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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand & Water 01-06-04 ST. CROIX COUNTY NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETING TO: Clarence Malick, Chairman St. Croix County Board FROM: Art Jensen, Chairman COMMITTEE TITLE: Resource & Education /Land & Water Conservation Committee DATE: January 6, 2004 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: Ag Center, Baldwin CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA DATE OF NEXT MEETING: February 3, 2004 ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES NEW BUSINESS: Resolution - Amending Board of Supervisors Rules and By Laws in regard to Changing Committee Responsibilities for Parks System and Recycling Program By Laws /Chairman Resource & Education Committee /Land & Water Conservation Committee Bass Lake - High Water Elevation Letter of Support - EPA Grant Buzz Sorge - DNR Grant Subdivision Review - 10:00 a.m. Vouchers UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Staff Reports WLWCA Resolutions report St. Croix River Crossing report Information & Education report Priority Watershed Projects Agency Reports FSA NRCS DNR RC &D West Central Area ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: ADJOURNMENT (Agenda not necessarily presented in this order) SUBMITTED BY: Robert Heise DATE: December 16, 2003 COPIES TO: COUNTY BOARD OFFICE NEWS MEDIA /NOTICE BOARD COUNTY CLERK COMMITTEE MEMBERS * ADDITIONS /CORRECTIONS /CHANGES UNOFFICIAL Convened: 9:00 a.m. Adjourned: 11:55 a.m. ST. CROIX COUNTY LAND & WATER CONSERVATION/RESOURCE & EDUCATION COMMITTEE Agricultural Service & Education Center, Baldwin, WI January 6, 2004 Members Present: Leon Berenschot, Chris Bethke, Lois Burri, Jim Cody, Art Jensen, Ron Raymond Members Absent None Staff Present: County Conservationist -Bob Heise; Land Specialists -Pete Kling, Kyle Kulow; County Technician-Ryan Schaefer; I & E Coordinator - Aleisha Miller; Secretary - Arlene Lier Others Present: Cindy Blonk- Burnett County; Bob Hendrickson -FSA; Jay Custer -NRCS; Bob Baczynski, Buzz Sorge -DNR; Peggy Rode, Gene Nelson Bethke made motion to adopt agenda, seconded by Burn, carried. Berenschot made motion to approve the December 2, 2003 meeting minutes, seconded by Raymond, carried. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. INFORMATION & EDUCATION RPORT Aleisha reported: Presented a WEEB (Wisconsin Environmental Education Board) Grant for $5,000, which was completed for submission. The grant money will be used to purchase educational equipment and provide additional hours for the Information and Education Specialist. Recipients of the WEEB Grant will be notified in May. Motion by Burn, seconded by Berenschot, to approve Chair Jensen's signature on the grant application, carried. Dairyland Power, the company involved with the construction of the tower at the Agricultural center has agreed to provide money to purchase flats of prairie plants for an educational prairie planting. The prairie planting area will be 20'x20' west of the constructed tower and will be planted by the LWCD staff with the help of students, possibly from Greenfield Elementary school. This will be used as an interpretive educational prairie plot to assist landowners in encouragement of planting and identifying various prairie grasses and forbs. CINDY BLONK — SET GRAIN PRICES FOR 2003 WILDLIFE DAMAGE CLAIMS Cindy reported and discussed the 2003 Wildlife Damage crop reimbursement rates (one year average) — corn $2.18/bu., soybeans $6.10/bu., organic soybeans $13.50/bu., oats $1.89/bu. St. Croix County has 2 claims ($250 deductible) for the year. Cody made motion to approve the Wildlife Damage crop reimbursement rates for St. Croix County, Raymond seconded, carried. The 2004 Tri- County Wildlife Damage Program Working Agreement (Burnett, Polk, & St. Croix Counties) was presented. Berenschot made motion to approve the Tri- County Wildlife Damage Program agreement for St. Croix County, seconded by Bethke, carried. Wisconsin Deer Donation Program - Reported that St. Croix County donated 125 deer to date, versus 56 in 2002 when the department did not participate in the program because of CWD. Berenschot reported that Bethke inquired about a fence for the community gardens at the Health Center, New Richmond. He reported that RC &D is working on a grant for the project. Cindy Blonk has discussed the project with Jon Behling (UW- Extension Horticulture Educator). It would be a temporary type of fence. There would be no cost -share through DNR Wildlife Damage