October 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

Rationale: 

NOTE: The agenda is on file at the LPNNRD office and may be changed up to 24 hours prior to the meeting as scheduled.

 

Rationale:  Are there any additions or corrections to the agenda?

Rationale:  Chair Sabatka will update the board on the sub-committee's meeting.

Rationale:  Kyle Overturf is not going to be able to give the Annual Audit as he is waiting for the Feds to release the compliance supplement for Single Audit. 

Rationale:  Are there any additions or corrections to the Minutes? If not they will be approved on the consent agenda.

Rationale:  Water Leaders Academy applications are due on November 11th.  Applications include a one page paper, resume, and letter of support from your employer.  Tuition is $3,000.  More information can be found here:  https://waterleadersacademy.org/apply/  At this time, at least one staff member is interested in attending.  A motion is requested.

Rationale:  Attached find a letter from Grandview Neighbors Group that are opposed to the 600' setback being removed.

Discussion and clarification from Jovan:
When the developer of Grand View Estates (Dolezal) submitted its application for a subdivision with Saunders County in 1998, they sought feedback from all affected governmental entities.  At the time, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission managed the Lake Wanahoo recreational site to the East of the proposed development.  One aspect of that park was a roughly 1000 acre youth hunting area.  G&P's feedback therefore was that they would recommend all residences in the proposed development be no closer than 600' feet from the park given the law that prohibits shooting hunting rifles within 600 feet of a residence.  The developer agreed to do so voluntarily and a setback was recorded on the plat for the subdivision as shown on the attached.  It appears that the property owners who purchased lots thereafter presumed that there was a similar setback on the property that Mr. Glock is now considering to develop (between Grandview and Lake Wanahoo) and/or elsewhere adjacent to the park.  That does not appear to be the case.  The NRD confirmed back in August in the attached minutes that they do not themselves have or enforce a setback.  The language in the minutes was somewhat ambiguous so I provided the attached email to the HOA's attorney David Solheim.  As such, it is my position that the NRD doesn't have a setback on the property, there isn't one recorded against Mr. Glock's property (title report is attached), and there isn't anything in the counties zoning or subdivision regulations that speak to a setback of this kind.  It is also noteworthy that a farm property just north of this development was approved for residential acreages in August without a similar setback as shown on the attached.  

See attachments.

Rationale:  Bids are due at 12:00 noon, October 10th, for installing an irrigation system at the NRD office.  A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to award the bid to a qualified contractor.  

Rationale:  We have been delaying our open house until our elevator is operational.  It sounds like it should be inspected and operational within the next week or two.  Discussion is requested for potential dates later in October.

Rationale:  Lower Platte North's 2026 fiscal year budget has been finalized and submitted to the Nebraska State Auditor's Office and all other required counties and agencies.  I would like to thank staff and directors for their input and assistance in this important process.

Rationale:  Management will provide a brief update on the project.

Rationale:  The attached proposal includes 5 new computers and peripherals for staff as recently budgeted.  This proposal for $8,443.14 is good through the end of September.  As such, staff request a motion not to exceed $9,000.

Rationale:  With the ongoing federal shutdown discussion is requested on how we intend to handle our NRCS-based staff.

Rationale:  Gottschalk will update the committee on the Colfax/Butler County office consolidation. Staff recommendation would be to follow the same salary compensation increase for Kris Miller as was given to our Saunders/Dodge County staff (Jessica Marty) when those offices were combined.

Rationale:  Several years ago, our district adopted a maternity leave policy.  Is there any interest in creating a similar paternity policy? Discussion and possible action is requested.

Gottschalk will reach out to other NRD's to see what they have for a paternity leave policy.

Rationale:  Grant will be available to discuss the August Financial Statement. We will not approve the financial statement until our Annual Audit is complete.

Rationale:  There is nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  We will be contracting with the NRCS to prescribe burn our WRP (Snitily Wetland) next year.
We are also preparing for a prescribed burn on a large parcel on the east side of Lake Wanahoo with Pheasants Forever & Game & Parks.

Rationale:  The O & M staff finished the mowing circuit. We have been spraying trees on different project areas and also had a drone spray large and hard to get to areas. Regular maintenance on vehicles & equipment. Dug holes for land judging.

Rationale:  HDR is working with NRCS (NWMC) on the Revised Watershed Plan EA for Programmatic Review and a preliminary scope and fee estimate for the various tasks needed to complete design services for the rehabilitation of Cottonwood 21-A. Their assumption is that, based on funding, they identify the tasks that can be completed and refine the scope and fee. The design cost estimate is attached. The average cost of the fee ranges for the eight tasks is $710,750.

