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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand & Water 05-04-13 NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETING TO: Clarence Malick, Chairman St. Croix County Board FROM: Ron Raymond, Vice Chairman COMMITTEE TITLE: Land & Water Conservation /Agriculture & Extension Committee DATE: May 4, 2004 TIME: 10:40 a.m. LOCATION: Ag Center, Baldwin CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA DATE OF NEXT MEETING: June 1, 2004 ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary COMMITTEE REPS REORGANIZATION: RC &D, West Central Area, Kinnickinnic CAC, South Fork CAC, St. Croix Lakes CAC, EQIP Local Work Group PARKS DEPARTMENT NEW BUSINESS: Staff introductions Director's Report Arbor Day event Outdoor Rec Plan Request for Proposals - 1) Toilet renovation, 2) Picnic shelter roofs County softwood plantation - Dahn Bohr -DNR Forester Bills /vouchers UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Park House - Proposal asbestos /lead assessment Electrical system - Glen Hills campground - Update Resolution Authorizing Application for Grant Funds to Renovate the Boat Landing at Glen Hills Park, St. Croix County Resolution Authorizing Application for Grant Funds to Purchase and Install a Fishing Pier at Glen Hills Park, St. Croix County LAND & WATER CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT NEW BUSINESS: Staff introductions Cindy Blonk - Wildlife Damage 2004 LCC Supervisor Training - WLWCA Glen Hills Watershed - Dam inspection tour date Subdivision Review - 1:00 p.m. Ag Star grant *2004 Soil & Water Resource Management Grant Contract Vouchers UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Staff Reports Information & Education report Priority Watershed Projects TRM Grant - Tiffany Creek - Update Conservation Aids project - Apple River property - Update Summer Tour - Update Conservation Awards candidates 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: April 22, 2004; amended April 28, 2004 COPIES TO: COUNTY BOARD OFFICE NEWS MEDIA /NOTICE BOARD COUNTY CLERK COMMITTEE MEMBERS * ADDITIONS /CORRECTIONS /CHANGES UNOFFICIAL Convened: 10:55 a.m. Recessed: 12:22 p.m. Reconvened: 1:13 p.m. Adjourned: 3:39 p.m. ST. CROIX COUNTY LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION /AGRICULTURE & EXTENSION COMMITTEE St. Croix County Agricultural Service and Educational Center, Baldwin, WI May 4, 2004 PARKS Members Present: Lois Burri, Jim Cody, Bill Peavey, Ron Raymond, Gene Ruetz, Jan Zoerb Members Absent None Staff Present: Director -Bob Heise, David Larson, Joe Grant, Dick Henning, Merwyn Neibacher Others Present: Dave Ferris -Burnett County, Dahn Borh -DNR, Ruddy Erickson Date of next meeting June 1, 2004 Meeting called to order by Vice Chairman Ron Raymond. Burri made motion to adopt agenda, seconded by Cody, carried. Raymond made motion to approve the April 6, 2004 meeting meetings as submitted, Cody seconded, carried. COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION Temporary Chair Burri called for nominations for Chairman. Cody nominated Raymond for Chairman. Peavey moved that nominations be closed, seconded by Cody, carried. Peavey made motion that a unanimous vote be cast for Raymond, seconded by Ruetz, carried. Chair Raymond called for nominations for Vice Chairman. Zoerb nominated Burri for Vice Chairman. Peavey made motion that nominations be closed and unanimous vote be cast for Burri, seconded by Ruetz, carried. Chair Raymond called for nominations for Secretary. Burri nominated Zoerb for Secretary. Peavey made motion that nominations be closed and unanimous vote be cast for Zoerb, seconded by Ruetz, carried. Committee representatives appointed were: RC &D — Ruetz, West Central Area Association — Raymond; Kinnickinnic CAC — Zoerb; South Fork CAC — Cody; St. Croix Lakes — Burri; EQIP Work Group — Cody, Peavey; Tri- County Wildlife Damage — Raymond. Committee recommended that Dale Fern continue to serve as RC &D Member at Large from St. Croix County. STAFF INTRODUCTIONS Park staff made introductions to the Committee, each explaining their roles and job responsibilities. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Heise informed the committee that in mid April there was a small 34 acre unintentional grass fire that extended into the Glen Hills Park. Received a bill for $1,500.00 from the Town of Springfield for the fire department's run. Submitted the bill to Risk Manager, Rachel Rubin for her to send into our insurance company. � Conducted prescribe burn on the native prairie species in Homestead Parklands. Fire is used as the management tool to maintain a healthy native species community. ARBOR DAY On Friday, April 30, Arbor Day, 200 white oak trees were planted in Glen Hills Park. St. Croix Electric Coop donated the 200 oak trees, while 44 students of the Baldwin Christian School planted the trees. OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN Heise handed out a copy of the Outdoor Recreational Plan to the new Committee members. Heise informed them that the plan is the guide and directs the department's activities. The plan is amended every 5 years and staff is in the process of amending the plan. