Regular Meeting
August 11, 2008

The regular meeting of the Webster County Conservation Board was called to order at the Kennedy Park Reception Center on Monday, August 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

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

Staff present:
      Matt Cosgrove

Guests present:

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

The director presented Special Events requests:

1. Badger Lake Bash – Daybreak Rotary made a request to use Badger Lake and Kennedy Park on Aug. 22 – 24, 2008 for the annual Dragon Boat Bash. The event will include a dinner, Fish Heads Concert, treasure hunt, and fireworks on Friday and Dragon Boat racing all day Saturday.  All proceeds will help the Donner Family with medical bills for Tom Donner.  Mark Thompson made a motion to approve the event.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  Thompson, Seltz, Beck – yes, Luke – abstained. Motion carried.
2. Polar Plunge – The Special Olympic of Iowa has made a request to hold a Polar Plunge Fundraiser for the Special Olympics on Nov. 22, 2008 at Kennedy Park. Participants will get pledges to enter the cold water at Badger Lake Beach to raise money. Special events permit and copy of insurance have been provided. Mark Thompson made a motion to approve the event. Brad Luke seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried.
3. Miller Marsh Dedication will be held on Sept. 19, 2008. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Bob Heun Shelter with an overview of the project, followed by a tour of the area and a lunch.
4. Adventure Race – the WCCB will partner with the Fort Dodge Young Professionals and Fall Fest to hold an informal triathlon on Sept. 20, 2008. The event will include biking, running, and a kayak course. All proceeds will go toward trail improvements.
5. 50th Celebration – the WCCB will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on October 4, 2008 with activities and events at Kennedy Park. Theme – Past, Present, & Future of County Conservation.

The board reviewed the Farm Lease Agreement for Bob Hay Memorial Wildlife Area.  Mark Thomson made a motion to approve the lease with Dave Anderson and extend the term of the lease to three years.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried.

The board reviewed two quotes for replacing the pit toilet in the Children’s Forest/Veteran’s Park.  Mark Thompson made a motion to authorize REAP Funds to purchase the concrete toilet from CXT Precast Products for $12,950.00 and hire Fort Dodge Asphalt to remove the existing facility and do the site prep. for the new facility for $2,445.00.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried.

The director informed the board that an initial meeting had been held with Allers Architects to begin the design for an environmental education facility.  A focus team is being organized to develop the building components, “green” technologies, and possible locations. A preliminary design is planned for the October 4th 50th Celebration. Mark Thompson made a motion to appoint Kirk Seltz to the planning committee. Brad Luke seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried.

The director presented a “Change #1” for the reconstruction project at Miller Marsh.  A change in the design of the plan has caused an increase in the reconstruction cost.  The board reviewed a cost estimate from the contractor, Ubben Tiling & Backhoe, to complete the additional work. The cost of the change is estimated at $40,875.35.  Kirk Seltz made a motion to approve the “Change #1” and complete the project. Brad Luke seconded the motion. Seltz, Beck, Luke – yes, Thompson – no. Motion carried.

The Director presented a quote of $9,100.10 from Tile Pro’s to close the Ag. Drainage Well at Miller Marsh. The project will be cost-shared by the Iowa Department of Ag. & Land Stewardship at 75/25. Mark Thompson made a motion to authorize the Tile Pro’s to begin work on the closure of the Ag. Well, with costs not to exceed the engineer’s estimate, following completion of a detailed cost estimate sheet prepared by the NRCS Engineer. Jerry Beck seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried.

Additional Business

The director presented a quote from B&W Control Specialists for $33,850.00 to spray Canada Thistles and Leafy Spurge in the southern half of the county, as per the scheduled rotation.  Kirk Seltz made a motion to approve the contract with B&W following approval of the Webster County Board of Supervisors.  Brad Luke seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried.

Kirk Seltz reminded the board about the Pheasants Forever Fall Picnic on Thurs., August 14, 2008.

The director invited board members to the Fall Conference in Dubuque Sept. 11-13.

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

Jerry Beck made a motion to adjourn. Brad Luke seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Submitted by,
Matt Cosgrove, Director,Webster County Conservation