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| Nemaha NRD June
2006 Board Meeting Report More small dams are in the works in the Nemaha Natural Resources District. At their meeting Thursday, June 8, the NRD board reviewed proposals for engineering of two cost-share dams as well as bids to construct two other dams. Four proposals were received for survey, design, and inspection of two cost-share dams in Johnson County on land owned by Ken Brinkman and by Bob Brandt. The proposal submitted by JEO Consulting Group, Inc., was selected by the board; and NRD staff will begin negotiations on a contract for the work. Estimated cost of the engineering is around $30,000. Four bids were submitted for construction of two dams in Pawnee County within the Kirkman’s Cove watershed. The low, combined bid of $25,647.59 for both structures was submitted by G.R. Sunneberg Construction of Beatrice. The board approved the bid, and the work is schedule to be completed within 45 working days. Both dams are funded in part through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. The board’s Programs & Projects Committee was updated on the progress of the watershed work plan prepared by JEO Consulting Group for the Big Muddy Watershed. A draft had been reviewed earlier by the Big Muddy Creek Task Force, and a final version of the plan is expected in August; a public meeting will also be held at that time. Two easements involving the Steamboat Trace trail were again on the board’s agenda for review. One easement with Jeffrey Dunn will allow him to cross the trail in a designated spot near Brownville to access his property on the other side of the trail. The board approved this easement. The second easement concerns access to property owned by Kenneth Bridgewater, which has been enrolled in the federal Wetlands Reserve Program. Because this easement would require traveling over a greater portion of the trail instead of simply crossing it, the board postponed action while awaiting more information from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. At the recommendation of the Board’s Executive Committee, the board voted to approve an updated salary schedule for its employees for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006. The schedule allows for a total increase in District salaries of 3.53 percent. However, the impact of expected increases in health insurance premiums will not be known until next month or later. No action was taken on an irrigation agreement with Keith Joekel involving Upper Big Nemaha Watershed dam J-34. Also there was no action on an easement involved with Middle Big Nemaha dam 88. Board members began the budget process at this meeting by reviewing proposed areas for expenditures and projects to be considered. Preliminary revenue figures won’t be available until July or August. Final approval of the budget is slated for September when a public hearing will be scheduled. The next regular meeting of the Nemaha Natural Resources District board of directors will be on Thursday, July 13, 2006, beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the NRD headquarters, 62161 Highway 136, Tecumseh. |