Rationale:  Houston Engineering will be present via Zoom. 
The attached scope of services covers Spillway Joint repairs and Stilling Basin mitigation through Phase II - FY26 (Final Design, Permitting, Construction Documents, and FEMA Coordination) and Phase III FY-27 (Bidding and Construction Phase). Phase II generally applies to FY-26 -- $175k and Phase III applies to FY-27 --- $100k.

The TM used a general 15% fee for engineering and permitting which was broken out for the stilling basin mitigation. For clarity, this fee is somewhat higher than the TM estimate for that portion (Tasks 3, 4.1, 4.3, and 4.4) of the scope, 130k vs 110k. There is an additional permitting task for completion of a no-rise and floodplain development permit which likely won't be able to be avoided if significant grading on the downstream overbanks is part of the project.

The rest of what's in the scope that didn't have a cost estimate in the TM is the BCA reporting, 408 coordination, joint repair design and reporting, and the construction phase services.

Early coordination with USACE 408 reviewers is included to make progress towards future effort on repair/mitigation on the Breakwater and Mile 3 trail. If there is a decision to proceed on these, the early coordination will give some clarity on USACE requirements for design/permitting/construction phase for those areas.

The preparation for FEMA BCA will require some back-and-forth communication with FEMA/NEMA. Given the evolving nature of how FEMA reviews and accepts mitigation work, it's challenging to predict the exact requirements. However, our current coordination time and reporting/analysis tasks should cover what is anticipated now.

The Construction Phase is included with some assumption on time in the field that will be required, which probably isn't perfect given that the details of the construction plans/schedule aren't defined.

Staff will send this information to all board members for their review before the board meeting, so a decision can be made.

Rationale:  Staff has asked for price quotes for a gasoline fuel barrel similar to the diesel barrel we purchased and installed. Otte Oil quoted a price of $6,332.95. The committee asked for another quote(s). 
Breunig Supply Company quoted $8,157.00
Sapp Bros. Petroleum (Adams Oil Inc.) $5,565.00

Rationale:  Staff would like to purchase a 60 gallon, 5 hp air compressor for the shop. Prices range from $1,400 to $2,200.

Rationale:  Attached is a letter for your information from the Grandview Neighbors Group regarding questions and concerns about the amphitheater potentially being placed across the road from their development.

Rationale:  We have not received any requests or applications.

Rationale:  For the month of August, the District received $4,657.00 in annual park permit revenue.

Rationale:  For the month of August, the District received $14,453.35 in camping revenue.

Rationale:  The Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo was rented 14 times in September, with 1 NRD event. Revenue for the month was $1,625

Rationale:  The KTIC radio ads for September featured environmental education opportunities with the NRD. The ad for October will feature the availability to rent no-till drills. These ads are attached.

The new digital display ads began on September 8. The topic for September featured environmental education opportunities and fall outdoor recreation opportunities. Attached is a breakdown of the demographics and zip codes we are targeting for these ads, along with a report from September

Rationale:  Top Posts for Facebook and X during September included:
• Amphitheater public meeting (reached 3,227, 50 comments on September 2 post)
• Wahoo Creek Watershed picture update with staff and directors’ tour
• Starry Night event flyer (and cancelation notice)
• Village of Colon New Community Park flyer
• Reminder for variance requests due 

For the website we had an increase in traffic (348 views) to the education page which shows people have been looking at the KTIC digital ads and viewing more information on our website! Many of these ads were shown through Fox News contributing to the increase in traffic from the targeted ads. 

Additional traffic was received from NARD (17), Facebook (61), X page (1), Nebraska Game and Parks (1), Nebraska tourism (8), Fox News (14), and KETV (8 - Bob’s interview).

The full reports are attached. 

