Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes December 18, :30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room, 412

Transcription

1 December 18, :30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room, 412 West Kinne Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, DeWayne Benedict, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson and Peter Pittman, LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Debra Larson and Rod Webb Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. LeRoy Peterson requested an update on Farmland Preservation AEA activity. Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Dale Auckland moved to approve. Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in Approve November 20, 2014 Meeting Minutes. Leroy Peterson moved to approve. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod Webb presented a request for Dan Sitz, Larry Gruber and he to attend a technician s training session in Eau Claire. Dale Auckland moved to approve, Peter Pittman seconded. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Soil and Water Resource Management Grant Reimbursement Request to DATCP for LCD Staffing. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the grant reimbursement request. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Cost Share Bond Funds Extension Request to DATCP Peter Pittman moved to approve the extension request, Dale Auckland seconded. Department Updates: Rod informed committee members that Land Conservation staff will target the watersheds of the Eau Galle River, Isabelle Creek and the Rocky Branch/South Fork Tributaries, in 2015, to reduce nutrient loading and address streambank stabilization. NRCS Program Report (Mark Biel). Mark Biel was not present to provide a report. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. AEA proposal, Jerry Kosin, Chair Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. 8:30 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2014, EOC Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex. Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to adjourn, Peter Pittman seconded. Meeting adjourned 9:35 a.m.

2 Thursday, November 20, 2014, 10:00 a.m. Pierce County Highway Department Conference Room, 621 Cairns Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, DeWayne Benedict, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin and LeRoy Peterson. LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Rod Webb, Debra Larson Public Comment: None presented. Call to order. Chairman, Jerry Kosin, called the meeting to order at 10:14 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Dean Bergseng moved to approve the agenda as printed. Dale Auckland seconded. Approve September 25, 2014 Meeting Minutes. Dean Bergseng moved to approve the meeting minutes as printed, LeRoy Peterson seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests. Rod Webb presented cost share requests for roof runoff control and underground outlets for Leon Henneman; streambank stabilization for Tim Truttman; well decommissioning for Lawrence and Delores Hullback; grassed waterway system for Brad Kemmerer and nutrient management for Tom Sitz. DeWayne Benedict moved to approve. LeRoy Peterson seconded Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests. Rod presented a request for he and Dan Sitz to attend the Soil, Water and Nutrient Management Meeting scheduled for December 4, 2015 at Eau Claire. The fee is $40 per person. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in Director s Report. Rod Webb 1. Conservation Practice Installation Progress. Rod reported weather conditions impeded practice installation this year. To-date 37 practices were completed. Funding for the remaining practices will be carried over and the practices will be added to the 2015 work load. 2. Targeted Watershed Approach Workplan. Rod indicated he will meet with the area fish biologist to identify priority areas within targeted watersheds. Once target watersheds are identified staff will commit approximately 50% time to projects in those areas. 3. Conservation Practice and Pollutant Load Reduction Tracking System. Rod reported neighboring counties are teaming together to introduce/utilize a software tracking system which can be accessed in the field and downloaded in the field offices. The software was designed by Flat Rock Software Developing for Washington County and costs $3,000. Rod indicated efforts are underway to seek financial assistance from DNR who is requesting counties track conservation practice and pollutant load reduction. Conservation Departments are considering other county departments which might utilize the tracking system including Land Management, Zoning and Public Health. Rod noted funds for the system are not included in the 2015 department budget. USDA-NRCS Report. Mark Biel was not present to report CSP and EQIP updates. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Targeted Watershed Workplan Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, December 18, 8:30 a.m., Lower Level Meeting Room. Adjournment. LeRoy Peterson moved to adjourn, Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in Mission Statement The Pierce County Department of Land Conservation develops strategies, implements programs, and provides technical assistance to protect and enhance the soil and water resources of the county.

