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 3-4 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 18th, 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 1st..
·The
interest rate for loans is 2.25%, which is the same as last month. May 31st
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.
·Marv
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 28th. 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 EQIP.
SUBDIVISION REVIEW
Pete Kling presented:
Wild Turkey Retreat II
– (Located in part of the NW ¼ of the SW ¼ 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 ¼ of the NE ¼ , the SE ¼ of the NE ¼ , the SW ¼ of the NE ¼,
the NW ¼ of the NE ¼ , the NW ¼ of SE ¼ and the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section
20, and part of the NW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 21, all in T30N, R18W, 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
¼ of the SW ¼ and the SE ¼ of SW ¼ 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 ¼ of the SW ¼, the SE ¼ of the SW ¼, the NW ¼ of the SW ¼, and the
SW ¼ of the SW ¼ , 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 café 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 & Cheyanne 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 14th 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 30th
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 132nd 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
Recording Secretary