 

Rationale: 

• September 9th-10th: Bishop Neumann M.S. (32)
• September 11th: Coffee Lakeside Mammals of NE (8)
• September 17th: David City High Ability Learners (33)
• September 19th: Wahoo high school Careers (10)
• September 22nd: Starry Night event - CANCELLED
• September 24th: Fremont M.S. outdoor day (412)
• September 26th: Wahoo 3rd grade field trip (90)
• September 27th: Colon Park Event (10)
• September 30th-October 3rd: Ag Week at the fairgrounds

Rationale: 

• October 8th: Survival club
• October 9th: Coffee Lakeside - Elkhorn Coffee Company
• October 22nd: State Land Judging

TBD classroom visists

Rationale:  This granting opportunity seeks to help develop Watchable Wildlife Grants, funded through the Wildlife Conservation Fund and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to help develop wildlife-viewing and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. The intent of these grants is to help the public build appreciation and stewardship for natural resources through an experience. We are applying for a bird feeding structure at Lake Wanahoo with a live viewing camera; wildlife signage for bird ID and more; and game cameras to be placed around our recreation areas. We plan to work with a local school to have their shop class build the bird feeding structure. The Wahoo Birding Club has also pledged $350 in match towards this project. The grant is due October 3rd, with projects being awarded in late November to early December. Projects must be completed by May 4th. 

Rationale:  The RWD staff installed a meter and yard hydrant at the new park in Colon.  The Village plans to keep the hydrant locked during the offseason and use it primarily for irrigation.
Routine monthly sampling completed, bills mailed 10/1.

Rationale:  JEO provided a scope of services to update the study for extending the Bruno RWD to include the Village of Abie (attached).  We plan to have a representative from both Abie and JEO at our next committee meeting.
Routine monthly sampling completed, bills mailed 10/1.

Rationale:  The variances for the HCA were due on September15th.  Attached is the application ranking sheet and scoring for the Committee consideration.  

The application for Scott Cassels in NW NE S20-16N-9E is applying for a new well for irrigated acres with the main purpose of using cropland for a duck pond. 

There are 12 applications that qualify to be approved in the HCA for 694.90 new irrigated acres. 

Dan Wondercheck application scored 385.78 but had 21.5 percent of Class 6 soils.  Staff will work with Dan on adjusting the pivot location to assist in application approval.  

Rationale:  An application was received from Don Kresl to drill a new well for a portion of the SE and SW S32-15-6E, Saunders County. Don's field scored 338.8 on the ranking sheet.

Bryan Hein's two applications from the August Committee Meeting were postponed to the September Meeting until David City Planning and Zoning approved the applications.  Minutes are attached, which allow Bryan to move forward after 3 test holes are drilled and results reviewed by the NRD before a well permit can be issued.  (attachment)

Bryan discussed with the Committee his applications.  He would like to start with the SE1/4 17-15-3E, east of David City.  He plans on waiting on the other site located in the NW1/4 S7-15-3E, north of David City.  He requested to do only 1 test hole for the site east of David City as there are other irrigation wells in the area.  The Committee would like a PVC tube installed if a well permit is issued for NRD staff to take water level measurements.   

Rationale:  An application was received by Keith Ziegenbein for the SW SW S29-13-9E, Saunders County to drill a new well.  This area is within 1 mile of the HCA area (Blue Area).  As this in the restricted development area, Section P of the Groundwater Rules and Regulations would apply if this moves forward.  This field scored 322.82.

Roland Kavan submitted an application in 2021 for the SW S1-16-5, Ssunders County.  Section P of the Groundwater Rules and Regulations would apply if this moves forward.  This field scored 309.26

Rationale:  A request for well permits for two 50-75 GPM wells for 2 breeding barns for chickens in NW 1/4 S11-15N-2E, Butler County.  
Attached is a map showing the general location of where the barns will be located.  
The committee discussed options as chickens were arriving on October 13th.  A situation where individuals need to check well permitting requirements before proceeding.  They were going to drill 2–45 GPM wells but not connect them with the plan that the Board will approve.  These barns are in a good water area.  

Rationale:  Aylyn Cattau, with Zack Cattau as tenant, wants to add an additional 70 acres of irrigated ground from an existing well (G-167388).  The legal is NW1/4 22-19-1E, Platte County with a portion of the pivot going into Section 15. He is presently irrigating 204.9 irrigated acres.  His average use over the last three years was 5.9 acre inches.  If approved, his new allocation will be 22.36 over the 3-year rolling allocation.  This field scored 468.64.

Map attached and invoice for $5,367.25 from LRE for reevaluating the SQS areas

Rationale:  A hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 13 at 5 pm at the LPNNRD Board Room in Wahoo.  We will take testimony at that time with the plan to review comments at the Committee Meeting on October 30.  

Rationale:  The Nitrogen Reduction Act Program has funding for an additional year. They are accepting applications from producers for the 2026 growing year, and closing the applications on November 15, 2025. This program will be the same as last year with the reduction of 40lbs or 15% nitrogen applied after meeting with NRD Staff and setting a baseline recommended amount. 

Staff has been receiving 2025 growing season information and application rates from last years participants.

