So, I'll call them meeting to order at 8:34 then. Are there any public comments? Guess not. Everyone's in the business. Okay. Um, next item is the minutes.
Is it all as it should be? So move to approve the minutes. >> Second. I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes. All those in favor say I.
>> Any opposed? Motion passes. Okay. Agenda. Next item. >> No changes to the agenda. >> Okay. Motion to approve. >> Second.
I have a motion on a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? The agenda is approved. Consent items. >> Okay. Uh the bills payable as of today.
Um we have um the allocation amount that's sent to Winona County for my time. That's up to uh $5,461. That's August, September, October. And then I also have um a cost share for uh
Ben Maholland. Uh this is from the whitewater ceiling water well sealing grant for 2186. So that is later in the agenda. Um, the other thing that's out there that I I have it on the list,
but it's below the subtotal is uh QTH, which is our Whitewater hosting renewal. It's due um in December. I have not received an invoice yet, but I went
ahead and did a check in the event we want to continue that through the end of 2026. But that's, you know, so we can that's a discussion in the agenda. Um, the other thing that's uh pending, but I
do not have an invoice yet is MCIT. That bill is due in January, and I usually have it approved at the last meeting. of the year knowing that I will get an invoice in December and I usually do uh
a automatic check transfer. That's what they require uh for their deposit. So, it doesn't need a signature or anything, but I do need a pre-approval. It'll be about 1,550 is what I'm anticipating. Um so, just an
okay to for me to go ahead and do that. and I will go ahead and do that the day I get the invoice and and then we'll be done instead of waiting till January. >> So, do we need that MCIT coverage if we're dispending? Um, that was the
question I had and uh I asked MCIT and I haven't received a response yet, but looking at I looked at how the Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board um did
it and they went ahead and paid ahead because and then once everything was done then they got reimbursed for that remainder portion. So that's kind of how I'm assuming it'll go this >> we could
approve according to the results of our discussions or outcome >> right and how MCIT says you know I I will find an answer from them um on what
should be done. Uh with that explanation, I'll approve the consent items. Okay. >> So that was a motion. >> Yes. >> Okay. I'll second it. >> Okay. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I.
>> I. Any opposed? None. Consent agenda is approved of the commission mentioned. Okay, board reports. I guess as we start with Bob, work our way around. >> Um,
Washa County, we're still dealing with two of our five union contracts. We're getting pretty close on one. Got a ways to go on another. um estimated market values, taxes payable
next year, hit the mailboxes yesterday, and I'm sure there'll be a full house Monday night at our Tuesday, a week from Tuesday at our taxation meeting. Um
things things look pretty quiet. Okay. Well, can't think of a lot except we're losing one of our good employees that's moving up to a better job hopefully, but
he's still going to be housed, Matt, in our office and maybe help us out a bit when we need it. So, that's good. We haven't decided about hiring anyone else because see how things go or whatever.
So that's all I have. All right. W uh Winona County Southern Water District. Nothing too earthshattering there. Just kind of uh there was some discussion about the disbanding of this board and uh I guess it's the writing's on the
wall that that's pretty much inevitable, but uh there's no more funding. I guess Homemstead County was the trigger for that. >> Look at me. [laughter] >> Mstead County was the first county to cease funding for this board. Is that an accurate statement?
>> Uh I know that they did right to stop funding board. >> That's what that aligns with what I've heard too. So then in response to that event, the Nona County Commissioners uh followed suit and then I'm guessing Wish
County the same. >> We will probably we have not. >> We're still tweaking some budget items. >> So Commissioner Elsing was at the meeting and uh uh spoke at length about those things. Uh no, God bless and
it was a a healthy discussion. a lot of uh uh comments not about this but about budgeting and roads and uh upcoming tax levy increases for Winona County. I'm sure the other counties are struggling with uh possible increases as well. So
that was I guess a primary focus of our meeting was kind of kind of preparation for what's coming down the pike there from county. Um but otherwise uh uh I just Am I forgetting something, Sheila? >> No, I you covered it well. Okay, thank
you. That's my report. >> Thanks, Ross. James, >> uh, yeah, Homemstead SWCD. Um, basically just had one new contract which I don't remember what it is right now.
Might have been a brass waterway. and um also uh pass the WAC sub agreement agreement to uh this is something that would rely on.
So, um, got that passed and, um, then had a presentation on the the new Minnesota paid leave program that's going to go into effect start. Okay. Board discussion and action items.
