Meeting called to order by Chairman Wiese at 9:00 a.m. It was certified that the requirements of the open meeting law have been met. Present were Wiese, Bernien, and Cassity from the Committee; Peterson-WDS; Brereton-NRCS; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD. Zowin, Lehman, and Craker were absent.
Adopt Agenda: Motion by Bernien/Cassity to adopt the agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.
Adopt Minutes of Previous Meeting: Motion by Cassity/Bernien to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried, all in favor.
Appearances: There were none.
Training events: Motion by Cassity/Bernien to approve the list of training events. Motion carried, all in favor.
Bills: Bill summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Bernien/Cassity to approve bills in the amount of $63,210.87. Motion carried, all in favor.
Correspondence: Van Berkel distributed copies of the latest Thursday Notes.
Reports: Brereton updated the LCC on several programs. The Federal Farmland Protection Program funded $121,000 for the purchase of development rights at Ski Hi. The $197,000 EQIP funding arrived. The sign-up period ended on July 7, and 42 applications have been received. Estimates are that we may be able to fund about one-third of the applications. On July 28 the Local Work Group will be meeting to discuss the applications. Brereton will give a complete report at the next meeting.
Brereton explained the new Grassland Reserve Program which began signups June 30. This program supports permanent pasture and hayland. It is for 10 to 30 year rental agreements or permanent easements. Two farmers have applied to date.
Discuss Participation in 2003 Venison Donation Program: Peterson stated that the state has not yet determined whether deer from the herd reduction zone will be eligible for the Venison Donation Program. Sauk County could decide to participate in the program only for deer brought in from outside of the county but the number of deer would be quite limited. There has been a decline in the number of processors in Sauk County that take whole deer. Peterson will check to see if any processors are available. Another concern is that the donation program processing fee takes funds from the Wildlife Damage Program which then could impact the money available for the deer damage program. The Spring Green Food Pantry has contacted Van Berkel and expressed interest in distributing venison. Participation in the Venison Donation Program will be discussed further at a future meeting. No action taken.
Approval of Nachreiner Rental Agreement: Van Berkel stated that Nachreiner has the option to rent back their property at $800/month through the end of October, 2003. The proposed agreement would outline the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. Motion by Bernien/Cassity to approve the rental agreement. Motion carried, all in favor.
Approval of New Operation and Maintenance Agreement for White Mound Dam: Van Berkel explained that when bringing White Mound Dam back to original standards, the Committee needs to approve a new Operation and Maintenance Agreement with NRCS which will remain in effect until 2104. The Sauk County LCC will remain responsible for maintaining and operating the dam. The estimated cost is $1,600 per year which covers a once-a-year inspection, mowing by the Parks Department, cleaning the gates, etc. Motion by Cassity/Bernien to approve the agreement. Motion carried, all in favor.
Discussion Regarding Use and Disposal of Buildings Purchased Through Dam Rehabilitation Project: Van Berkel brought up disposal of the buildings on the former Nachreiner property. We may need to discuss with Corporation Counsel to see how to handle the details of salvage and disposal. There are three sheds, a barn, a garage, a house, and a business building located on the property that may have some salvage value. The sheriff and fire departments may also be interested in using the buildings for training. There is a possibility of reselling the property after building removal. Prem would like to rent the land on which he is the current renter. The Committee agreed that he should be able to rent it in 2004 at his current rental rate until the County disposes of the land. The siding on the Ellefson property is a slate containing asbestos. According to Health Inspector Joe Lally an owner is allowed to take it off. Under this rule, the Parks staff could remove the siding, and we could apply their staff time to our in-kind services contribution. Committee felt this would be a good option. If the removal needs to be hired out, there is 65 percent reimbursement. There is no value for Ellefson's building, and the sheriff and fire departments will be utilizing the building for practices. These type of issues will be an on-going discussion for the Committee.
DNR Easement Offer on Highway 23 Parcel: Previously DNR made an offer to Nachreiner along with four or five other landowners to purchase easements along Honey Creek. If DNR gets the easement, it would be their high priority to install the streambank improvements. The County could continue to own the land or we could sell the land with the easement in place. Any revenue the County receives would need to be reimbursed at 65 percent back to NRCS for their share of the purchase costs. Actions regarding easements or purchases will require County Board approval. DNR may also be interested in buying about two acres to put in a parking area along Highway 23 to allow access to the fishing area. Van Berkel will request DNR to provide some additional quotes for fee purchase of a part of this property.
Southern Area Association Summer Tour Update: Van Berkel encouraged LCC members to attend the tour which is being sponsored by Sauk County on August 15. Two of the scheduled stops on the tour will be: Cedar Grove Cheese Factory in Plain to show their innovative cheese making and wash water treatment facility and the Sauk County Landfill to show the facility for production of electricity from methane. Van Berkel presented the Committee with other possible tour suggestions. After some discussion, a tentative schedule which will also include talks on Sauk County dam issues was agreed upon.
2004 Preliminary Budget Discussion and Need for User Fees: Van Berkel discussed the problems the LCD will be facing with the 2004 budget. The majority of the Department's budget is salary and fringes. In 2003 they were $580,374, and in 2004 they are projected to be $636,232, up approximately $56,000. Finance Committee direction allows for a 3 percent increase in salary costs. DATCP is reducing staffing grants to 37 counties by $500,000. This means between a $15,000-$25,000 reduction to Sauk County. Van Berkel proposed that to keep staff levels the LCD start charging user fees for services. Following are the proposed fees for 2004:
Approval of Farmland Preservation Agreement-Timothy and Julie Lins and Ruth I. Licht: Motion by Bernien/Cassity to approve ten-year contracts for Lins and Licht. Motion carried, all in favor.
Motion to adjourn until August 13 at 9:00 a.m. by Bernien/Cassity at 11:45 a.m. Motion carried, all in favor.
Respectufully submitted: Kathy Zowin, Secretary