October 2, 2025 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  The State notified the NRDs with our final FY26 allocation; last month we were told that a "General Fund" (~$2,050,000) would be available on a "first come, first served" basis.  That fund has now been split up and divided proportionately to each NRD (attached).  The LPNNRD's FY26 allocation = $147,030.16

Rationale:  Our JWMAB agreement is expiring at the end of the calendar year.  Staff are working on scheduling a JWMAB meeting to update partners on projects and present an amendment to the agreement extending the end date.  

Attached is an invoice from USGS for operation and maintenance of the Platte River cameras and stage-only streamgages for $5,327.00.  These costs are split between Dodge County, City of Fremont, Papio NRD, and LPNNRD.  We receive invoices from USGS quarterly and bill partners annually towards the end of the calendar year.

Rationale:  Dodge County is closing out the West Fremont Scoping Project.  The project was compiled under budget, $649,560.00, by $330.00.  The non-federal share was $62,390.00.  The cost split per the agreement is Dodge County $22,460.40, City of Fremont $19,964.80, and Lower Platte North NRD $19,964.80.  We expect an invoice from Dodge County towards the end of October.  Close out documents and the interlocal agreement are attached.

Rationale:  SCWIG held a meeting at the Columbus NRCS office on September 15th.   Projects were discussed including cover crop approvals and the Christ Lutheran Church/School Bank Stabilizaton and Education project.  An interlcoal agreement to allocate finances and responsibilities has been drafted and will be presented to partners once Mainellli Wagner has the estimate completed.  The next scheduled meeting is November 18th with December 2nd as a backup date.

Bill Bos submitted paperwork for two completed septic system updates eligible for 60% cost-share from Shell Creek 319 grant:
 

Carol Fittje

Onsite Wastewater

$10,000

$8,611.01

 

Rod Flodman

Onsite Wastewater

$6,300

$6,721.84

Rationale:  Monthly construction update meeting was held 9/30 on site 26A:

• Site 26A outlet channel and plunge pool excavation
• The first 2, of 4, settlement plates on 26A were placed
• TCI plans to install sand drains on 26A and allow Shanahan to move back to 27 to begin embankment fill
• Discussion was had, and more will be needed, on the settlement plate survey requirements; contract specs require survey shots at least once per week during fill placement.  
• TCI/Shanahan still believe that contract completion can meet 10/1/26 deadline.  

TCI Invoice attached
Olsson construction oversight invoice attached
Monthly construction progress meeting agenda attached
Olsson construction report with photos attached

A second, optional, director tour will take place after October 2nd executive committee - leaving the NRD at approximately 1:00pm.

Rationale:  Olsson has submitted site 77 to NRCS for national review in Ft. Worth.  The national review for site 77 is required due to its hazard class rating (significant) and complex principal spillway design (2 x 48" conduits)

Design review for sites 84 and 55 are nearing completion for state dam safety review.

Olsson and NRCS have been working on biological assessment edits for our 404 permit.  

Rationale:  Legal descriptions and easement boundaries for sites 66 and 86 have been forwarded to Great Plains for appraisals.  We hope to have these appraisals in November.  Danielle has reached out to all landowners to let them know of the upcoming appraisals.

We are waiting for updated values from Great Plains for acquisitions on site 84 (Kresl) and site 85 (Rezac) related to irrigation impacts
.
Leonard Cuda signed purchase agreement and easements for site 85
Hagelgantz et al signed purchase agreement and easements for site 84

Ongoing back-and-forth negotiations are happening with site 77 parcels that are nearing condemnation.  Danielle and Jovan will have updates at Board meeting.

Olsson Real Estate invoice attached.

 

Rationale:  Jake has been reaching out to co-ops in the district to give them information on the NWQI program and current atrazine substitution rates for this year. We are also planning on running radio ads for the NWQI program's deadline.

Rationale:  Staff are working with legal council and the County to finalize an interlocal agreement.  This agreement may be ready for a decision at our October 13th Board Meeting.

Rationale:  The Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by FEMA on August 22nd, 2025. A copy of the approved plan can be found on the LPNNRD website.

An invoice is attached.