3 Thursday, September 25, :30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, DeWayne Benedict, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Pete Pittman LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Rod Webb, Debra Larson and Mark Biel Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. None presented. Call to order. Chairman, Jerry Kosin, called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in Approve August 28, 2014 Meeting Minutes. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve. Dale Auckland seconded. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod Webb presented a request to send Land Conservation Technician, Dan Sitz to training in Madison on November 12 th. Dale Auckland moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Discuss/Take Action to Approve a Waste Storage Ordinance Siting Requirement Variance Request for John Skogen Dairy Farm. LCC members reviewed the variance as presented. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Discuss/Take Action to Approve a Waste Storage Ordinance Siting Requirement Variance Request for Robert Siewert Dairy Farm. LCC members reviewed the Siewert variance as presented. Dean Bergseng moved to approve. Dale Auckland seconded. Department Updates. Rod Webb reported an Edge-of-Field Monitor will be installed on the Jerome Rodewald property in the Rocky Branch Watershed of the Wisconsin Farmer-Led Council Project. Rod indicated the monitor will collect and sample run off from a representative cropped field. Students from the University of River Falls will analyze the samples and make observations of the nutrients and sediment captured in the sample. NRCS Program Updates: EQIP Program. Mark reported farmers interested in participating in the EQIP program have until October 3 rd to complete the application process to be considered for funding for fiscal year Mark explained a new screening process is underway to allocate funding for EQIP which categorizes applications into a low, medium or high priority status. CStP Program. Mark reported all CStP contract expiring in 2014 were offered the opportunity to renew their contracts provided they completed the required paper work in October. In other news Mark reported Dunn County DC, John Sippl, invited Pierce County to participate in aerial seeding cover crops. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, October 23 rd, 8:30 a.m. EOC Meeting Room Adjournment. Jerry Kosin, Chair. Dean Bergseng moved to adjourn. Dale Auckland seconded.

4 Thursday, August 28, :30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building, LL Meeting Room LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, DeWayne Benedict, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Pete Pittman. LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Rod Webb and Mark Biel Public Comment: None presented. Call to order. Chair Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt agenda. Dean Bergseng moved to adopt the agenda as printed. Dewayne Benedict seconded. Approval of July 24, 2014 meeting minutes. Leroy Peterson moved to approve meeting minutes as printed. Dale Auckland seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests. Dale Auckland moved to approve Rod Webb to attend County Conservationist meeting in Wisconsin Rapids on October 2-3, 2014, Leroy Peterson seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Applications. Rod presented cost share request for Thomas Halls (grassed waterway) to LCC members for review and approval. Leroy Peterson moved to approve the request as presented. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Discuss/Take Action on 2015 Land Conservation, Wildlife Damage and PL-566 Program Budgets. Rod presented the proposed budget necessary to operate the department. Leroy Peterson moved to approve the proposed budget as presented. Dewayne Benedict seconded. Discuss/Take Action to approve the 2015 WDNR County Conservation Aids Grant. Dean Bergseng moved to approve the grant application to continue stream restoration work on the Eau Galle River. Dewayne Benedict seconded. NRCS Programs Report. Mark Biel updated the committee on the local work group meeting that was held with St. Croix, Pierce and Pepin County NRCS offices. Additionally, Mark Biel updated the committee on the CSP program signups. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items No items at this time Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. September 25, 2014, LL PCOB, 8:30 a.m. Adjournment. Leroy Peterson moved to adjourn, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in

