POLK SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTBOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

October 18, 2016

Meeting Minutes

The regular meeting of the Polk SWCD Board of Commissioners was called to order by Chip Mathis, Chairperson, at 9:08 a.m. at the Ankeny Field Office. Those present included:

CommissionersChip MathisJane ClarkElaine IlvessCindy Valin

Assistant CommissionersRobin BoggsConnor Delaney

Staff and Others Paul Miller, District ConservationistJennifer Welch, Urban ConservationistZach DeYoung, Easter Lake Watershed CoordinatorJohn Swanson, Central IA WMA CoordinatorSean McCoy, Big Creek Lake Watershed CoordinatorAmanda Brown, WQI-NRS CoordinatorPam Schwartz, Conservation Assistant

GuestKyle RileyKyle Ament, DNR

ADOPT AGENDAPrior to adoption of the Agenda, Conservation Assistant Pam Schwartz asked that George A. Vignovich be removed from Easter Lake Watershed/City of Des Moines Certification of Completion and Vu Lo from Easter Lake Watershed Certification of Completion and both from Maintenance Agreement items and Personnel Committee be added under Committee Reports.16-182 MOVED by Clark, seconded by Ilvess, to adopt the October 18, 20156 Agenda as amended. Motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES16-183 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Ilvess to approve the September 20, 2016 meeting minutes. Motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORTConservation Assistant Pam Schwartz and Treasurer Cindy Valin reviewed the Treasurer’s Report. 16-184 MOVED by Ilvess, seconded by Clark to approve the September 17 – October 14, 2016 Treasurer’s Report. Motion passed.

Treasurer Cindy Valin informed the board that she stopped payment of the check issued in August to Animal Removal Services in the amount of $1,884.05 which ARS has lost. Valin added that the cost of the stop payment $26.75 will be deducted from the original amount paid.

Conservation Assistant Schwartz also referred the board to their copies of the FARMS program summary, Fund & Subfund Report, and bank reconciliations.

OLD BUSINESSChair Chip Mathis, board members and staff reported on the Iowa Outdoor Expo. All commented that attendance was better on Saturday than Sunday. Assistant Commissioner Connor Delaney commented on the success of the gift bags. Commissioner Mathis suggested that staff research the possibility of purchasing a standing brochure rack and a 6 or 8 foot folding table. Mathis added that the tabletop racks do not stand up well and the folding table would be easier to transport.

NEW BUSINESSConservation Assistant Pam Schwartz referred board members to the Annual Work Plan and discussed items that should be acted upon which are: The District Newsletter; Setting up a meeting with the Polk County Supervisors; Legislator Open House which would be December 13th, and CRP Inventory which District Conservationist Paul Miller responded that he does have a list of expiring contracts.

Central IA WMA Coordinator John Swanson updated the board on the stream table trailer and anticipates it to be fully constructed by December. Discussion followed on how to build the inside of the stream table in an effort to avoid the problems that have arisen from the use of the DNR stream table.

Central IA WMA Coordinator John Swanson requested approval to pay VISA $2,223.00 for the purchase of the stream table. 16-185 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to pay VISA $2,223.00 for the purchase of the stream table. Motion passed.

Conservation Assistant Pam Schwartz asked the board if they would be interested in presenting a certificate to outgoing Commissioner Dan Beougher. Schwartz added she would have it printed and purchase a frame and extend an invitation to Dan to attend the District Christmas Dinner. 16-186 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Ilvess to approve the printing and framing of a certificate for outgoing Commissioner Dan Beougher. Motion passed.

COMMITTEE REPORTSPersonnel Committee member Cindy Valin informed the board and staff that a meeting with DNR, DSCWQ, Boone SWCD and Polk SWCD is set for November 17th to discuss each entity’s thoughts on how to proceed in filling the Big Creek Lake Watershed Outreach and Education Coordinator vacancy. Valin then asked opinions about how the District should respond. The majority of responses were to keep the position as is. Kyle Ament from the DNR commented that he would like to see the position remain the way it is set up now.

Commissioner Ilvess read a letter from Fred and Penny Raduch who are Des Moines homeowners wherein they praised the dedication and helpfulness of Jennifer Welch. The Raduch’s expressed their frustration with their water problem and Jennifer’s continued commitment to solving the problem. Commissioner Valin requested that the letter be placed in Welch’s personnel file.