Program. RESOLUTION — AMENDING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RULES AND BY LAWS IN REGARD TO CHANGING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PARKS SYSTEM AND RECYCLING PROGRAM Heise presented resolution. He stated that the resolution has been approved and has been signed by the Planning, Zoning, & Parks Committee on December 23, 2003. The resolution is being presented to the Administration Committee as we are meeting this morning, January 6. The resolution will be presented to the County Board of Supervisors at the January 20 meeting. Motion by Raymond that LWCC approves the resolution, Cody seconded, carried. BY LAWS /CHAIRMAN RESOURCE & EDUCATION COMMITTEE/LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Heise reported that there has been some discussion regarding structure of the Land and Water Conservation Committee and how it fits under the general umbrella of the Resource and Education Committee. Also, why the Conservation Committee structure changes from the UW- Extension Committee and the Land and Water Conservation Committee, essentially why there are two separate structures and there are two different chairpersons for these two committees. The county bylaws refer to Chapter 92 on how the Land & Water Conservation Committee functions. Burn asked why the bylaws couldn't be changed to reflect how we have been doing for many years. Chair Jensen questioned where Parks fits in our structure. Heise said that Parks would be under the policy direction of the Resource & Education committee. The committee stated the reason for two chairmen is because the workload is too great for one chairman and it spreads out the workload among many supervisors. Raymond made motion that the Resource and Education Committee historically has functioned with two separate committees and the bylaws reference to State Statutes (Chapter 92). Due to the workload required of these two committees and how the two committees have operated traditionally, the LWCC chooses to have two separate committees under the Resource & Education Committee. There is no fiscal advantage to have one committee and as there is no additional expense to the county. Berenschot seconded the motion, carried. LETTER OF SUPPORT — EPA GRANT Heise explained that there is an opportunity to submit an EPA, Watershed Initiative Grant application to reduce the nutrients and sediments from entering the St. Croix River as well as the hypoxia issue of the Mississippi /Gulf of Mexico. This would be a cooperative effort between Minnesota/Wisconsin and multiple counties between states, multiple cooperating agencies and local units of government. Twenty projects will be selected nationally, competing for the $21,000,000 EPA allocation. WDNR will be the sponsor of the grant. One of the components of this application is the RFP (Request for Proposal) for the wastewater issue of the St. Croix valley. Buzz Sorge, DNR, provided greater insight to this grant application. Approximately $400,000 of the total grant ($1,000,000 - $1,300,000) is going to be spent on trying to find some comprehensive solutions to the regional treatment problems for wastewater in this part of the world with the I -94 communities and communities adjacent to them. St. Croix is a very unique river. Raymond questioned how we are going to deal with all the sewage, discharge to the St. Croix River or to the Mississippi River. Dave Fodroczi wrote a letter of support, signed by Buck Malick, County Board Chairman, addressed to Todd Ambs, Water Division Administrator -WDNR, for the "EPA Watershed Initiative Grant for the St. Croix Basin ". Heise made the committee aware that this grant comes at a 75/25% cost - sharing percentage (25% from departments, agencies, states). Buzz stated that there are other grant opportunities available to assist in offsetting the local match. Buzz informed the committee that he might be asking for some of Heise's administrative time. Raymond made motion that LWCC supports the grant and affirms contents of Chairman Malick's letter to Todd Ambs, DNR on the subject, seconded by Bethke, carried. BUZZ SORGE — DNR GRANT Discussed another project that is taking place in St. Croix County, specifically targeting the St. Croix basin and that is conducting Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) modeling in the Willow River Watershed. The Willow River is probably one of the highest contributors into the St. Croix right now as far as sediment and pollution is concerned. The Sunrise River located in MN is another watershed that will be targeted on