[snorts] First thing is financial update. >> Okay. So, um we had the updates for August. our um funds [clears throat]
after we uh took out uh the unearned revenue was at 124,326 and so that was August and September went down to 121 358 and um
and October 123 461. So, not a lot of changes, you know, after the checks from last time. Um, and then I have we had a we received some funds for um doing the quarterly report on the local advisory
team and uh so that's kind of where we are sitting. So just a question on so if current balance roughly $123,000 sitting in this account on the board that's about to be disbanded. What will happen to the money
>> that will be um we do have in the joint powers agreement that was most recently updated in 2019. It does detail that if this board were to terminate that the funds the remaining funds after bills are paid and everything it gets
dispersed to each of the counties in accords with the number of acres that they have in the whitewater. So Mstead would get the largest amount and then Winona County would be very close second and then Wall County and then the money
would go to the county level or would it the the county commissioner's discretion or would it go to the SWCDs or where that's just asking >> I'm that's a good question. Um the Win know the S SWCDs
recently I think since 1994 have not given money to the Whitewater joint powers board. Those have been coming from the county. So I'm assuming that it by default goes back to the counties but it would be nice if the counties decided
to let the SWCDs have it for projects or something. >> I I did have a question. I mean it's related but some of the grants that are still have some left. What happens to that?
>> Right. Yeah. And I do have when we get later in the we have to pay our bills and final finalize reports and then we could you know once that is all taken care of then we know where what the balance is and we'll be able to
divvy it out appropriately. So we can't divvy out any money till >> right >> we're done. >> Yeah. >> So I guess just a question. We as a board still have some authority. Can we uh request at least and say the
remaining funds and our request should only be used for conservation projects? >> That is up to this board. You can certainly make that request or recommendation. I'll just speak on WA County. I don't
know what kind of support. I don't know the dollar amount. I mean, I will push that goes to SWCD or like you say conservation work. I'm just going to go. >> Yeah.
Ross, for Winona County, the money that comes out of the Winona County budget to go to the Whitewater, what code is that? Does that does that impact how money received? >> Well, it's part of the general fund. So,
uh it would return to the general fund, but then the board can just that [clears throat] however they wish. So they we can it could do it could get put into a user reserve code and then um an agreement written with soil and water should they want to go on that. So the
intention that I would have uh for Winona County would be the were the board to decide to dissolve with that recommendation of the board and the Winona County board. There would be discussion uh in the in the list of possible uses for the funds but
ultimately it would be up to the board but our recommendation would be to would be to ear market for conservation project projects. That would be our recommendation as well.
See, it seems to me like, well, are we getting into discussion on particular thing here or just >> kind of flowed into a different thing and missed our wet weather coordinator, but that's okay. I think it's all related.
>> I I had the hardest time putting this agenda together. I didn't know what came first. >> But anyway, >> yeah, I I I don't know. I think from my perspective, I just assume having I mean, not necessarily make a
recommendation one way or the other cuz it's county money to begin with apparently and should arguably go back to county money and then part of that's just recently
the county board is Homestead County Board has allocated a lot of money the SWC S SWC projects and I I don't feel real comfortable
mandating that whatever comes out of white water necessarily has to be added on to that um to that big pot because you've got your additional cover crop incentives and all those sorts of
things is what you're saying. I guess I'll just respectfully disagree and just say, you know, this is all money that's we've been tasked with conservation focus and the county is much different than Sonoma County. I'm guessing they're from Wabasha County as
far as the level of funds of our producers with the cover crop program alone is unprecedented levels instead county that are not existent in Monoi County Wash County. So I mean that's where's we maybe have a slightly different perspective because you know
boots on the ground for conservation has not received the funding that county boots on the ground has received. >> Right. And and I I don't I'm not disagreeing. I mean, if if Winona and Washawa want to specifically use that
for SWCP projects, that's great. I mean, that's their choice. But on the other hand, if there was >> it would only be worded as a recommendation to the county as well. So, I mean, they can tear it apart.
