Regular Meeting
March 10, 2008

The regular meeting of the Webster County Conservation Board was called to order at the Kennedy Park Reception Center on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Board members present were:
      Kirk Seltz, Jerry Beck, Jim Eslick, Mark Thompson, Brad Luke

Staff present:
      Matt Cosgrove

Guests present:
      Lori Branderhorst, Director of Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation

Mark Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes of the February regular and special board meetings as presented.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  Motion unanimously carried.

Lori Branderhorst, Director of Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation Department, presented an audit for Lakeside Golf Course and a check for $7,246.50, as per the lease agreement.  Branderhorst also explained staff changes, flood damage, and a focus on concessions for the 2008-09 golf season.  Mark Thompson made a motion to approve the audit and accept the check.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Brad Luke made a motion to request the Webster County Supervisors transfer the  $7,246.50 check for Lakeside Golf Course profit into the Conservation Trust Fund.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.  Mark Thompson made a motion to use the Lakeside Golf Course profit to replace the restroom in the Children’s Forest.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

The director informed the board that Noon Sertoma would like to donate $1,000 from the profits of the 2007 “Lights At Kennedy” toward a Conservation Board project.  Mark Thompson made a motion to use the $1,000 toward the Veteran’s Memorial Project that Noon Sertoma is planning.  Brad Luke seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

The board reviewed a letter of resignation from Brian Henderson, Roadside Manager and Weed Commissioner.  Brad Luke made a motion to accept the resignation.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Following a discussion regarding the replacement of the Roadside Manager position, Brad Luke made a motion to offer the responsibilities of Roadside Manager and Weed Commissioner to Cody Peterson, Vegetation Technician at a salary of $31,500, plus $3,500 for the Weed Commissioner duties, effective April 1, 2008.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Noon Sertoma presented a proposal for a new sign to be placed at the west entrance of the Children’s Forest and Veteran’s Memorial Park.  Jerry Beck made a motion to approve the new sign with the addition of “Webster County Conservation” near the bottom of the sign.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

The director gave brief updates on land acquisition projects:

Badger Lake Watershed Improvement Project – Eric Eide is working with Mary Breen on the donation of a ½ acre.  The NRCS is finishing the water sampling and will begin surveying the watershed to determine next steps.

Miller Marsh – A contract has been awarded to Ubben Tiling and Backhoe.  The supervisors and the contractor have signed documents and the contractor has provided proof of insurance and a performance bond.  Work will begin as soon as conditions allow.

Additional Business

The director invited the board to the Spring Board Member Conference in Jackson County on March 29th.

The board discussed the Maple Syrup Festival – March 15th.

Brad Luke reported the cost to rent a tour bus from Northwest Iowa Tours for the 50th Anniversary Tour. 

Mark Thompson made a motion to approve the bills as presented.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Jerry Beck made a motion to adjourn.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Submitted by,
Matt Cosgrove
Director
Webster County Conservation