the Minnesota side. This specific project is incorporated into the larger EPA, watershed initiative scope of work. Heise stated there might be other opportunities for our department if they begin targeting the Willow River. That may have a direct influence on our workload in the department. Raymond made a motion that LWCC approves support of the letter that is going to support the grant and affirm conditions of Chair Malick's letter, Bethke seconded, carried. LETTER OF SUPPORT — LAKE MALLALIEU ASSOCIATION Heise explained that the City of Hudson is taking the lead to eradicate the Eurasian Milfoil in Lake Mallalieu. The City of Hudson would like to lower the water level in the Lake (about 3 feet) in 2004 -2005 to reduce the Eurasian milfoil. City of Hudson is making application to the DNR for a grant to offset the cost of installing an aerator and is asking for a letter of support from St. Croix County. Buzz Sorge supported the project and informed the committee that this is a low cost effort effective way to manage Eurasian Milfoil. Berenschot made motion for Chair Jensen to sign the letter of support, seconded by Burri, carried. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES No report. FSA Robert Hendrickson reported: • Dawn Christensen continues to work on C/S agreements from the last CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) sign up. • The next CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) signup may be in April of 2004. • To date we have processed 60 loans, interest rate at 2.375 %. • Sign up for 2004 DCP (Direct and Counter Cyclical Program) has started and we are making January 2004 "advance" payments of .14 cents/Bu. • Compliance will be starting soon. We are working with a new GIS system for the first time and things are running a little slower than normal. • There will be a payment (approximately .80 cents) made for January MILC (Milk Income Loss Contract). • The interest rates for our facility loans are 3.75 %, same as last month. • We are waiting for more information from the producers on three CDP (Crop Disaster Program) applications for years 2001 or 2002 before payment is made. • There is no word yet on a Crop Disaster Program (CDP) for 2003. NRCS Jay Custer gave the NRCS report on current USDA programs, EQIP, WHIP, CRP, CSP. Jay informed the committee that the Local Workgroup would be holding a meeting in the next month to discuss EQIP cost share practices and cost share levels. They would also be reviewing the EQIP Ranking System AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT Heise explained that we have money available in both the South Fork and Kinnikinnic Watershed accounts. Ryan Schaefer gave the committee specifications and recommendations as to why the Land & Water Department is requesting a new printer for the engineering PC. Purchasing this printer would replace the plotter that is proposed in the department's capital outlay plan. The printer could handle various paper sizes as well as rolls up to 24" width. High quality could also be achieved while increasing print speeds. Raymond made motion to purchase the tabletop printer, Cody seconded, carried. Chair Jensen questioned the status of purchasing a mini van. Heise stated that the van and Park truck would be purchased at the same time and will be meeting with the Highway Department in the near future. ST. CROIX RIVER CROSSING REPORT Ryan presented information regarding the informational meeting that he attended on November 2, 2003 regarding potential alternatives to the proposed bridge over the St. Croix River near Houlton. Discussed exhibited maps of the five alternatives along with a few pros and cons of each alternative. WLWCA RESOLUTIONS REPORT Heise reported that 4 additional resolutions were submitted on the floor of the WLWCA meeting. All 17 resolutions were approved by the WLWCA. PRIORITY WATERSHED PROJECTS Kyle Kulow reported: Lakes Project — O.H.W.M. (Ordinary High Water Mark - Bass Lake) was discussed. County Board Chairman supports the highest elevation for the mark provided it is arrived at using all scientific data at DNR'S disposal. LWCC took no action. Pine Lake has a resident who is interested in a shoreline easement. All riparian landowners have been contacted on Pine Lake with the hopes of getting additional people interested. It helps to have more than one landowner when applying for a lake protection grant. The grant would be scored higher if we could get two or three landowners. The grant application process is becoming very competitive. South Fork Hgy River - Nutrient management