Tom Johnson

The board received reports from the NRCS and UNL Extension regarding upcoming training sessions. Discussions included NARD legislative conference updates, the health insurance premium status, and potential services from Jaeger Enterprises for tree planting and mulch installation. The board discussed the expansion of the Know Your Well Program, ongoing spring tree planting preparations, static water level checks, and a new flowmeter maintenance program. Additionally, the board reviewed financial reports, ongoing revisions to Water Sub-committee rules and regulations, water usage reports, the status of burn unit trailers, and reports from the coalition/alliance concerning groundwater technician meetings.

The meeting covers various agency and staff reports, including updates from the NRCS, UNL Extension, NARD, and NRC. Discussion items include financial reports, NRD program reports covering soil and water conservation, wildlife, water quantity and quality management, current NRD projects, grant reports, and coalition or alliance updates. Additionally, the agenda addresses director absences, correspondence, scholarships, and informational items, concluding with a Safety Committee meeting.

The board meeting included reports from the NRCS and UNL Extension, covering upcoming webinars on livestock feeding and drought conditions. The board reviewed legislative updates from the NARD, discussed the launch of a new Nitrogen Use Efficiency Program, and received updates on tree planting, flowmeter maintenance, and water quality testing initiatives. Additionally, administrative updates were provided regarding grant reporting changes and the rescheduling of a public hearing for the Chemigation program, alongside the approval of several director absences.

The meeting included a review of current NRCS operations and the distribution of information regarding upcoming Private Pesticide Trainings and a Winter Stocker Tour. The board was informed about the NARD Legislative Conference. Staff reported an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate and confirmed 23 machine plants scheduled for spring tree planting. The financial report was reviewed and accepted. Discussions on Water Quality noted no new applications for the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program and the approval of a grant to cover labor costs for the recycling coordinator. Discussions on Water Quantity confirmed that the FAB Report was completed, showing no fully appropriated basins. The board proceeded with the election of officers, retaining the previous year's slate, and nominated representatives for North Central RC&D, Sandhills RC&D, LPSBC, and NARD. Finally, excused absences for several directors were approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included reviewing the Open Meetings Act posting and confirming no modifications to the agenda. The board accepted the minutes from the November meeting. The NRCS provided a report on current operations. Updates were given regarding pesticide training dates in Mullen, Brewster, and Thedford, and ongoing discussions concerning Producer Connect and Longitude 103 ownership issues. Staff reported that Executive Travel is funding a 10% discount for tree orders in December for the NRD's tree program, and one poster for the NACD contest won at the state level. The board reviewed and accepted the December financial report. An application for the NE Soil & Water Conservation Program was approved. The Water Sub-committee began reviewing definitions in the Rules and Regulations. The water quality sampling report for Sub-district 5 was discussed, confirming that the closing of the Broken Bow recycling facility will not impact the NRD's recycling program. The board also approved excused absences for two directors.