Commissioner Clark added that she has received comments of praise for the Polk SWCD staff from members of the Walnut Creek Watershed Management Authority.

URBAN CONSERVATIONIST PROJECT – JENNIFER WELCHUrban Conservationist Jennifer Welch requested approval of the following:Approval of the quarterly report which was emailed prior to the meeting; Approval to submit the November salary advance request and travel/training expenses; Approval to reimburse Jennifer Welch mileage of $61.62 (Travel/Training). 16-187 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to approve the above-referenced requests and payment of expenses. Motion passed.

Urban Conservationist Jennifer Welch reported on the Urban Conservation Demonstration Projects application opportunity with the deadline being December 9th the SRF applicant selection process and program. Welch reviewed her month’s activities.

WMA REPORT – JOHN SWANSONCentral IA Watershed Management Authority Coordinator John Swanson requested approval of the following: Approval to reimburse John Swanson mileage of $24.18; Approval to pay VISA 24.99 for the trailer lock for the stream table trailer. 16-188 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Ilvess to approve the above-referenced VISA payment. Motion passed.

Central IA Watershed Management Authority Coordinator John Swanson reviewed his activities and meetings noting that there is much interest and has received positive feedback with additional funding opportunities for projects in Urbandale and Clive from The Nature Conservancy. Swanson added that there will be some signage opportunities and circulated a sample of signage along Walnut Creek. WQI-NRS Coordinator Amanda Brown informed the board that Metro Waste is interested in a demonstration farm project by having every acre of their farmland assessed once the crops are out. Brown added that Metro Waste is interested in prairie strips.

Central IA Watershed Management Authority Coordinator John Swanson informed the board that a new format for WMA meetings is currently being formed. Swanson asked the board who will be the District’s representative since Commissioner Beougher will no longer be a Commissioner as of January 1, 2017. Discussion followed with a decision that the board will appoint a District Representative at the organizational meeting on January 3, 2017.

WQI-NRS REPORT – AMANDA BROWNWQI-NRS Coordinator Amanda Brown requested approval of the following:Approval of the quarterly report which was previously emailed; Approval to submit the November salary advance request, Approval to submit a claim for reimbursement for $418.71 for Watershed Plan Books and $325.25 for Special Funding Flyer printing and mailing (Info/Ed); Approval to pay Christian Printers for the Special Funding Flyer printing and mailing (Info/Ed; Approval to pay VISA $418.71 for the Watershed Plan Books (Info/Ed)16-189 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Ilvess to approve the above-referenced requests and payment of expenses. Motion passed.

Commissioner Jane Clark asked WQI-NRS Coordinator Amanda Brown if the Watershed Plan could be set up differently on the website. Clark asked if each chapter of the Plan could be accessible individually rather the entire plan due to the size of the file. Brown responded that she would see if she is able to change the format as requested. Brown reviewed her activities and meetings. With the mailing the Special Funding Flyer, Brown stated she has received several calls. Brown also mentioned that she has had conversation with Ag Water Alliance and their interest in promoting urban conservation.

EASTER LAKE WATERSHED REPORTEaster Lake Watershed Coordinator, Zach DeYoung requested approval of the following:Approval of Quarterly Report; Approval to submit November salary advance request; Approval to pay Treasurer, State of Iowa $521.24 of unused salary for John Swanson; Approval to submit claim for reimbursement for printing and mounting of poster $97.93 (Info/Ed); Approval to submit claim for reimbursement for purchase of an Easel ($60.00) and 2 rolls of postage stamps ($94.00) - $154.99 (Supplies); Approval to pay VISA $252.92 for printing of large color poster (Info/Ed) and for an Easel and 2 rolls of postage stamps (Supplies)16-190 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Ilvess to approve the above-referenced approval requests and payment of expenses. Motion passed. Easter Lake Watershed Coordinator, Zach DeYoung informed the board that Easter Lake is now in Phase 2 and he is reaching out to businesses along Yeader Creek which will involve a much larger scale of projects. DeYoung reported that he is receiving positive results from his efforts as he is meeting with Wal-Mart officials and a company that contracts with Wal-Mart next week. DeYoung further reported that Wal-Mart is looking for opportunities to be more involved in environmental issues which will also open the door for employee volunteer opportunities. DeYoung added that other businesses that he has made contact with are US Cellular, Advanced Auto Parts, and Quality Inn & Suites, however, many businesses have corporate offices which are slow in responding.

