Date: July 14, 2004
Conference Room 213 West Square Building
Meeting called to order by Chair Wiese at 9:05 a.m. It was certified that the requirements of the open meeting law have been met. Present were Wiese, Borleske, and Cassity from the Committee; Norgard-FSA; Peterson-WDS; Huffaker-Aldo Leopold Foundation; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD. Craker, Zowin and Lehman were absent.
Adopt Agenda: Motion by Borleske/Cassity to adopt the agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.
Appearances: There were none.
Adopt Minutes of Previous Meetings: Motion by Cassity/Borleske to adopt the minutes of the regular LCC meeting on June 10. Motion carried, all in favor.
Training events: Motion by Cassity/Borleske to approve the list of training events. Motion carried, all in favor. Cassity requested the LCD to check on the impacts of a horse farm on Lake Virginia. Van Berkel informed the Committee that the LCD has already been contacted on this concern and are investigating the problem of nutrient runoff.
Bills: Bill summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Borleske/Cassity to approve bills in the amount of $11,296.92. Motion carried, all in favor.
Correspondence: Van Berkel distributed copies of the latest Thursday Notes. Van Berkel discussed the SAA Tour to be held on July 22 in Richland County.
Reports: Norgard stated that there were no updates on a future signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) from the conference in Colorado. Sauk County received Presidential Disaster Designation where farmers can obtain loans for 3.75 percent. There are no pending disaster programs for 2003 or 2004. The FSA Committee is still looking for minority and women representation from the southern portion of Sauk County.
Van Berkel informed the Committee that the revised Soil & Water Conservation Standards discussed last month for the Farmland Preservation Program are still being reviewed by Corporation Counsel and DATCP. Copies noting where changes were made in the document were distributed.
Van Berkel reported that Dave & Linda's Antiques are going to remove the big pole shed, the white storage building and pump house at Nachreiners, but they defaulted on a few of the other buildings. These purchases will help reduce our demolition costs. Land disposal will be decided at a future joint Highway Committee and LCC meeting.
The Solid Waste Site is looking into the disposal options for the demolition waste after burning. The Environmental Resources Committee has directed Van Berkel and John Carroll to handle the disposal to the best advantage of the County.
Update on Farming and Conservation Together (FACT): Van Berkel noted that at the last LCC meeting approval was made for the final payment through a river planning grant for staffing to assist FACT, and that action had stirred a request for an update from the group. Buddy Huffaker, Aldo Leopold Foundation Director and Chair of the Farming and Conservation Together Committee, then presented a brief overview of FACT, their vision to develop a private land based alternative to the proposed Leopold Refuge, and their progress to date. The 2003 Annual Report for FACT was distributed and discussed with the Committee. One of the greatest benefits is having farmers and conservation groups talking together about their conservation concerns. Experts have also done presentations to increase awareness at open houses sponsored by the group. The projects funded have a strong focus on improving and preserving wildlife habitat while also continuing the neighborhoods' viable farm operations. Huffaker thanked the LCC and LCD for their support of this program.
Consider Participation in 2004 Venison Donation Program: Van Berkel and Phil Peterson from the Wildlife Damage Service informed the Committee that there will be a statewide Venison Donation Program again this year. Processors will only be reimbursed $50/deer this year though. Sauk County has not participated the past few years due to concerns with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Deer from the CWD eradication area are not eligible for the Venison Donation Program. Currently there are four venison processors in Sauk County. Three have responded that they do not wish to participate. The source of the funding is an issue due to severe budget restraints. There was discussion if this is the best use of the money for farmers. Motion by Cassity/Borleske to particpate in the 2004 Venison Donation Program if a processor is available. Motion carried, all in favor. A budget amendment to fund this effort was presented for Committee signature.
Review of Replacement Vehicle Proposals: Van Berkel informed the LCC that the 2000 Jeep Cherokee was totaled in an accident while driven by one of our summer interns. The insurance settlement will be $11,100. The Jeep Cherokee was one of our most versatile vehicles and needs to be replaced to maintain efficiency. It was used extensively for conservation planning, travel to meetings, etc. Van Berkel suggested using funds from two unbudgeted revenue sources to supplement the insurance payment to replace the vehicle. The Department received $5,173 for nutrient management planning as a Technical Service Provider (TSP) which was not a budgeted revenue in 2004. Also, another unbudgeted revenue of $2,000 was received through a grant from WLWCA for a summer intern position. The Finance Committee has already approved this reallocation of money. Kathy Schauf checked with Vendor Net, but it allows up to 60 days delivery time on a vehicle. To try and speed the replacement, Van Berkel sent Requests for Proposals to Sauk County dealers requesting delivery by July 21 with the stipulation that selection will be made on a vehicle most advantageous to the County. Five bids were received as follows:Ford Escape-Kayser Motors-$18,500;Chevrolet Tracker-Don Larson Chevrolet-$15,653, Schultz Chevrolet-$16,600;Chevrolet Trailblazer-Schultz Chevrolet-$22,396, Schultz Chevrolet-$23,276; Jeep Liberty-Kayser-Sauk City-$17,199, Baraboo Motors-$19,995. Van Berkel recommended the Jeep Liberty as best meeting our needs. Van Berkel informed the Committee that the cost per year is considerably less for the Liberty than the Tracker because of resale value. This is also the last year the Tracker is being made which can further reduce any resale value. Motion by Borleske/Cassity to purchase the Jeep Liberty from Kayser-Sauk City for $17,199. Motion carried, all in favor. Van Berkel also reported that the driver of the second vehicle, who was rear ended, has filed a Notice of Injury.
Preliminary 2005 Budget Proposal: Van Berkel reported on some preliminary budget issues and requested some direction from the Committee. Finance Committee has not provided departments any direction or goals for the budget process. Labor allocation worksheets were distributed. As yet there has not been notice on what grants will be received for 2005. Committee recommended that Van Berkel try to maintain the current staffing.
Review and Approval of Farmland Preservation Agreement-Hubert & Joan Thompson: Van Berkel informed the LCC that the application is for a 10-year agreement, and they have agreed to meet all conservation plan requirements. The cropland is presently enrolled in CRP. Motion by Borleske/Cassity to approve a 10-year Farmland Preservation Program agreement for Hubert and Joan Thompson. Motion carried, all in favor.
Motion to adjourn until August 11 at 8:00 a.m., if meeting jointly with the Highway Committee, otherwise at 9 a.m., by Cassity/Wiese at 11:08 a.m. Motion carried, all in favor.