5 Thursday, July 24, :30 a.m. Pierce County Annex, EOC Room, 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, DeWayne Benedict, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson and Pete Pittman LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Mark Biel, Debra Larson, Rod Webb Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. Rod Webb introduced new hire, Dan Sitz, Conservation Engineering Technician to LCC members. Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Dean Bergseng moved to approve. Dwayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in Approve May 22, 2014 Meeting Minutes. Leroy Peterson moved to approve. Dale Auckland seconded. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod Webb indicated there were none to present. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Applications. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the cost share requests as presented. Dale Auckland seconded. Discuss 2015 Land Conservation Budget Priorities. Rod Webb presented preliminary budget items for He indicated budget expenses for 2015 including increasing insurance premiums, needed capital expense and potential staff changes will strain expected revenues. Department Updates (Rod Webb). Farmland Preservation Program, Agricultural Enterprise Area Proposal. Rod Webb reported efforts are underway to present an Ag Enterprise Area (AEA) Proposal to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture by March 31, Rod and Dan Sitz continue to meet with Townships to consider petitioning for designation as AEA(s). Rod noted that the Town of Clifton and the Town of River Falls are on board to present a petition to DATCP and that staff will continue to seek interest from other townships. Rod noted landowners within AEA(s) are eligible to receive tax credits of $5 per acre if they enter farmland preservation agreements with DATCP. Conservation Practice Installation Updates. Rod noted an unseasonably wet spring has prompted landowners to apply for conservation practice fund assistance. And, given the current soil conditions, construction is in full swing. Rod also indicated receiving numerous calls for technical assistance for manure and feed management systems. NRCS Program Report (Mark Biel). EQIP Cost Share Funding. Mark reported the Ellsworth Field Office recently received an additional EQIP cost share allocation which will be used, in part, to fund requests which were otherwise slated for County or State assistance. Mark reported the composition of Local Work Groups (LWG) will now include a three-county area (St. Croix, Pepin and Pierce Counties). Applications from all three counties will compete for cost share assistance from the same fund pool. The LWG Meeting will be hosted by Pepin County on August 14, Conservation Security Program. Mark reported a substantial CSP workload continues as 65 expiring 2010 contract holders will be eligible for renewal. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items LCC Budget Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. 8:30 a.m., Thursday, August 28 th, PCOB LL Meeting Room Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to adjourn. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in

6 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, May 22, :30 a.m., Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Pete Pittman. LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Debra Larson, Rod Webb Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. None presented. Call to Order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the agenda as printed, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Approve April 27, 2014 Meeting Minutes. DeWayne Benedict moved to approve the meeting minutes as presented, LeRoy Peterson seconded. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod presented a request for he and Debra Larson to attend the West Central WLWCA Summer Tour in Barron County on June 12, LeRoy Peterson moved to approve, Peter Pittman seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Applications. Rod Presented a list of Cost Share Applications for LCC members review and authorization. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the cost share applications as presented. Dean Bergseng seconded. Discuss/Take Action to approve 2014 Outstanding Conservationist Award Recipient. Peter Pittman moved to approve the award recipient as presented; Dale Auckland seconded. The award will be presented during the Pierce County Fair awards event scheduled at the grandstand on11:45 a.m. on Friday, July 11 th, 2014 Wildlife Damage Report. Chad Alberg presented a review of the Wildlife Damage Program to new LCC members. Department Updates: 1. Farmland Preservation Program, Agricultural Enterprise Area Proposal Rod noted that the Townships of Clifton, Martell and River Falls are preparing to present an Agricultural Enterprise Area proposal request to DATCP. Rod indicated he sent a letter out to remaining Pierce County Townships to secure additional interest. To-date, no other townships have indicated interest in the proposal. 2. Conservation Practice Installation Updates. Rod reported Larry Gruber is working with landowners and contractors to install grassed waterways. Rod also reported the department filled the position vacated by retiree, Dennis Fritz. Dan Sitz will begin his duties at Pierce County on Tuesday, May 27 th. 3. West Central Area Tour. The West Central Area Tour is scheduled for, June 19 th in Barron County. NRCS Program Report. Mark Biel was not present to provide a report. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. June 19 th, EOC Meeting Room or as needed. Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to adjourn, Peter Pittman seconded.