Easter Lake Watershed Coordinator, Zach DeYoung informed the board that he has met with city officials regarding the SE 14th Street Bio-Retention Cell project which may be delayed as City of Des Moines will be starting a sewer separation program at a cost of $11 Million.

Easter Lake Watershed Coordinator, Zach DeYoung, reported that he recently met with Polk County Conservation regarding potential projects. DeYoung also reported that Polk County Conservation has approved 3 more years of funding for Easter Lake and that the District received $50,156.00 on Monday from Polk County Conservation to be used for rainscaping projects.

Commissioner Valin asked DeYoung about the new terminal area for the airport and whether he had any idea where that terminal will be built. DeYoung stated that he will be contacting airport officials to set up a meeting.

Easter Lake Watershed Coordinator Zach DeYoung informed the board that he has been asked to speak at the Iowa Water Conference next year.

BIG CREEK LAKE WATERSHED REPORTBig Creek Lake Watershed Coordinator, Sean McCoy requested approval of the following:Approval of Quarterly Report; Approval to pay Treasurer, State of Iowa $663.35 for unused salary for John Swanson; Reissue pay to Animal Removal Services for $1,857.30.16-191 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Ilvess to approve the above-referenced approval requests and payment of expenses. Motion passed.

Sean McCoy, Big Creek Lake Watershed Coordinator reviewed current projects and their progress. McCoy added that he has heard that there may be a project in the Big Creek Lake main parking lot but has not heard much about it. McCoy added that he heard that CRP will now allow saturated buffers. District Conservationist Paul Miller added further information about the changes coming out on CRP practices. McCoy also added that when he has met with landowners, there is much confusion as to what FSA is allowing under CRP.

Big Creek Lake Watershed Coordinator, Sean McCoy, reviewed his activities, meetings and outreach.

IFIP REQUEST FOR CANCELLATIONLawrence H. Birchmier Trust, FARMS #49286, Beaver 1, Grassed Waterways16-192 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Ilvess to approve the above-referenced IFIP cancellation. Motion passed.

IFIP AMENDMENT REQUESTSKaren S. Armstrong, FARMS #51352, Clay 26, Grassed Waterways, Original Completion Date 09/18/2016, New Completion Date Amendment 06/30/2017Karen S. Armstrong, FARMS #51352, Clay 26, Grassed Waterways, Original Estimated Cost $8,400.00, New Estimated Cost $9,750.00Karen S. Armstrong, FARMS #51352, Clay 26, Grassed Waterways, Original Estimated Obligated Funds $4,200.00, New Estimated Obligated Funds $4,875.0016-193 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Ilvess to approve the above-referenced IFIP Amendment Requests. Motion passed.

REAP-P REQUEST FOR CANCELLATIONMatthew Dudley, FARMS #49061, Lot 7, McWilliams Place, Rain Gardens (2)Vi Lam, FARMS #49202, Lot 6, McWilliams Place, Rain Gardens (2)16-194 MOVED by Ilvess, seconded by Clark to approve the above-referenced REAP-P Cancellations. Motion passed.

EASTER LAKE WATERSHED-319 FUNDS-REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCEPaula K. Cunningham, FARMS #58979, Lot 3, Three Lakes Estates, Plat 3, Soil Quality Restoration, Estimated Cost $890.40, Estimated Cost Share $667.8016-195 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to approve the above-referenced 319 Funds Request For Assistance. Motion passed.

EASTER LAKE WATERSHED CERTIFICATIONS OF COMPLETIONAmber Synarong, FARMS #57659, Lot 13, Easter Lake Pointe, Plat 1, Soil Quality Restoration, $1,275.00Bruce Niedermyer, FARMS #57637, Lot 31, Easter Lake South, Plat 2, Soil Quality Restoration, $1,133.35Christopher Guthrie, FARMS #57664, Lot 3, Easter Lake Pointe, Plat 2, Soil Quality Restoration, $900.00Richard W. Snyder, FARMS #57658, Lot 29, Lawn Arbor Place, Soil Quality Restoration, $900.00Sandra J. Hammond, FARMS #58801, Lot 24, Hidden Valley, Soil Quality Restoration, $1,046.25Charlotte Bergan, FARMS #57615, Lot 47, Three Lakes Estates, Plat 6, Soil Quality Restoration, $1,032.37Wade R. Lancaster, FARMS #57616, Lot 19, Easter Lake South, Plat 2, Soil Quality Restoration, $1,895.2816-196 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to approve the above-referenced Certifications of Completion. Motion passed.