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Larson reported that he had sent out a RFP (Request for Proposal) for toilet renovations to a number of contractors and local handymen for improvements to our toilet facilities in our parks. The department did not receive any bids from this RFP. Discussion. Committee suggested that staff break the RFP into components and purchase the toilet partitions and other associated materials. Seek individual local contractors on a time and material basis to get this work completed. Larson presented the submitted bids received for the picnic shelter RFP. Discussion. Motion by Zoerb to accept the 80 -mil proposal from Fischer Co., Ellsworth for $9,694.00. Seconded by Burri. Carried. COUNTY SOFTWARE PLANTATIONS, GLEN HILLS Heise updated the Committee and introduced Dahn Borh, DNR Forester who presented a detailed report to the Committee on the status of the softwood plantations in Glen Hills Park and his recommendations. Motion by Peavey to have the DNR Forester conduct an inventory of the plantations and develop a plan to thin and manage the stand with Supervisor Ruetz consulting with the DNR Forester on this management plan. Seconded by Cody. Carried. VOUCHERS /BILLS Motion by Zoerb to approve the snowmobile vouchers for $1,432.00 and the Parks vouchers for $11,107.25. Seconded by Burri. Carried. PARK HOUSE — ASBESTOS & LEAD ASSESSMENT Heise reported that staff hired Cedar Corporation to conduct the asbestos and lead assessment on the Park House. The results have determined that there is "Friable" asbestos in the felt backing of the bottom layer of linoleum in the kitchen and also lead paint was identified in different areas of the upstairs bedrooms. Heise also reported that they asked Cedar Corp. to provide a third party assessment and overall condition of the Park House, in which it was determined to be in poor condition. Heise stated that if the house was to be torn down or burned in place, the asbestos would have to be removed from the structure. A rough estimate from Cedar Corp. was $2,000 - $3,000 to have the asbestos removed by certified licensed professionals. Lead paint is not an issue in either case, except for disclosing this information should the house be sold. Discussion. Staff was asked to investigate if there is interest for the house to be torn down by people that could use old lumber. Motion by Zoerb to have staff move forward and have the asbestos removed from the Park House and dispose of the house in the most safe, efficient, and economical way as possible. Seconded by Burri. Carried. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Heise briefed the new supervisors on the electrical system in the campground at Glen Hills Park and possible upgrades to the system. Heise presented a letter that he had received from St. Croix Electric Coop requesting their services to develop an electrical plan for the Glen Hills campground. Essentially, St. Croix Electric does not perform this type of service and recommended that we receive consultation services from an electrical engineer or master electrician. Motion by Burri to have staff seek bids from electrical engineers or master electricians and bring those costs back to the Committee for further discussion. Seconded by Zoerb. Carried. Resolution Authorizing Application for Grant Funds to Renovate the Boat Landing at Glen Hills Park, St. Croix County Resolution Authorizing Application for Grant Funds to Purchase and Install a Fishing Pier at Glen Hills Park, St. Croix County Heise presented and updated the new supervisors on the committee on resolutions. The previous Committee did support the resolutions; however, since these resolutions will be presented to the County Board on May 18 it is important that the new Committee is in agreement with the projects. Motion by Zoerb to approve the resolutions for the Boat Landing and Fishing pier at Glen Hills Park. Seconded by Peavey. Carried. Recessed meeting at 12:22 p.m. LAND & WATER CONSERVATION Reconvened: 1:13 p.m. Members Present: Lois Burri, Jim Cody, Bill Peavey, Ron Raymond, Gene Ruetz, Jan Zoerb Members Absent: None Staff Present: Director -Bob Heise; Land Specialists -Pete Kling, Kyle Kulow, Steve Olson; Technicians- Jeff Lueck, Ryan Schaefer; I & E Coordinator - Aleisha Miller; Program Assistant -Jonna Fedie; Secretary- Arlene Lier Others Present: Bob Hendrickson -FSA, Steve Pernsteiner -NRCS, Dave Ferris -Burnett County STAFF INTRODUCTIONS Land & Water Conservation Department staff introduced themselves and gave a brief explanation of their work responsibilities and roles within the department. WILDLIFE DAMAGE PROGRAM Heise explained that this is a state program, which assists landowners with crop damage (deer, bear, geese, turkeys). We sub contract with Burnett County to administer the program for us. There is a Tri- County (Burnett, Polk, and St. Croix) agreement. Dave Ferris -Burnett County (Cindy Blonk was unable to attend) stated that the county administers the program and cost of administration, abatement and damage claims come out of state budget. Ferris reported that Dick King, beekeeper located on Rustic Road 3, Glenwood City, has beehives and is requesting a solar fencer. Last year he had some bear damage when he had 2 hives (hobbyist) and now has expanded to 17 hives (commercial operator) this year. On abatement, the cost is shared with the landowner (75/25). He will pay for all the materials and labor expense and is requesting a solar fencer charger ($125 -150). It is very cost effective with approximately $100 for a fencer. Cody made motion to approve the solar fencer charger, Burri seconded, carried. Zoerb questioned whether he is registered (location) with the state. Ferris assured her that he would mention registration to the beekeeper. Ferris said that a Tri- County Wildlife Damage Program meeting date will be set after their LCC has reorganized. Raymond will be our representative from St. Croix County along with staff. FSA Robert Hendrickson reported for FSA: • CRP — Still working on cost share agreements, notifying producers of their need to complete their cover requirements and turn in their bills. During CRP spot checks, box elder trees are being found, which will require control. • The next CRP signup may be this fall. • The DCP (Direct and County Cyclical Program) is coming along good. We still have 30 -40% of the farms to sign up. They will have to pay a $100.00 late file fee if those farms aren't signed up by June 1 st '. • The interest rate for loans is 2.25 %, which is the same as last month. May 31 is the last day to apply for Corn or Soybean loans. • CRP compliance is going well. • The MILC payment for April is only .0225. It looks like MILC payments will end for a while. • The Interest rates for our facility loans are 3.375 %, which is a little up from last month. This is the time of year for farmers to start looking at whether or not they will need more grain storage for the coming year. • Mary and company are working with the Year End Analysis (YEA). There is some money available for loans. NRCS Steve Pernsteiner gave an overview of NRCS services for the benefit of new LWCC members. Steve reviewed fact sheets on Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Security Program (CSP), and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Equip local sign up is going on now until May 28 About $220,000 is available in EQIP to landowners in St. Croix County. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) signup ends May 28. We will need to have Local workgroup meeting in early June to review applications for EQ1P. SUBDIVISION REVIEW Pete Kling presented: Wild Turkey Retreat II — (Located in part of the NW ' / 4 of the SW '/4 of Section 12, T31, W, Town of Somerset, St. Croix County, Wisconsin) — 40 acre development, 12 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. Approval conditioned on the fact that property has been rezoned to "ag residential ". Raymond made motion to recommend that the plans for this subdivision are acceptable, conditional on proof being provided within two weeks of this date that it has been rezoned to "ag residential ", and a letter be sent to the Planning & Zoning Committee, Ruetz seconded, carried. Waldroff Meadows IV — (Located in part of the NE '/4 of the NE '/a , the SE ' / 4 of the NE ' / 4 , the SW ' / 4 of the NE '/4, the NW '/4 of the NE ' / 4 , the NW ' / 4 of SE '/4 and the NE '/4 of the SE '/4 of Section 20, and part of the NW '/4 of the SW ' / 4 of Section 21, all in T3 ON, RI 8W, Town of Richmond, St. Croix County, Wisconsin) — 82 acre development, 22 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. Peavey made motion to recommend that the plans for this subdivision are acceptable and a letter be sent to the Planning & Zoning Committee, Ruetz seconded, carried. Sunset Valley — (Located in the NE %4 of the SW V4 and the SE '/4 of SW '/4 of Section 8, T28N -R19W, Town of Troy, St. Croix County, Wisconsin) — 68 acre development, 21 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. Raymond made motion to recommend that the plans for this subdivision are acceptable and a letter be sent to the Planning & Zoning Committee, Peavey seconded, carried. Hudson Estates — (Located in part of the NE t /4 of the SW '/4, the SE %4 of the SW ''/4, the NW '/4 of the SW %4, and the SW 1 /4 of the SW '/a , Section 22, T29N -R19W, Town of Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin) — 60 acre development, 18 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. Cody made motion to recommend that the plans for this subdivision are acceptable and a letter be sent to the Planning & Zoning Committee, Burri seconded, carried. GLEN HILLS WATERSHED — DAM INSPECTION TOUR DATE The van will leave Ag Center at 8:30 a.m. and will meet at the cafe in Glenwood City at 9:00 a.m. The mayor of Glenwood City and the chairs of both Glenwood and Springfield towns will be invited to attend. SUMMER TOUR - UPDATE Heise reported that this is the year for St. Croix County to sponsor the West Central Area Tour. The area consists of 9 counties (Barron, Clark, Eau Claire, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Chippewa, Polk, and St. Croix). A copy of the program was handed out. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17. The tour will follow the business meeting, which begins at 9:00 a.m. LCC SUPERVISOR TRAINING — WLWCA Heise reported that WLWCA is offering committee supervisor training on June 8 at Eau Claire. Information was given to the LWCC. AG STAR GRANT Aleisha Miller presented the $7,500 grant agreement from AgStar for the environmental education program. LWCC approved Chair Raymond's signature on the grant agreement. INFORMATION & EDUCATION REPORT Aleisha Miller reported that two applications have been received for teacher scholarships: Jody Lenz (St. Anne's School) and Randall Bergman (St. Croix Central Middle School). Two applications have been received for conservation camp scholarships: Sara Donahoe & Cheyenne Schmitt. LWCC approved both the teacher scholarships and the conservation camp scholarships. VOUCHERS Reviewed vouchers. Burri made a motion to approve Chair Raymond's signature on the May voucher list (total $8,400.30), seconded by Cody, carried. 2004 SOIL & WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GRANT Heise presented the 2004 grant contract in the amount of $279,058 for the Soil & Water Resource Management Grant program for staff time, operation cost of watersheds, and the cost -share program for our Resource Management Plan. Cody made motion to approve Chair Raymond's signature on the contract, seconded by Zoerb, carried. PRIORITY WATERSHED PROJECTS Kyle Kulow reported: South Fork Hay River — Reported that our application for a Targeted Runoff Management Grant had been submitted to WI DNR on April 14 of 2004. This grant will, if awarded, restore approximately 2,000 feet of Tiffany Creek within the St. Croix County fairgrounds. The watershed is slated to end June 30 of 2005. We have transferred funds from another statewide project into ours to supplement our 2004 ACRA grant ($8,000.00). Kinnickinnic River Watershed — We have two ongoing rip rap projects off River Road in the Town of Kinnickinnic. These will stabilize approximately 2,000 feet of streambank. We are currently working with the City of River Falls in an attempt to address an actively eroding gully, which affects 9 city landowners. A steering committee meeting will be scheduled in June. We are also working with Dorwes farms to complete the BMP's on the easement that was entered into with David and Cheryl Cowles. We are working with the St. Croix Central Schools to address an erosion problem on the school grounds. St. Croix Lakes Cluster Project — The ordinary high water mark has been lowered on Bass Lake by an approximate 1.5 feet. This may have implications for shoreline restorations and/or the usage of 132 Avenue. We have a meeting scheduled with the Squaw Lake district to discuss phosphorus balancing in the upper portion of the watershed. We have a landowner on Bass Lake who has shown interest in an easement. The landowner is currently in discussions with the West Wisconsin Land Trust and DNR. CONSERVATION AWARDS CANDIDATES Award candidates were presented: Conservation Farmer — Dan Luckwaldt, Schulte Brothers. Jeff Lueck commented on the background of each of the candidates and the reasons why they would be eligible. After discussion, Cody made motion to select Dan Luckwaldt for the Farmer award, seconded by Burri, carried. Conservation Leadership — Wayne Peterson. Kyle Kulow commented on the background of Wayne Peterson. Zoerb made motion to select Wayne Peterson for the Conservation Leadership award, seconded by Cody, carried. Water Quality Leadership - Dorwes Farms (David & Cheryl Cowles). Kulow reported on Dorwes Farms. Peavey made motion to select Dorwes Farms for the Water Quality Leadership award, seconded by Ruetz, carried. Conservation Teacher — Steve Jensen (Viking Middle School - Woodville), Jim Morgenau (Hudson High School). Aleisha Miller reported on the Conservation Teachers. Cody made motion to select Steve Jensen for the Conservation Teacher award, seconded by Ruetz, carried. WEST CENTRAL AREA Raymond reported that the West Central Area fall meeting will be held at Stout on October 20. The area speaking and poster contests will be held on that day. RC &D No report. MISCELLANEOUS Heise gave copies of the Land & Water Resource Management plan, Lakes Cluster Watershed plan and Kinnickinnic Watershed plan to the three new committee members. Meeting adjourned at 3:39 p.m. Jan Zoerb Secretary Arlene Lier