7 Thursday, April 24, :30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building, LL Meeting Room LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Pete Pittman. LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Mark Biel, Debra Larson, Rod Webb Public Comment: None presented. Call to order. Chair Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Election of Temporary Chairperson. Dean Bergseng moved to nominate LeRoy Peterson as temporary Chairperson. Election of Chairperson. Temporary Chair, LeRoy Peterson called for nominations for chairperson. LeRoy Peterson moved to nominate Jerry Kosin as LCC chairman. DeWayne Benedict moved to close the nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Jerry Kosin. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in Election of Vice-Chairperson. Jerry Kosin assumed Chair position and moved to nominate LeRoy Peterson as Vice Chair. Dale Auckland moved to close the nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Peterson. Dean Bergseng seconded. Adopt agenda. DeWayne Benedict moved to adopt the agenda as printed. Leroy Peterson seconded. Approval of March 27, 2014 meeting minutes. Dean Bergseng moved to approve meeting minutes as printed. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Applications. Rod presented cost share requests to LCC members for review and approval. Dean Bergseng moved to approve the requests as presented.. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Department Updates: 1. Update on Refilling the Conservation Engineering Technician Position. Rod reported efforts are underway to refill the Conservation Engineering position vacated by retiree, Dennis Fritz. 2. Agricultural Enterprise Area Petition. Rod provided a Working Lands Initiative Review for LCC Members. He reported a group of landowners in the River Falls area who are interested in forming an Ag Enterprise Area have been encouraged to seek additional participants in an effort to present an attractive petition to DATCP. The pending petition is expected to be forward to DATCP no later than March Rocky Branch Farmer-Led Progress. Rod reported landowners in Rocky Branch Watershed have joined to promote conservation in the subwatershed of the Kinnickinnic. The farmer-led council is supported, in part, through grant money from the McKnight Foundation. 4. No-Till Planting Education Efforts with UWEX. Rod reported that UWEX, LCD and NRCS staff have joined efforts to promote no till planting in Pierce County through local meetings and video conferencing. Rod indicated Greg Andrews will be organizing the events. NRCS Programs Report. EQIP Cost Share Program/Conservation Stewardship Program. Mark provided an overview and status of the EQIP cost share program and the Conservation Security Program with new LCC members. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. June 19 th Barron County Tour, Conservation Award Winner, Cost Share Requests, FPP Compliance Certificates. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. May 22, 2014, LL PCOB, 8:30 a.m. Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to adjourn, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in

8 Thursday, March 27, :30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room Public Comment. None raised LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Ruth Wood. LCD/NRCS Staff: Debra Larson, Rod Webb Other Agency Members: Linda Paul Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. LeRoy Peterson moved to adopt the agenda as printed. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Approve February 27, 2014 Meeting Minutes. Mel Pittman moved to approve meeting minutes as printed. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Discuss/Take action to approve 2015 DATCP Soil and Water Resource Management Grant Application. Rod presented the 2015 DATCP SWRM grant application for staffing support and cost share funds to LCC members. The grant funds are allocated to assist with the implementation of Pierce County s Land and Resource Management Plan. He reported the Land Conservation Department will receive approximately $128,500 for staffing expense and $82, in Rod informed LCC members that the 2015 DATCP funding allocation will be based on a new formula which gives funding preference to departments whose primary focus is agriculture. Discuss/Take Action on Advertising and Refilling of Conservation Technician Position. Rod Webb informed LCC members that Dennis Fritz, Conservation Engineering Technician is retiring May 2 nd, Administrator Coordinator, JoAnn Miller approved filling the position provided there are no changes to the position description or salary base. Rod indicated he is looking for a candidate with a Bachelor s degree and significant experience. Rod hopes to fill the position before spring construction begins. Ruth Wood moved to approve; Dean Bergseng seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Applications. Rod Webb presented a list of cost share requests for the committees review and consideration. Mel Pittman moved to approve the cost share requests as presented. DeWayne Benedict seconded. WLWCA Annual Training Conference. Rod reported attending conference sessions that promote soil health. Mel Pittman attended sessions on implementation of husbandry and CAFO operations. He also attended the Paper Mill Museum Tour. Rocky Branch Farmer-Led Conservation Initiative. Rod reported farmers and landowners continue a local-led process to promote and encourage protection of the Rocky Branch. He indicated the McKnight Foundation continues to show interest in funding conservation projects. Farmland Preservation Program, Agricultural Enterprise Area Proposal. Rod reported a likely AEA proposal has been delayed pending other considerations. A 2015 proposal is expected Conservation Award Winner. LCC members discussed selecting a 2014 Conservation Award Winner to be honored at the Pierce County Fair in August. LCC members agreed to select an award winner from a list of candidates provided by the LCD Department. NRCS Program Report. Mark Biel was not present to provide a NRCS report. FSA Program Report. Linda Paul provided an update on the new Farm Bill Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Conservation Award Winner; Conservation Engineering Position; Cost Share Applications. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. PCOB LL Meeting Room, 8:30 a.m. April 24, Adjournment. Mel Pittman moved to adjourn. Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in