>> I guess I I'll say it in a different way. the I think it would be a disservice to the current existing board if the bonds ended up with a let's say a homeless shelter project in Winona County. That's
not the purpose of us as a whole. Why are we here? We're not here for the homeless shelter in Winona County. That's someone else's discretion. That's my point is we're we've received the funds. We're a board. We're going to disband. So should should the funds
conservation-minded funds go back in a conservation-minded way? >> But you you're probably right. It's probably we have no authority anyway. But you know it should probably just go back to the discretion of commissioners. But I think we should make at least a
request or recommendation. That's my personal >> uh I think the idea of making a recommendation that it goes towards conservation work, there's nothing wrong with that. And then when the individual county boards
would still be able to do whatever they wanted and then it would be on them and we can't demand where it goes, I guess anyway. So, as far as I know, I mean, I don't know what the real stipulations are on that, but at least
if we make the suggestion, we've done our best if that's what we want to do in this board. >> Mhm. >> So, and then whatever happens after that, it's up our hands, I guess. >> So, are you looking for board action to approve the financial update, audit
proposal, etc., or this is just a point of information? Let me look for a second here. Um >> I guess those decisions could be later in the agenda. >> Yeah, I I was thinking it was mostly mostly discussion
>> the financial points for now I think. So has someone noticed anything different? >> And I would be under 7 C. We haven't really >> 4C >> decided if we're disbanding yet, >> right? That's later in the
decision. Well, when we get to that point, I I can discuss the email from Skip and what I learned from county attorney. >> Do you want to touch on on that proposal?
>> Yeah. And that's by you there between you and Lynn. Um I received an audit proposal from Katie Jacobson. She did our audit for the first time last year. Um we want went with her because she was a lot less expensive than Peterson and
uh so she has the quote of ranging between 3,000 and 3500. Um she was very good to work with uh and once this is approved, you know, we have to do the audit for 25. Um but she did put in
there and I highlighted it on yellow here. Um that she would have it done between August and October. And I said, "Well, we have to have it done before June." Uh so she said okay just dis disregard that part of of the letter but um she made a note that she will get it
done before June. Um and between 3,000 and 3500 based on how much time she commits to doing it which is still less expensive than Peterson. I think their audit was
5 5,000 and and it will be higher for this year. Yeah. Um so anyway um after this meeting I will get in touch with her and then I will ask for a defined list of what she needs
and I will put it all together in one document so what she or in one file so that it's easy for people to gather and send her. >> All right. So we'll entertain a motion then for the approval of the audit. So
move. >> Second. >> Okay, I have a motion and second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion passes. Well, want to say a few words?
>> Sure. Um, first of all, I just, you know, with all the talk of unfunding and, um, disbandment for the Whitewater, uh, my decision to retire was made before this
all happened. Ross can attest to that, right? He's my boss. I went told him, "Hey, I'm going to retire and it looks like the end of the year." And and then this all of all these other things happened. Um but I
included in the packet um I did the day before this one I sent a letter to the county board and uh county administrator informing her that I intend to retire and uh so this is my husband retired a
year and a half ago and he's impatiently patiently waiting for me to also do the same. So that's how that came about. Congratulations and thank you. >> Enjoy your retirement. >> Well, thank you. >> Well, you will be missed here. I know that.
>> I didn't know how stressful it would be to try and retire. [laughter] >> Well, you're very organized and I'm sure you're just you want to leave things in a in a good state and I'm sure you love them. So, >> but I will miss the sport definitely and
a lot of the other things I was involved with and have and still involved with until the end of the year. But >> um anyway, that's just the way it's coming down and a lot of different things have been falling falling into place that this is the time.
>> No one can go on forever. >> No, >> we'll all start to think that once we get old and get a few more cases. >> I know. I know. >> Thank you for your service. >> Well, thank you. >> Well, we will be missing.
I assume this was in early retirement. >> Actually, I'm two years passed. >> So, I hung in there a little bit longer than I needed to, but >> I'm going to ask Sheila her note takingaking meal prep for other things. And >> thank you.