Rationale:  Sample result letters will be sent out next week for those who took irrigation samples. 
-137 samples taken.
-132 samples sent out, but not taken.

Rationale:  Electric Tapes 
We currently have four electric tapes. Only two of the four tapes currently work. One of the older tapes is about 25 years old. Proposing to trade in an older electric tape for a newer one. Three quotes are included below. Fall water levels start October 20th.
Heron - $910.20
Fondriest - $918.63
Solinist - $1032

Rationale: 

One new well has been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

Rationale: 

No wells have been plugged, reviewed, and ready for cost share payment approval this month.

Rationale:  Staff has sent out cost share reminders for flow meters, and has started to meet with producers going through active and inactive wells. 


We have received flow meter cost share applications from those listed below. 

James Barta	3 Flow Meters
Shell Creek Feeders	1 Flow Meter
Barta Family LLP	1 Flow Meter

We have cost share invoices for 2 Flow Meters for Allan Shonka. 



 

Rationale:  The City of Newman Grove was given bids for well decommissioning and decided to go with the bid from Wiese Waterworks for the project. The open house for Platte Center was held, and the Wellhead Protection Plan was adopted. 

Rationale:  This week's beach Bacteria and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) results are now posted on the DWEE web page (Current Health Alerts and Sampling Results For This Week).   
  
Rockford Lake in Gage County will remain on Health Alert. Maple Creek Recreation Area Lake will be on Health Alert after testing high for microcystin this week.

Cub Creek Lake in Jefferson County has been removed from Health Alert. 
 
Fremont Lake No. 20 (SRA) tested above 235 colonies/100 mL for E. coli bacteria.

There are 2 beaches on Health Alert this week.

Current Lakes on "Health Alert"
Lake	County	Microcystin (ppb)	Sample Date
Maple Creek Recreation Area Lake	Colfax	12.95	9/29/2025
Rockford Lake	Gage	8.35	9/29/2025

When a lake exceeds 8 ppb of microcystin it will be placed on Health Alert. If a lake is under a Health Alert, signs will be posted recommending people avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. 
There is 1 beach with E.coli testing above 235 colonies/100 mL.

Lakes with High E.coli Bacteria
Lake	County	E.coli (MPN)	Sample Date
Fremont Lake No. 20 (SRA)	Dodge	2,420	9/29/2025

When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 mL a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed water body.
Well, another season of Beach Watch is in the books. We encourage all lake users to be sure to use their best judgement when visiting their favorite lakes this fall. HABs can persist for weeks into the fall. Additionally, lakes that are on Health Alert will remain on Health Alert until such time that the agency that manages those lakes determines they are safe. So, pay attention to the signs and make certain to avoid contact with the water if it appears to contain a HAB.

I would like to take the time to thank our partners who sample the beaches throughout the 22-week season. We could not provide this information on a weekly basis if it wasn’t for them. So, a big thanks to all of the groups listed below.  You are amazing!

• Central District Health Department
• Nebraska Public Power District
• Upper Republican Natural Resource District
• Lower Republican NRD
• South Platte NRD
• Middle Niobrara NRD
• Lower Loup NRD
• Nemaha NRD
• Lower Elkhorn NRD
• United States Army Corps of Engineers.
• And the NDEE Field Staff in Lincoln, Holdrege, North Platte, Scottsbluff, and Chadron

Cheers until next year!

Justin Haas
State Lakes Coordinator
Department of Water, Energy and Environment
245 Fallbrook Blvd., Suite 100
Lincoln, NE 68509-8922
Direct: 402-471-4224 | Main Office: 402-471-2186
 

Rationale:  The Quarterly invoice for $4,212 from USGS for stream gauges on Shell Creek near Columbus and Wahoo Creek at Ashland as agreed to in Joint Funding Agreement between both parties.

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.
 

Rationale:  When the Butler County NRCS office assistant position was eliminated, Kim Piitz had 178.25 hours of unused annual leave.  

A motion will be needed at Board Meeting to pay Kim Piitz $3,608.96 for her unused leave time less deductions of retirement, taxes and any supplemental insurance. 

Rationale:  At the October 9, 2023 Board meeting, the NRD made a motion to commit up to $2,000 for trees and trails for the Village of Colon's new park. See Attached photos.

A motion will be needed at the Board Meeting to make payment to the Village of Colon for tree plantings at the new Colon Community Park. 

Rationale: 

NOTE: The agenda is on file at the LPNNRD office and may be changed up to 24 hours prior to the meeting as scheduled.