9 Thursday, February 27, :30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building, LL Meeting Room, LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Dean Bergseng LCD/NRCS Staff: Mark Biel, Andy Pichotta, Rod Webb. Other Agency Members: Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. None raised. Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Leroy Peterson moved to adopt the agenda. Dewayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in favor Approve January 23, 2014 Meeting Minutes. Leroy Peterson moved to approve the minutes, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests. Mel Pittman moved to approve a travel/training request for Dennis Fritz & Larry Gruber to attend a Digger s Hotline Safety Training Meeting and for Rod Webb to attend the St. Croix River Association Annual Conference in River Falls. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Conservation Compliance Certificates for Farmland Preservation Program Credits. Jon Krauss presented compliance certificates for Happy Valley Holdings and Lyle P. Johnson. Dean Bergseng motioned to approve the certificates, Leroy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in NRCS Program Report: EQIP Cost-Sharing Funding. Mark Biel reported that with passing of the of the new Farm Bill all contracting with the EQIP and CSTP programs has halted until further notice. Mark reported that over 40 applicants have signed up for the new CSTP. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Cost Share requests and PL 566 repairs bid proposals Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. March 27, :30 a.m. LL Meeting Room. Committee will convene into closed session pursuant to (1)(c) Wis. Stats. For the purpose of considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility: LCD Director annual performance evaluation. Members. Mel Pittman moved to convene into closed session. Dean Bergseng seconded. Roll call vote: Mel Pittman, Jerry Kosin, Dean Bergseng, Leroy Peterson and Dewayne Benedict present Reconvene into open session and take action on closed session item, if required. Leroy Peterson moved to reconvene into open session, Dewayne Benedict seconded. Roll call vote: Mel Pittman, Jerry Kosin, Dean Bergseng, Leroy Peterson and Dewayne Benedict present. Mel Pittman motioned to grant a favorable annual performance evaluation and recommendation for a salary step increase. Dewayne Benedict seconded. Adjournment. Mel Pittman moved to adjourn. Dewayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in Meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.

10 Pierce County Land Conservation LCC Committee Meeting Thursday, January 23, 2014, 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Highway Department Conference Room, 621 Cairns Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, Mel Pittman, LeRoy Peterson and Ruth Wood. LCD Members Present: Rod Webb Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Ruth Wood moved to adopt the agenda. Mel Pittman seconded. Approve December 17, 2013 Meeting Minutes. Mel Pittman moved to approve the meeting minutes as presented, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests. Rod Webb presented cost share requests. Mel Pittman moved to approve cost share requests as presented. Dean Bergseng seconded. Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests. No requests Discuss/Take Action of Pierce County LCD Memorandum of Understanding with USDA-NRCS. Rod Webb reviewed the MOU with members. This is a five year working agreement. Leroy Peterson motioned to approve the MOU with USDA-NRCS, seconded by DeWayne Benedict. Discuss/Take Action on 2014 WLWCA Membership dues Rod reported that the membership dues increased to $ over 2013 amount. Members discussed the value of the association. Mel Pittman motioned to approve payment of the WLWCA dues, Leroy Peterson seconded. Motioned carried with all in Director s Report Rod Webb discussed ideas to inform Pierce County landowners and elected officials on the Working Lands Initiative (formerly the Farmland Preservation Program). Pierce County s comprehensive plan has now been updated to include the revised farmland preservation plan so we now must inform our landowners of the opportunity to participate. Rod also updated the members on the upcoming meeting of the West Central Area of WLWCA in Eau Claire on February 20 th. Pierce County is hosting this year s meeting. Finally, Rod discussed training opportunities for landowners wishing to develop and implement nutrient management plans on their cropland for the 2014 growing season. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. LCD Director annual evaluation. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. February 27, 2014 in PCOB LL meeting room. Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to adjourn. Leroy Peterson seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:21 am.