CCNRD

Crook County Natural Resource District (CCNRD)

May 2nd Regular Board Meeting Minutes

CALL MEETING TO ORDER by Chairman Wayne Garman at 12:06 pm at the Sundance USDA Service Center.

ATTENDANCE

Board: Wayne Garman, Lily Altaffer, Kim Fundaun, Casey Devish, Wanda Burget

Employees: Sarah Anderson, Bridget Helms, Jessica Halverson, Carmen Horne-McIntyre

Guests: Keela Deaton, NRCS District Conservationist, Danielle Roth, SEO

MONTHLY UPDATES

FSA Update Grassland CRP signup is happening now through May 26, 2023. The rate per acre stayed the same as 2022, at $13 per acre. FSA is currently setting those appointments and will not take any after May 24th, as they have lots of paperwork juggling to do before the last day on the 26th. Crop Acreage reporting is starting. They are mailing the producers their appointment cards. FSA is looking for a full-time Temporary employee to help with both Crook & Weston counties for the summer. They must be 18 years old and able to be in the office more than 2 days a week.

NRCS Update – Keela provided a climate smart practice list to the Board. Conservation plans for recent EQIP and CSP contracts were signed by the Board. Cover crop funds have been allocated and those contracts were signed by the Board.

Water Quality Program Updates by Carmen & Jessica

Grant updates Carmen and Jessica have started monitoring season planning. The closeout report for the last WDA water quality grant was accepted and the new grant was approved for the shade ball pilot project and the pressure reducers for sampling. Quarterly reporting for the 319 and NACD grants has been completed. Water sampling will begin late May or early June.

Jessica sent the application for cover crop funding last month. The funding is for soil sampling, cover crop planting and administration funding for projects in Crook County.

Upcoming Educational Events Jessica went to the 6th grade last week to talk about natural resource jobs and will go back on Friday for the other 6th grade class. Last week she attended the youth Ag Expo in Gillette. Jessica prepared the display case at the courthouse for April. On June 8, she will attend the Black Hills Natural Resources Camp at Mallo. Bridget visited the 4th grade class for a presentation on soil profiles. Danielle Roth offered to help with education.

Compost Bins- Kim made a motion to sell to Board members and employees at our cost. Casey seconds. Motion carried. Tree update- Currently 738 trees have been sold. Delivery will be set up for next week.

Forestry Program Update Sarah has been attending several meetings for the NFAB and Black Hills Resilient Forest Partnership with Cooperating Agencies. Grant Updates Wildlife and forestry project applications have been ranked with the partners. Crook County currently has 236 acres of these projects completed. The CAFA funding only has three applicants to date.

Office Manager Update Bridget researched the insurance stipend for health insurance. The Crook County Commissioner’s and UW-Extension are offering Board training May 11 from 5:30-9:00 pm. Wayne and Casey will attend; Bridget will send the RSVP.

Financials A motion to approve Budget resolution 5.2.2023 was made by Lily and seconded by Wanda. This resolution is to add the compost bins line items to the budget. Motion carried.

Financials A motion to pay the bills was made by Lily and seconded by Kim. Motion carried. All checks were signed, and the reconciliation reports prepared by Bridget were reviewed and signed.

Approve April 4th Minutes A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Lily and seconded by Kim. Motion carried.

Approve March 7th Joint Board Meeting Minutes A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Lily and seconded by Wanda. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Vehicle discussion The Explorer does not currently run, it needs a new battery. Staff should drive the Explorer more this year and a decision on it will be made next year.

Proposed Budget Approval Bridget presented the proposed budget. Wanda made a motion to approve the budget and Lily seconded. Motion carried. The Commissioner’s funding request letter was read to the Board and suggestions were made. Lily made a motion to approve the letter with suggested edits; the motion was seconded by Casey. Motion carried.

Clarification on health stipend: The motion last month was a one-time payment. Lily made a motion to increase the stipend amount for Sarah Anderson to $1,600.00 for May through December 2023. Wanda seconded. Motion carried.

Motion to adjourn was made by Lily at 1:56 pm.

Office Manager Signature:

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Chairman Signature:

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