The meeting was called to order by the Chair, D. Boettcher, at 8:30 a.m.  Members present were D. Boettcher, J. Dahl, P. Licht, P. Michels, E. Rineck, and L. Willkom. 

Members absent were  J. Brost.

Agency staff present were A. Dane (UWEX), M. Dahlby, R. Magyar, D. Masterpole, D. Nashold, R. Yohnk and J. Schemenauer - Recorder (LCD).

Item #1 -Minutes/Bills/Plans/Contracts/Agreements.

The minutes from the 11/17/2005 LCC meeting were presented.  Motion to approve the 11/17/2005 minutes, as presented: Willkom/Dahl.  Motion carried.

The LCD program bills, Duncan Creek project bills, and Recycling program bills were presented.  Motion to approve bills: Michels/Willkom.  Motion carried.

There were no plans or contracts presented.

Item #2 - Review 2006 Manure Storage Permit Applications; Set 2006 Engineering Fees for Final Designs.

D. Masterpole distributed and the Committee reviewed the following material:

1.         Issue paper titled: Options for Resolving County Service Concerns Caused by Applications to Federal Cost-Share Programs, Issue Paper 1/05, (Working Draft LCD 7/21/05).    The issue paper provides the following:

                        A.        A summary of the issue:

            •           Requests for nutrient management planning and engineering services to fully service Animal Waste Ordinance applications now exceed the service capacity of the County.

                                   •           The service shortfall has now become more acute, as a result of an increase in permit applications, associated with an increase in the availability of Federal cost-share grants.

                                    •           To meet the service shortfall and to provide the necessary engineering services, the County has adopted an interim management approach whereby the LCD will provide preliminary designs to all applicants, and additional engineering services through a fee for services approach.

                       B.         An overview of an interim management approach (adopted by LCC 11/04) to curtail services and prioritize the type of services provided to applicants by the County.

                        C.         An updated management analysis.

                        D.        Short and long term management options to resolve the issue.                      

2.         Handout titled:  Permit and Fee Schedule for Technical Assistance to Administer Chippewa County Animal Waste Storage Ordinance, (LCD 11/19/02).  The fee schedule establishes the fees charged by the LCD for engineering and nutrient management services provided to livestock producers that are applying for Animal Waste Storage Permits.

D. Masterpole explained that:

1.         The Department is now conducting a 2006 workload analysis and is in the process of determining the type and number of preliminary and final engineering designs that it can produce.

2.         The Department is seeking LCC guidance to establish a 2006 fee rate for final engineering designs.

The following background information was provided:

1.         In addressing this issue in 2005 (LCC minutes 7/21/05), the LCC agreed to offer accelerated engineering services to all producers with animal waste storage projects funded by USDA.  Service fees for final engineering designs were set at 70% of the technical service provider (TSP) rates, as published by the USDA. 

Two producers entered service agreements to have the LCD provide the final engineering designs in 2005, at the 70% TSP rate.

2.         There are currently four (4) producers that have applied for Chippewa County Animal Waste Storage Permits that will also be applying for USDA animal waste storage funds.  The LCD will prepare preliminary designs to support these applications.

3.         At this time, it is not known whether producers receiving USDA cost-share funds will be reimbursed by the USDA for engineering costs.

There was general discussion.  Discussion focused on the total costs associated with final engineering designs and the proportion of these costs that should be borne by the producer and by the public.

Motion to:

1.         Continue to offer accelerated engineering services in 2006 to all landowners with animal waste storage projects funded by USDA, within the limits of existing staff, and

2.         Set the fee for final engineering designs at 70% of TSP rates, and

3.         Reevaluate this service arrangement and final design fee as part of the 2007 workload analysis and budget process:

Willkom/Michels.  Motion carried.

Item #3 - Review 2005 Program Accomplishments and 2006 Activity Schedule.

D. Masterpole distributed and the Committee reviewed a table titled:  Schedule of Activities to Implement Plan, (LCD 6/22/04).  The table outlines goals and objectives, as established in the Chippewa County Land and Water Resource Management Plan, and the specific activities to be implemented from 2004 through 2006.

There was general discussion.

Discussion focused on those activities that were deferred or are partially completed.

An annual report will be prepared which summarizes 2005 accomplishments and 2006 scheduled activities and product deliverables.

Item #4 - Report on the Use of PDR Ordinances and Agricultural Production Zones.

M. Dahlby distributed and the Committee reviewed a summary report titled:  Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) as a Voluntary Farmland Preservation Technique: Leelanau County, Michigan Case Example, (LCD 12/15/05).  The report (on file) explains the mechanics of a farmland preservation program which is based upon agricultural production zoning and purchase of development rights (PDR). 

There was general discussion.  Discussion focused on the sources of funding used to implement the program.

Item #5 - Review Status of Chippewa Falls Urban Area Stormwater Planning Process.

D. Masterpole presented a report which summarized the status of the Chippewa Falls Urban Area Stormwater Management planning process. 

The status of the major planning elements is as follows:

1.         Public Education and Outreach.

            Required Product (s)

•A public education and outreach program with framework to implement the program in the NR216 permit area.

            Status

            •A draft stormwater education plan has been developed (distributed 8/24/04).

            Next Steps

•Forward to the elected officials and plan commissions of affected municipalities for review and comment.

•Forward to the staff representatives that participate in the EC/CF urban area “stormwater forum” for review and comment.

•Forward to the staff representatives of local builders/realtors associations in the EC/CF urban area for review and comment.

2.         Public Involvement

            Required Product (s)

•A summary of a public participation process, including results of two public information meetings and one public hearing.

•A written record of the minutes of a technical advisory committee (TAC) used to guide the stormwater planning process and to address issues of concern.

            Status

•TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) formed with written clarification of charge (8/18/04).

•TAC meetings held (1/20/04, 8/24/04, 2/22/05, 3/15/05, 4/20/05, 6/21/05, 8/17/05).  Agendas and minutes compiled.

•First public informational meeting, public noticed, and held.  Written notice provided to elected officials, plan commissions, and municipalities  participating in the project.  Meeting used to explain the EPA Phase II permit requirements, the stormwater planning process, a schedule of activities, and opportunities for public involvement.