workshops have been scheduled for PRIP (Phosphate Reduction Incentive Payment) participants for January 28 and 29 2004. Kinnickinnic — Dorwes Farms BMP'S (Best Management Practices) may be addressed soon. A contractor has visited the site and would like to begin tree removal sometime in January. The landowner has yet to give the O.K. Once this is done, the removal of garbage /debris can begin. Sportsmen's Alliance Notes Our organization's focus will change beginning this year from rearing pheasants to habitat restoration and other types of conservation work. The proposed new highway that is being discussed proposes construction activity that will be too close to our pheasant pens. Furthermore, the funding for the statewide pheasant program is being cut by an approximate 50 %. We will review our options at our upcoming meeting on January O h . Gene Nelson mentioned that Game Unlimited, on County Road E, may be interested in some of the material we have from our current location. We need to dispose of the materials /equipment at our current site. Chris Bethke mentioned that the gardeners may be interested in using our water lines and electrical hook -ups. SUBDIVISION REVIEW Pete Kling presented: SUNSET HOLLLOW — (Located in part of the NE 1 /4 of the NE 1 /4 and part of the SE 1 /4 of the NE 1 /4 of Section 35, T30N -RI 8W, Town of Richmond, St. Croix County, Wisconsin) — 40 acre development, 17 lots total. All storm water and erosion control issues have been resolved and the plans conform to the St. Croix County Subdivision Ordinance. The storm water and erosion control plans are acceptable for this subdivision. Berenschot made motion to recommend that the plans for this subdivision are acceptable and a letter be sent to the Planning, Zoning, & Parks Committee, Cody seconded, carried. INDIGO PONDS H — (Located in part of the SW 1 /4 of the NE 1 /4 of Section 25, T29N -R19W, Town of Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, being Lot 53 of the plat of Indigo Ponds) —11.1 acre development, 3 lots total. All storm water and erosion control issues have been resolved and the plans conform to the St. Croix County Subdivision Ordinance. The storm water and erosion control plans are acceptable for the construction associated with Cairn Courts. Kling asked that the driveways for lots 58, 59, and 60 be constructed concurrent with the Cairn Court construction. Insufficient driveway construction plans have been submitted to date. Raymond made motion to recommend that the plans for this subdivision are acceptable up to the driveways and a letter be sent to the Planning, Zoning, & Parks Committee, Berenschot seconded, carried. VOUCHERS Reviewed vouchers. Bethke questioned the tree program expenses. Motion by Bethke, seconded by Cody, to approve Chair Jensen's signature on the January voucher list. Carried. RC &D Berenschot reported: • Passed out brochures for the Midwest Value Added Agriculture Conference in Eau Claire on January 30 -31, 2004. About 200 -300 people are expected to attend. • Talked to RC &D Coordinator Pam Herdrich about finding a grant for fencing the "community gardens." • A party is being hosted at the Menomonie High School on January 7 for the FFA members to become RC &D members. Heise mentioned that the County Clerk questioned the per diem payment for the RC &D Member at Large (Dale Fern). WEST CENTRAL AREA Raymond reported that he and Heise attended the Regional Wisconsin Counties Association meeting in Menomonie on December 8 "' 2003. Raymond presented the resolution that was approved by St. Croix County and WLWCA, which opposes the proposed legislation on "Siting of large feedlots and the removal of local control ". The group supported our position and informed the Wisconsin Counties representative, to make sure that WCA be involved in this issue and to make sure that local control is retained. No word yet on the status. There was one farmer there that was in support of the current legislation as it stands now. Heise was requested to discuss this issue with Rebecca Bauman, WLWCA Executive Director. MISCELLANEOUS Discussed request by County Board Chairman Malick to have a joint meeting with Administration Committee on "committee restructure" in February. LWCC meeting will be scheduled for January 21 at 9:30 a.m. for Director of Land, Water and Parks job evaluation and discussion of Resource & Education Committee structure — Parks and Parks Department. Berenschot made a motion to adjourn meeting at 11:55 a.m., seconded by Bethke, carried. Jim Cody Secretary Arlene Lier Recording Secretary