Crook County Natural Resource District

Crook County Natural Resource District (CCNRD)

December 5th Regular Board Meeting Minutes

CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:10 pm by Chairman Wayne Garman at the Sundance USDA Service Center.

ATTENDANCE

Board: Wayne Garman, Kim Fundaun, Casey Devish

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

Guests: Keela Deaton, NRCS

MONTHLY UPDATES

A. NRCS Update- Keela updated the Board on the “Act Now” Inflation Reduction Act funding money for forestry, high tunnels, soil health, and herbaceous weed treatments. The County allocation for 2024 is $138,000. She also discussed the current NRCS forestry issues.

B. Water Quality Program Updates by Carmen & Jessica: Sampling data for the season was presented and trends were discussed. The shadeballs for the pilot project have been ordered. Jessie is gathering prices and will begin purchasing items needed. The tanks will be set up at her house. Jessie will meet with UW Extension next week to work on the UAC grant. Emails were sent out to previous purchasers of the compost bins for feedback. Jessie is also looking into offering rain barrels. Jessie is working to finalize the tree sale order form. The conservation easement community discussion was a success with over 30 attending. The Courthouse display case has reserved for a February display. Joint board meeting planning will begin soon. Carmen and Wayne will be attending the DEQ non-point source meeting tomorrow.

C. Forestry Program Update by Sarah: Last week’s Society of American Foresters symposium was well worth attending, it focused on forest plan revision and was well attended by Forest Service and elected officials. Sarah has a follow up meeting next week. She also attended the NRCS STAC meeting last week. She will be attending the NFAB meeting tomorrow.

Grant Updates Three invoices are presented for payment today. There have been two projects canceled this month.

D. Office Manager Update by Bridget: November was busy with convention and completing the annual plan of work and annual reports. A list of those who still need district training was sent to WDA and WACD as requested at convention.

E. Local Issues

A. Septic Tank Issue in Crook County was discussed. CCNRD has offered cost share for septic system remediations for systems installed prior to 1973 in the past. CCNRD will look for ways to help with this problem. Staff will discuss with the Commissioners tomorrow.

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

G. Approve November 7th Minutes A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Kim and seconded by Casey. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Annual Plan of Work and Annual Report A motion to approve the Annual Plan of Work and Annual Report was made by Casey and seconded by Kim. Motion carried.

B. Electronics Recycling Our electronics recycling contact has informed us they will not be able to provide this service going forward unless another recycling company is found. Bridget is researching other possible solutions. Currently Rapid City is recycling Christmas lights for free, she is looking into offering this here and transporting the lights to Rapid City for recycling. Options for recycling will continue to be explored.

C. Convention review Feedback on the event was sent to WACD.

D. Employee annual reviews Tabled until next month. Kim made a motion to provide a Christmas bonus of $250 for each employee. Motion seconded by Casey. Motion carried.

SCHEDULE

A. Next Board Meeting will be moved to Thursday, January 4th due to the Holiday.

B. Weston County is offering a board training on January 10 at the Weston County Fairgrounds.

C. Time off requests were approved.

Motion to adjourn was made at 2:30 pm by Kim Fundaun.

Office Manager Signature:

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Chairman Signature:

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