EASTER LAKE WATERSHED AMENDMENT REQUESTSDouglas Verwers, FARMS #57957, Soil Quality Restoration, Original Completion Date 12/31/2016, Amendment Completion Request Date 06/30/2017Duane Thorpe, FARMS #57668, Soil Quality Restoration, Original Completion Date 12/31/2016, Amendment Completion Request Date 06/30/201716-197 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to approve the above-referenced Amendment Requests. Motion passed.

EASTER LAKE WATERSHED/CITY OF DES MOINES CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETIONCraig A. Bowman, #1533-DM, Lot 14, Easter Lake Pointe, Plat 1, Soil Quality Restoration, $1,106.2516-198 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to approve the above-referenced Certification of Completion. Motion passed.

EASTER LAKE WATERSHED/POLK COUNTY CONSERVATION CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION

Beverly D. Bunker, #1528, Lot 5, Easter Lake Park, Plat 2, Soil Quality Restoration, $2,325.0016-199 MOVED by Valin, seconded Clark to approve the above-referenced Certification of Completion. Motion passed.

WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE & NUTRIENT REDUCTION STRATEGY CERTIFICATIONS OF COMPLETION

Daniel DeVries, FARMS #54315, Camp 17, Cover Crops (30 acres x $15/acres) $750.00Kurt Lehman, FARMS #56456, Lincoln 3, Dentrifying Bioreactor, $6,036.46Lee S. Tesdell, FARMS #53313, Fourmile 10, Cover Crops (60 acres x $15/acre) $1,500.0016-200 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to approve the WQI-NRS Certifications of Completion. Motion passed.

WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE CERTIFICATIONS OF COMPLETIONDaniel DeVries, FARMS $54317, Camp 17, Cover Crops (45 acres x $15/acre) $675.00Freddie J. Link, FARMS #57199, Washington 11, Cover Crops (56 acres x $15/acre) $840.0016-201 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to approve the WQI Certifications of Completion. Motion passed.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTSAmber Synarong, FARMS #57659, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance AgreementCraig A. Bowman, #1533-DM, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance AgreementBruce Niedermyer, FARMS #57637, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance AgreementChristopher Guthrie, FARMS #57664, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance Agreement

Richard W. Snyder, FARMS #57658, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance AgreementCharlotte Bergan, FARMS #57615, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance AgreementWade R. Lancaster, FARMS #57616, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance AgreementDaniel DeVries, FARMS #54315, Cover Crops, One Year Maintenance AgreementDaniel DeVries, FARMS #54317, Cover Crops, One Year Maintenance AgreementKurt Lehman, FARMS #56456, Lincoln 3, Dentrifying Bioreactor, Ten Year Maintenance AgreementLee S. Tesdell, FARMS #53313, Cover Crops, One Year Maintenance AgreementFreddie J. Link, FARMS #57199, Cover Crops, One Year Maintenance AgreementSandra J. Hammond, FARMS #58801, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance AgreementBeverly Bunker, #1528, Soil Quality Restoration, Five Year Maintenance Agreement16-202 MOVED by Valin, seconded by Clark to approve the above-referenced Maintenance Agreements. Motion passed.

STAFF REPORTSDistrict Conservationist Paul Miller reported that he will be setting up a local EQIP meeting. Discussion followed as to what date and time. Miller selected November 15th at 11:00 – NOON at this office.

District Conservationist Paul Miller informed the board that the Regional Conservation Partnership Plan (RCPP) is currently taking applications in their designated watersheds.

OTHER BUSINESSCommissioner Clark asked John Swanson about the Chestnut Lamprey found in the Walnut Creek Watershed

Commissioner Mathis informed the board that he won the Van Wall gift card worth $340 which was an auction item at the C.D.I. annual conference.

Conservation Assistant Pam Schwartz informed the board that the annual District Christmas dinner will be at The Fletcher on Monday, December 5th with social time beginning at 5:45 p.m. and order off the menu at 6:30 p.m.

As there was no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:48 a.m.

Approved by:

______________________________________ _____________________________________Conservation Assistant Date Chip Mathis, Chairperson Date

NEXT REGULAR MEETING WILL BE HELD NOVEMBER 15, 2016 AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE ANKENY FIELD OFFICE.