Date: September 8, 2004
Sauk County Highway Shop, West Baraboo
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 Zowin, Lehman, Wiese, Borleske, and Cassity from the Committee; Norgard-FSA; Brereton-NRCS; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD; Tremble-Planning & Zoning. Peterson-WDS. Craker was absent.
Adopt Agenda: Motion by Lehman/Cassity to adopt the agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.
Appearances: There were none.
Adopt Minutes of Previous Meetings: Motion by Zowin/Borleske to adopt the minutes of the regular LCC meeting on August 11. Motion carried, all in favor.
Training events: Motion by Cassity/Borleske to approve the list of training events. Motion carried, all in favor.
Bills: Bill summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Borleske/Zowin to approve bills in the amount of $50,036.67. Motion carried, all in favor.
Correspondence: Van Berkel distributed copies of the latest Thursday Notes.
Van Berkel noted that an application for the expansion of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) area is being submitted, and indications are it will be approved. The state is also proposing to increase Sauk County's state spending authority an additional $200,000. This increase is necessitated because of the significant increase in enrollments over the last year.
Van Berkel noted that the Highway 12 Agricultural Environmental Impact Statement from the DATCP was received. The report highlights a large increase in the number of residents commuting to work in Madison and discusses the predictions for an increased growth along the entire corridor and into the agricultural areas of Sauk County.
Van Berkel notified the LCC that he has NACD raffle tickets to sell if anyone is interested.
Reports: Brereton reported that NRCS's fiscal year is ending September 30. Starting October 1 NRCS will be issuing checks instead of FSA for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contracts.
Norgard reported that FSA is having a general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup until September 24. Currently they have 5 offers and 14 more are interested. Sauk County does not have many contracts expiring at this time. The COC nominations closed on Friday. They are starting outreach for next year's election for minorities and women in the northeast section of Sauk County. There is a big push for E-gov where program participants will be able to sign up on line. Field offices are getting more limited on staffing.
Van Berkel informed the LCC that the Southern Area Meeting will be held on November 4 in Verona. A major discussion item will be the proposed WLWCA by-law changes. Zowin stated that she may be able to attend.
Lehman reported on the Southern Area Tour held in Richland County.
Consider Co-sponsorship of Resolution to Create Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights Program: Tremble discussed the resolution to create an Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights program. The Planning and Zoning Committee has already approved the resolution on a 4-1 vote. Tremble asked the LCC for support of the resolution which will go before County Board for action on September 21. This program would augment the current Baraboo Range Protection Program. It will protect agricultural land through the purchase of development rights. This plan will support the comprehensive planning process at the town level. Having a program established will improve eligibility for obtaining a second source of funding. A program needs to be in place in order to apply for grants. The program will be self limiting due to the small amount of funds currently available. Motion by Borleske/Zowin to support the resolution. Motion passed; ayes-Borleske, Wiese, Zowin; nayes-Cassity, Lehman.
Consider Cost-Share Request for Modification of Manure Storage Facility: Van Berkel briefed the LCC about an incident where the LCD was installing a manure storage facility at Noldens. The Planning & Zoning Department questioned the project's setback under the zoning ordinance. The structure was within the setback but was assumed to be allowed based upon an interpretation from a previous Zoning Administrator. There was discussion regarding the ordinance and both the previous exemption and the present interpretation. Compliance would require either a delay to get the approval from the Board of Adjustment or the moving of one wall of the structure. The contractors had the ability to move the wall, and Nolden agreed to the change. This change will cost the landowner an estimated $750. Van Berkel proposes the County pay the extra costs involved in moving the wall because the issue was not due to any action by the owner but rather the change in interpretation from the Zoning Office. The Department and owner needed to make a decision as quickly as possible since construction was underway and chose to move the wall. Motion by Cassity/Borleske that the County pay from our county cost-share account for the additional cost incurred by Nolden. Motion carried, all in favor.
The Committee instructed Van Berkel to prepare a letter from the LCC requesting clarification on the ordinance for approval/signature at the October meeting.
Consider Participation in Contribution Agreement with NRCS for Technical Practice Design and Installation: Van Berkel noted that for a couple years the LCD has worked to get staff authorized as Technical Service Providers (TSP) through NRCS. This would allow us to contract with federal program participants to prepare plans for conservation practices and then be reimbursed for this work through federal funds. However, the most recent determination is that we may not be eligible because of our close working relationship with the NRCS office. As an alternative, Van Berkel reported that NRCS is offering contribution agreements which would pay us for some of that same work at 50 percent of the actual cost. The work produced would help landowners qualify and receive cost sharing from EQIP, CRP, and CREP for practices, and the work would also benefit the resources of the County by increasing participation in these programs. NRCS and Sauk County have developed an estimated workload and hourly rate, and NRCS has offered us a contribution agreement for $28,630 which will help offset some the 2005 budget concerns. Van Berkel recommended approval of the agreement. Beghin and Wiegand have already authorized using these funds to bring Stewart's position back to 100 percent from 80 percent FTE. Motion by Borleske/Cassity to approve the NRCS contribution agreement. Motion carried, all in favor.
Budget Update: Peterson presented the APHIS-WDS 2005 Sauk County Preliminary Budget with an estimated total of $21,208.63. This amount is less than in 2004. There is no cost to Sauk County, funds come from hunting license sales. Motion by Borlekse/Zowin to approve this preliminary budget with APHIS for $21,208.63. Motion carried, all in favor.
Van Berkel updated committee on the grant applications still pending.
Consider Resolution Commending Paul Dietmann on Selection for National Association of County Agricultural Agent Award: Wiese stated that County Board Chair William Wenzel and he felt Dietmann deserved to be recognized through a county board resolution for the national county agricultural agent award he recently received. The Executive & Legislative Committee recommended this be initiated by the Agriculture, Extension, Education & Land Conservation Committee. Sue Nagelkerk from UWEX is preparing the resolution. Motion by Lehman/Cassity to approve this resolution commending Dietmann on his national award selection. Motion carried, all in favor. A copy of the newspaper article will be attached to the resolution in the Board packets.
Motion to adjourn until October 14 at 9:00 a.m. by Zowin/Cassity at 11:02 a.m. Motion carried, all in favor.
Kathy Zowin, Secretary