DATE: September 27, 2007
Meeting called to order by Chair Wiese at 9:04 a.m. It was certified that the requirements of the open meeting law have been met. Present were Zowin, Lehman, Wiese, Borleske, Cassity, and Prem from the Committee; Brereton-NRCS; Van Berkel, Pohle, and Stewart-LCD. Peterson-APHIS and Woobury-DNR. Anne Burke-SCIL.
Adopt agenda: Motion by Borleske/Cassity to adopt the agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.
Adopt minutes of previous meeting: Motion by Cassity/Zowin to adopt the minutes of the regular LCC meeting on August 23. Motion carried, all in favor.
Public comment: There was none.
Communications :
A. Thursday Note - None this month.
B. WLWCA Annual Conference-will discuss under training events.
Legislative updates: No budget passed yet.
Reports: Brereton stated that there is an Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) signup until November 16. It will be similar to last year's program with flat rates and some new practices. There is no signup at this time for the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). A new farm bill is on the verge of coming out soon.
There was discussion on the upcoming Clean Sweep Program. Zowin and Wiese volunteered to help at the event.
Van Berkel highlighted a few of the items listed on the Department Monthly Report.
Review and approval of training events and Committee per diem(s): Motion by Zowin/Borleske to approve the list of training events. Motion carried, all in favor.
Motion by Lehman/Borleske to approve attendance at the Southern Area Association meeting on October 25 for any LCC member able to attend. Motion carried, all in favor.
Review and approval of vouchers: Voucher summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Borleske/Zowin to approve 2007 and 2008 bills in the amount of $2,956.60. Motion carried, all in favor.
Appointment of Meegan Thompson to Southwest Badger RC&D: Lehman noted that he spoke with her, and she is interested in the appointment. The next quarterly meeting for the Southwest Badger RC&D will be in December. This agenda item was deferred to the November LCC meeting.
Review and approval of 2008 Wildlife Damage Program budget: Peterson presented the proposed 2008 operating budget in the amount of $13,561.06, down about $3,000 from last year. The number of farms participating is down significantly this year. There will not be a venison donation program in Sauk County this year due to CWD. Motion to approve the 2008 Wildlife Damage Program budget in the amount of $13,561.06 by Borleske/Lehman. Motion carried, all in favor.
Woodbury and Peterson discussed wildlife issues in the county and around the state.
Update on 2008 budget: Van Berkel reported on the budget presentation at Finance Committee earlier this week. They was a very good discussion about some of the expanded goals being addressed in the Land and Water Resource Management Plan.
Update on Land and Water Resource Management (LWRM) Plan development: Draft copies were distributed to the LCC. Van Berkel noted the plan is nearing completion and is available on the county website. The plan includes new initiatives regarding sustainability, invasives, eco-tourism, etc. The public hearing is scheduled for October 22 at 2:00 p.m. along with an informational session that evening. Van Berkel reviewed the plan's timeline. The LCC directed that an additional public hearing be held in middle November at 8:00 p.m. either at the Kraemer Public Library in Plain or Reedsburg Town Hall to provide more farmer feedback. The regular monthly LCC meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. the same day. The public hearing concerns will then be addressed by the Committee either after the hearing that evening or if necessary at another meeting on Monday, November 19.
Consider resolution approving Stewart's participation with Erickson in Puentes Program: Van Berkel presented the request for Jen Stewart's attendance at a ten-day program in Mexico in December on how to relate to Mexican culture. Jen Stewart's participant fee would require County Board approval and is not a budgeted item. The balance of expenses are paid by UW-Extension. Committee discussed the session and the appropriateness of Stewart's involvement. Many immigrants are being hired by local dairy farms and there are some problems with transition. This program is designed to help dairy farmers and county staff understand these issues. Stewart would be the community partner with UW-Extension staff at the session. The LCC expressed their concerns on how this relates to Stewart's job responsibilities and the time away from her regular duties. Stewart explained the session would help develop her skills to handle the changing demographics in the county including Mexican, Hmong and Amish populations. Motion by Borleske/Wiese to approve Stewart's attendance and prepare a resolution for County Board authorizing reimbursement for her attendance. Motion carried with Wiese, Prem, Zowin and Borleske voting aye and Lehman and Cassity voting nay.
Discussion of issues to Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program : Borleske noted that Marty Krueger is putting together a presentation on this issue for discussion at a future county board session. Committee discussed the importance of this initiative, the issues to be addressed and timing of the effort. LCC felt the issue needed a much stronger educational element before it came to the Board again.
Motion to adjourn until October 22 at 1:00 p.m. by Zowin/Borleske at 12:05 p.m. Motion carried, all in favor.
Kathy Zowin, Secretary