Sundance Times - Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Crook County Natural Resource District (CCNRD)

September 1st Regular Board Meeting Minutes

CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:09 pm by Chairman Wayne Garman at the Sundance USDA Service Center and by conference call.

ATTENDANCE

Board: Wayne Garman, Lily Altaffer, Ted Parsons, Kim Fundaun

Employees: Bridget Helms, Carmen Horne-McIntyre (Call in), Sarah Anderson (Call in)

Guests: FSA Executive Director Sarah Hanlon, FSA employee Anna Schurman

OPEN ISSUES TO DISCUSS

NRCS Update An update was provided to Ms. Helms. NRCS is done writing 2020 Farm Bill contracts. A range project, 2 high tunnels, 4 forestry projects and 7 cover crops were completed under EQIP. There are 2 Joint Chiefs projects, one forestry and one forestry and range practices. A total of $519,128 has been obligated. They are now taking applications for CSP-GCI and 2021 EQIP. They are currently busy with project implementation and 2021 planning.

FSA Update Ms. Hanlon’s office has been busy with CFAP payments and is close to reaching the $5 million dollar mark. CFAP applications are due September 11. She introduced her new temporary employee Anna Schurman, she will be employed through the end of the year. The new permanent employee plans to start on September 14.

Water Quality

Ms. McIntyre presented the water sampling results. The flow meter has been having issues, so she has sent it to Hach for repair. We are currently borrowing one from Cathy Rosenthal (WACD). Lab funds allocations are still processing, so Ms. McIntyre is waiting to bill covered expenses but anticipates billing the flow meter repairs and turbidity standards to this account.

The cost list for BMPS that was previously adopted at the 3/7/17 meeting was reviewed. Rock digging was added for consideration. Board discussion. Mr. Fundaun made a motion to add to up to 150 ft of rock digging at $2.75/foot and approve the cost list as presented. Ms. Altaffer seconded. Motion carried.

Ms. McIntyre traveled to North Dakota for the soil health tour and is missing a receipt for fuel in the amount of $37.00 charged at Loaf N Jug. Board discussion. Ms. Altaffer made a motion to pay the $37.00 charge without a receipt. Mr. Fundaun seconded. Motion carried.

The Covers and Cows workshop on August 19th was a success, 27 were in attendance.

Forest Health

Three hazardous fuel reduction projects have been completed in the Black Buttes area. It includes a 28-acre fuel treatment, 15.8 acre fuel break, and a defensible space project. Ms. Anderson is preparing a WUI proposal for the Red Canyon area (above Sand Creek), Pine Ridge Rd/ Pine Haven, and Sundance Canyon Ranch areas; they all need fuel treatments and defensible space projects applied.

Ms. Anderson attended the Black Hills Forest Resiliency meeting with Commissioner Whalen.

Trails grant is progressing nicely. Bruce Speidel was chosen to provide images for the signage. There will be a Request for Bid to install the signage when it is complete.

Financials

A motion to approve the financial voucher was made by Ms. Altaffer and seconded by Mr. Fundaun. Motion carried. All checks were signed.

Reconciliation Reports The Quickbooks reconciliation report and bank statement were reviewed. Ms. Altaffer made a motion to approve the bank reconciliation. Mr. Fundaun seconded. Motion carried.

Approve August 4th Minutes Ms. Altaffer made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Fundaun seconded. Motion carried.

Office Manager update Ms. Altaffer made a motion to accept and sign the engagement letter to Ketel Thorstenson for the financial review. Mr. Fundaun seconded. Motion carried. Ms. Altaffer made a motion to sign the proxy form from MWFBI. Mr. Parsons seconded. Motion carried.

Pursuing local funding form, Educational function for elected officials, and Sundance State Bank Savings Inactivity forms were signed.

NEW ISSUES TO DISCUSS

E-Cycling Possible dates were discussed. Oct 1st in Hulett and Oct. 3rd in Sundance were dates selected. Ms. Helms will contact the fairgrounds and ProTech for availability those dates and will contact Moorcroft about participating.

Area 1 Meeting is on September 24th in Buffalo. Ms. Anderson, Mr. Garman, Mr. Fundaun and possibly Ms. Altaffer plan to attend.

WACD Convention will be held November 16-19 in Torrington. Five rooms have been reserved. Possible auction items were discussed.

TIME OFF REQUESTS

Bridget Helms- (9/24,9/28,9/29) Approved

Sarah D. Anderson – 9/23 half day Approved

A motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel was made at 1:55 pm by Ms. Altaffer. Mr.Fundaun seconded. Executive session was ended at 2:01 pm.

Ms. Altaffer made a motion to give a $500 bonus to Sarah Anderson. Seconded by Mr. Fundaun. Motion carried.

Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Fundaun at 2:03 pm.

Office Manager Signature:

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Chairman Signature:

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