MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Engelhart, Wayne Burmeister, Duane Johnson

MEMBERS ABSENT: Charlie Peterson, Steve Briggs

OTHERS PRESENT: Dave Ferris, Ann Lane, Cindy Blonk, Tom Fredrickson

CALL TO ORDER: 9:45 a.m. by Jim Engelhart

MINUTES APPROVAL: Motion by Wayne Burmeister/2nd Duane Johnson to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

FINANCE REPORT APPROVAL: Motion by Duane Johnson /2nd Wayne Burmeister to approve the finance report as presented.
Motion carried.

AGENDA:

NRCS - Tom Fredrickson

*No conservation plans at this time. Gave an update on on-going programs: MALWEG Assistance Grant; EQIP signup until 4/1/05; 4/29 Statewide signup for manure pits; WHIP sign up 2/14 - 3/11.
*Duane Johnson presented the 2004 FSA Annual Report showing funds dispersed for various programs covering Burnett County landowners.

WILDLIFE DAMAGE PROGRAM - Cindy Blonk

*Cindy covered some additions to crop damage reimbursement rates: Winter wheat (1 farmer - geese damage) $1.92/bushel; Indian corn (1 farmer - deer damage) .33 each. Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister to approve the additional crop damage reimbursement rates as presented. Motion carried.
*Cindy reviewed the 2004 Burnett County crop damage claims - those that are recommended for approval (having met the requirements of the program) and those that are recommended for denial (which have not met the requirements of the program). Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister to approve payment of those claims presented that have met the requirements of the program. Motion carried. Motion by Wayne Burmesiter/2nd Duane Johnson to deny payment on those claims presented that did not meet the requirements of the program. Motion carried.

BIG WOOD LAKE - Dave Ferris

*Paul will be meeting with Cedar Corp next week to review upcoming projects for summer 2005.

BID PROCEDURES - Dave Ferris

*Dave reviewed the suggested bid and payment procedures for Burnett County. Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister to approve the suggested bid and payment procedures and to implement them when necessary going forward. Motion carried.

TREE DONATIONS - Ann Lane

*Ann presented the 3 non-profit organizations that have applied for the donated trees - usually set at a limit of 100 total.
Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister to allow a donation of 50 trees to each of the 3 organizations. Motion
carried.

INVASIVES INTERN POSITION DESCR - Dave Ferris

*Dave presented and reviewed a position description for an Aquatic Invasives Species Seasonal Employee. Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister to approve the position description and utilize it to fill the position once the grant is approved. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION FOR INVASIVES GRANT - Dave Ferris

*Dave reviewed the terms of the Invasives Grant request and covered how this will be of benefit to Burnett County.
Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmiester to approve the resolution authorizing Dave Ferris to act on behalf of Burnett County in regards to this grant. Voice vote taken; Ayes - 3, Nayes - 0. Motion carried.

FORD RANGER REPAIRS - Dave Ferris

*Dave reviewed the bill for the recent transmission repairs to the 2002 Ford Ranger. Motion by Wayne Burmesiter/2nd Duane Johnson to authorize Dave to go to the Finance Committee and request extra funds to cover the repair. Motion carried.

OTHER BUSINESS

*WLWCA Bylaws Committee - Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister to have Dave Ferris participate as a member of the WLWCA Bylaws Committee. Motion carried.
*Farmer Nutrient Mgmt Class - Dave gave a brief update on progress and wrap up of the training.
*Conservation Camp - Ann reminded the committee that we normally award 2 scholarships to local kids to attend camp.
Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister to award 2 scholarships @ $100.00 for 2 local children to attend Conservation Camp this year. Motion carried.
*Conservation Specialist Position Desc. - Dave reviewed the proposed change in this position description (previously the Big Wood Lake Watershed Manager). This change was approved by the LCC in spring of 2004 and given to the Human Resource Director for appropriate action, yet no action has been taken to this date. Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister and Jim Englehart to have Dave inquire of the Human Resource Director as to why no action has been taken on this matter. Motion carried.

NEXT MEETING: March 10, 2005, 9:30 a.m.

MOTION TO ADJOURN: 11:45 a.m. Duane Johnson/2nd Wayne Burmeister. Motion carried.