Regular Meeting
July 7, 2008

The regular meeting of the Webster County Conservation Board was called to order at the Kennedy Park Reception Center on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

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

Staff present:
      Matt Cosgrove

Guests present:
     None

Jerry Beck made a motion to approve the minutes of the June Board Meeting. Mark Thompson seconded the motion.  Motion unanimously carried.

The director informed the board about a plugged tile at Moorland Pond and damage to the dike at Rossow Prairie.  Mark Thompson made a motion to authorize the director to hire Nels Pederson Co. to make the repairs and pay the bills from the Reserve Account and to fix a plugged tile in the Children’s Forest at the same time.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

The board reviewed the 2007-08 Fiscal Year Budget.  Kirk Seltz made a motion to request the $16,024.16 unexpended balance be transferred to the Conservation Reserve Account to pay for the damages at Moorland Pond, Rossow Prairie, and the Children’s Forest.  Brad Luke seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

The director presented a draft policy regarding vacation and overtime for Conservation Staff.  The policy addressed vacation and overtime maximums and procedures.  Mark Thompson made a motion to approve the policy as presented, effective immediately.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

The director explained to the board that the Friends of Webster County Conservation had pledged $4,000.00 to the design of an environmental education center.  Kirk Seltz made a motion to authorize the chairperson to sign the agreement with Allers Associates Architects to design the center for the Conservation Board’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in October.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Land Acquisition Updates:

Miller Marsh – The director informed the board that work has not started due to the large amounts of rain over the last few months. Most of the area that will be restored is underwater.  Mark Thompson made a motion to send a letter to the DOT requesting an extension on the July 17, 2008 completion deadline.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Trail Easements – The board discussed the agreement with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to acquire permanent easements for the trail from Kennedy Park to Harlan Rogers Sports Complex.  The agreement was tabled by the Board of Supervisors pending review by the County Attorney.

The document has been reviewed and is on the supervisor’s agenda for July 15th.  The director also informed the board that he applied for the State Recreational Trails Grant to assist with the project.

Additional Business

The director presented a new 28E Agreement from the DNR for the chairperson’s signature. The agreement was approved at an earlier meeting, but has been with the DNR getting signatures.

The director invited the board to an “After Hours” at the new Veteran’s Memorial Park on July 10th.  The event will be hosted by the Noon Sertoma and the Chamber to celebrate the completion on Phase I of the project.

The board discussed the new camping cabin use. The director explained that usage has been disappointing. Mark Thompson made a motion to charge $40/night during the week and $50/night on Fri. & Sat. and eliminate the 2-night rental requirement for weekends for the rest of 2008.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Jerry Beck made a motion to approve the bills as presented.  Mark Thompson 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