Kyle Hauschild

The meeting included staff and agency reports, including updates from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Five Rivers RC&D, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, and Steamboat Trace Volunteer Group. The board approved well permits N749 and N750. The FY2021 audit report was approved. The proposal from FYRA Engineering for the Kirkman's Creek 319 Watershed Plan was accepted. The high bid for the 2008 Ford Taurus X was awarded to Charlie Pierce. Payment of cash rent to Rich Wilson for the Duck Creek Sediment Basin Project was approved. The next meeting was scheduled and agenda items were discussed.

The meeting addressed several governance and operational items. Key actions included the appointment of Adam Howard to fill a vacancy in Subdistrict 5 and the appointment of Klark Knipe to fill a vacancy in Subdistrict 8 following a secret ballot process. The board approved the consent agenda items, which covered excused absences and the Treasurer's Report. Staff and agency reports were presented, including a review of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts' activities. The board also discussed testimony received on groundwater rules and regulations. Significant actions included approving a proposal from SubSurface, Inc. for slip lining 19 watershed structures, adopting changes to NRD recreation rules and regulations primarily updating campsite fees to an electronic payment system, approving new campsite fee structures, and approving a five-year contract for mowing services at recreation areas and the NRD headquarters.

The meeting included a caucus to elect a Nemaha Basin representative to the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, during which Doug Iske was elected. Bids were reviewed and approved for rip rap delivery and placement on watershed structures, as well as for hauling rip rap to eight watershed dams. Guidelines for prioritizing applications for approval in the Nitrogen Reduction Act were approved. The board discussed accepting mobile payments at parks, evaluation of procedures for NRD clerks during a federal government shutdown, selection of a nominating committee, and the December board meeting schedule. A resolution was approved for the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and to add a Roth Elective to the NARD 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Additionally, a temporary construction access easement on Steamboat Trace for Peru Levee Reconstruction was approved.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and roll call. Key discussions included the consideration of applications to fill a vacancy in Subdistrict 5 (none received), and the approval of the consent agenda which covered excused absences and the Treasurer's Report. Staff reports involved presenting an appreciation gift to recognize a former board member's tenure. Agency reports covered updates from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, including encouragement for directors to attend an upcoming legislative conference. The Programs & Projects Committee received an update on the first draft of revisions for Groundwater Quantity Management Rules & Regulations, including the proposed timeline for adoption. The Operations & Education Committee authorized staff to partner with Conservation Nebraska for the Test Your Well program at no cost to the District, and also authorized an agreement with Set Your Sites to install a mobile/online payment system for campsite and park permit sales. The Executive Committee selected Duane Sugden as the voting delegate and Doug Iske as the alternate for the NARD Legislative Conference.

The board meeting involved the election of officers, with Russel Moss confirmed as Chair, Alan Romine as Vice-Chair, Tracy Ensor as Secretary-Treasurer, and Orval Gigstad as NARD representative for 2026. The consent agenda, including excused absences and reports, was approved. Staff reports were reviewed, along with updates from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts. Key actions included the approval of the final draft of updated Groundwater Rules and Regulations, incorporating clerical amendments. The board also approved proposed revisions to the NRD Recreation Rules & Regulations and scheduled a public hearing for them. Additionally, an agreement with NDWEE for Nemaha River Basin stream gages was approved.