Technician retired at end of 2009. The position is being advertised through February 22. They are making it a shared position with Juneau County because Juneau does not have a technician. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is main conservation program that NRCS focuses on in Sauk County. Brereton distributed allocations and number of technicians in other counties. The concern is that if we do not receive a full-time position, we will not be able to utilize all the program funds. NRCS Assistant State Conservationist Jackson-Kelly will come to a future LCC meeting. Motion by Borleske/Zowin to draft a letter in support of the need for a full-time technician to Patti Jackson-Kelly and Pat Leavenworth. Motion carried, all in favor.

Consider adoption of resolution commending Millie Zantow for recycling efforts:

Van Berkel noted Zantow's recycling efforts. Motion by Zowin/Wiese in support of resolution. Motion carried, all in favor.

Approval of Clean Sweep grant from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection:

A Clean Sweep Program will be held on June 11-12 at the landfill. Motion by Borleske/Posewitz to accept the $29,000 DATCP grant for Clean Sweep. Motion carried, all in favor.

Consider approval of contract with Veolia Environmental Services for disposal at Clean Sweep event:

The contract has not been received so no action at this time.

Request for support letters for Lake Planning Grants for Lake Virginia and Wisconsin River Floodplain Lake Study:

Van Berkel mentioned last month that Lake Virginia is looking at the phosphorous input into their lake and invasive plants. They requested LCC to write a letter of support for the grant. Dave Marshall also requested support for a lake planning grant to expand study of oxbow lakes. Motion by Zowin/Posewitz to approve sending the support letters. Motion carried, all in favor.

Distribute preliminary materials regarding adoption of 2011 department program priorities:

VanBerkel distributed the scoresheet used to establish priorities last year. This process will be used again at the next meeting. The March 23 meeting will be in the evening to allow other County Board members the opportunity to participate in the priority discussion.

Review and approval of vouchers:

Voucher summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Borleske/Posewitz to approve bills in the amount of $26,182.94. Motion carried, all in favor.

Legislative updates:

The veto override vote on the appointment of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary is scheduled for February 23.

Reports:

1. Land Conservation Department (LCD) report-Van Berkel highlighted some of activities on the monthly report-Home Energy Workshop, recycling containers, Vosberg's work to assist other departments, and the work with towns on the Working Lands Initiative.
2. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) report-Brereton announced the EQIP signup period through February 22, signup for conversion to organic is separate. There is a pilot program for funding high tunnel hoop houses, they have received a lot of inquiries. There is also a signup for the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program. Conservation Security Program (CSP) will be funding all four applications.
3. Farm Service Agency (FSA) report-Norgard reported that FSA is in midst of the 2008 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE). The application deadline for the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payments Program (DCP ) and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE) is June 1.
4. Foresters' report-None.
5. Economic Development Committee report-Zowin reported there was a good list of future HCC farm uses submitted. Merrimac bridge study was completed.
6. Mirror Lake District report-Nothing to report.
7. Lake Virginia Management District report-No meeting this month.
8. Lake Redstone Management District report-Nothing to report.

Motion to adjourn until March 23 at 6:00 p.m. by Borleske/Posewitz at 11:15 a.m. Motion carried, all in favor.

Respectfully submitted: Linda Borleske, Secretary