Land Conservation Committee

September LCC 2010 Minutes (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 Borleske, Kriegl, Murray, Puttkamer, Wiese and Zowin from the Committee; Norgard-FSA; Brereton-NRCS; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD. Krueger-County Board; Peterson-WDS.

Adopt agenda:

Motion by Borleske/Murray to adopt the amended agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.

Adopt minutes of previous meeting:

Motion by Murray/Kriegl to adopt the minutes of the regular LCC meeting on August 12. Motion carried, all in favor.

Public comment:

None.
 

Request for adjustment on Health Care Center cropland rental rate for 2010:

Marty Pertzborn did not appear to present appeal. Committee deferred action.

Update on Clark Creek grant implementation:

Van Berkel presented copies of the proposed Request for Proposals (RFPs) to be sent out early next week and would like to change the proposal due date to October 4 from October 11. Will then present a resolution to the County Board on October 19. No formal action necessary.

Update on Spring Green study proposal:

Van Berkel and Krueger updated the LCC on the status of the Spring Green study. Concern in area is that Bakken's Pond is a major source of high water table and some suggest drawing it down to test theory. Federal government was involved in construction of Bakken's Pond and DNR representatives are checking on possible issues. Next meeting will be between town and county governments and DNR representatives.

Update on request to refill Conservation Engineer position:

Van Berkel and Murray presented to the Personnel Committee on September 3 regarding the position. Due to the LCD and Planning & Zoning restructuring proposal, they asked the Personnel Committee to defer any decision until after this study as this may provide more information. The engineer position could be expanded for assistance in other departments. It was suggested to track what work is not being addressed because of the vacant position.

There was discussion on the departments' restructuring and possibly holding a joint committee meeting. A resolution to create an Ad Hoc Committee to address the restructuring will go before the September County Board.

Review and approval of vouchers:

Voucher summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Zowin/Borleske to approve bills in the amount of $74,721.98. Motion carried, all in favor.

Consider resolution to approve attendance of Wiese and Hausner at State Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) conference: The conference will be held in LaCrosse September 22-24. Motion by Zowin/Borleske to approve Wiese and Hausner attending the State Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) conference and for a resolution to go to the September County Board. Motion carried, all in favor.

Review budget to discuss programs, priorities, mandates, discretionary programs, service limitations, etc.:

Krueger noted that the LCD's programs and priorities have been well received. Van Berkel reviewed the programs, priorities, etc. with the LCC. No proposed changes to the budget were presented.

Legislative updates:

None.

Communications:

 Thursday Note(s)-Van Berkel highlighted some items on the August 19 Thursday Note which the members received at their homes.

Reports:

1.  Land Conservation Department (LCD)report-Van Berkel highlighted the monthly report. The Pedal Power educational program was discussed.
2. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)-Brereton reported that the Conservation Stewardship Program received four applications in the last signup. Two applicants cancelled, two were funded, but only one applicant developed a contract. Interest in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has been slow in this county compared to other counties. There will be a signup in fall, possibly in October.
   1. There have been minor changes in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). We will need to hold a local work group meeting before having a signup this fall. Signup may be in November into December. The first "hoop house" went up in the county with EQIP funds.
   2. It is the 75-year anniversary for NRCS, and Brereton distributed a fact sheet to the members on their history. The Sauk County Conservation District started in 1941.
3. Farm Service Agency (FSA) report-Norgaard highlighted the new FSA conservation loan program implementing conservation measures on land. Farmers need an approved conservation plan from NRCS to be eligible for loan. Applications for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) were due last Friday, contracts effective October 1. There is good interest in the program in Sauk County.
4. Foresters' report-None.
5. Economic Development Committee report-Murray reported their meeting dealt with Rails to Trails, but the entire meeting was discussing the rails portion. Another meeting to discuss the trails portion will be held. Other major project is deciding what to do with the farmland at the old Health Care Center (HCC). Schauf has put together a white paper of alternative uses. This will be reviewed at their next meeting.
6. Mirror Lake District report-Zowin reported they had their annual meeting, and the mill rate stayed the same.
7.  Lake Virginia Management District report-Murray stated their annual meeting is Saturday, September 11. The District is encouraging P&Z to look at strengthening the county ordinance for removal of junk from yards.
8. Lake Redstone Management District report-Borleske reported they had their annual meeting and an additional meeting since then. They are looking at some new projects. Their next meeting is September 15.

Approve amended Wildlife Damage Service (WDS) 2010 budget to include Venison Donation Program:

Peterson discussed the Venison Donation Program and noted the amount processors receive increased from $50/deer to $55/deer. This is DNR money that gets funneled through the county. WDS handles everything. It is a $2,008 increase in the budget and comes from hunter fees. Motion by Borleske/Murray to approve the amended WDS budget to include the Venison Donation Program. Motion carried, all in favor.

Review and approval of 2011 Wildlife Damage Abatement Program Budget:

Peterson presented the preliminary operating budget for next year at $12,554.67 which includes an increase of around $800. Motion by Borleske/Murray to approve the 2011 Wildlife Damage Abatement Program Budget in the amount of $12,554.67. Motion carried, all in favor.

Motion to adjourn until October 7 at 9:00 a.m. by Murray/Zowin at 11:04 a.m. Motion carried, all in favor.

Respectfully submitted: Linda Borleske, Secretary