>> The desserts. >> And the desserts. >> All right. Well, I did see you in here about the whitewater accomplishments and so forth. >> Yes, I passed out. Yeah. So, just moving on into discussion of the whitewater. Uh
just wanted to set the table a little bit and I passed out today this uh whitewater accomplishments. I went through all the annual reports for the Whitewater since it was started in 1989
and compiled a list of of what the Whitewater has been involved in in the projects that they completed and I mostly look for on the ground earth dirt moving projects and things like that and I categorize them. So I
couldn't tell you if you were to ask me what year that was I'd have to go back to the original notes. Um but anyway, so Kasha projects monitoring. So these are direct payments from whitewater projects. There were al also other
projects that were um we worked in partnership with NRCS and things like that that didn't necessarily go through um Whitewater bank account um and studies and other projects that
that were done. So that's what this is and um and then related to the windlac kind of this is a report that I completed for the windlac policy policy committee back in when they had their meeting in April of the what was
accomplished at that time uh for the windlac. So this is this also includes uh whitewater accomplishments. So this was not just projects funded by the windlac or the whitewater but anything else in it you
know so just kind of tracking uh this was uh 3 years in how far we are in achieving the windlac goals and the windlac plan I brought it in to show James um it's right here. So, of course, the white water is about 42%
in land mass compared to the entire wind lac. Um, so there's there's that. And uh and then the other thing that I did just kind of going through um the projects that we've been doing and so if
you look in the board packet page 22 um the whitewater watershed you know as I was going through all the projects and where we've been how things were established and there was that pilot project in 1987 that was started by the
US Fish and Wildlife Service and they wanted to address all the sedimentation that was going into their waterfall staging area in the Mississippi bottoms. And um and so they started that pilot project working in the middle branch um
doing outreach for erosion control and that was successful. And then in 1989, the joint powers board was formed. And it was formed because there were there were opportunities for federal funding and
you needed a watershed entity that could hold the funds. So it needed to be a joint powers board and disperse funds. So that was the entire reason the whitewater was formed um because of the federal funding the PL566s that came down and then also there was
some RF funds that after that but and it it looked when I was looking at year-to-year progression of the Whitewater up through 1994 that was kind of the building years and during those years SWCD provided seed money um to
help fund and they provided uh cost share in time to help with things. Um so that was and and during those years uh the Whitewater had uh $314,000
um during that time period. And then after the plan, there was a plan that was done in conjunction with [snorts] the PL566s. And that's when things are really ramping up, so to speak. Uh so 1995
through 2010 uh the Whitewater received $3.6 million. Um and so we there were 17 grants um or funding sources uh during that time and the plan was developed and and and it was kind of when you look at
the minutes and and there were movers and shakers um in key places at key times to help make that happen. And one I keep pointing to is Bill Hunt. He was the NRCS um um
>> conservation. >> Thank you. Um during that time and he really believed in what was going on and in the Whitewater and that things needed to happen and he made things happen for the Whitewater uh during that time. And
in 1998, they had a signing ceremony with NRCS uh for the federal funding after they had completed that report on how they will use those funds. And so that's kind of when things were big. Uh the Whitewater had five people on staff
at its highest point and me it's just 20% me right now. Um so there was there was a lot going on. Uh and then at a point in time uh starting in 2011 um that's when the Whitewater
uh their coordinator at the time left for another position and about the same time uh the uh the Winona County Water Planner that was Pat Bailey uh left for another
position. And so those two positions were vacant for a time in Ross. You might have know that was before I even started. But so those two positions were vacant on the Whitewater board coordinated with Winona County and they
created one position for the two entities and Natalie Cedirius had held that position initially and then then I got it. Um so that's kind of how
a shift was made. Um, so full-time coordinator and with staff going down to just a part-time and shared position. And um, so that's that was kind of the change. and
and so when Natalie started and then up till now the Whitewater has dealt with $2 million during that time frame to the current date. So that kind of gives you an idea, you know, that definitely was and you can kind of go into the next
page of the packet and there's the graph. Dicey, thank you for putting together the graphs. So, I just gave her the big spreadsheet and um so this kind of shows that we have a lot of peaks and valleys, but definitely the highest peak was during that time when we had those
federal funds, the PL566s. And um Oh, Mike. >> Hello. Thanks for coming. >> He snuck in. You have to sign in and get a treat. Oh, I'm sorry. [laughter] So, anyway, that's kind of showing you how the the overall funding went. And
this is a three-year averaging for each year. So that because the graph was because grants come and go so quickly. And but then on the next page of the of the packet shows the um breakdown of
the different types of funding. So, um the beige in the front end of the um chart are funding and that's primarily from SWCDs and then then also like a Mcnite grant
and things like that and I I considered those that that received money to get things going. Um so of course there's no need after things are up and running. Um the biggest source of funding uh were federal funds. Um
and those are in the green the and uh so of course that's the PL566s and then the next greatest and so those funds are no longer available. They stopped the PL566s.
I did one board action when I first got hired and that was the very last one. it was delayed and extended and and so I did just one of those and and Sue Glendy had to help me do the paperwork because it
was so complex. Anything in RCS is complex. But anyway, we have no longer have federal funds. Um the next biggest source of funding that the Whitewater received historically was
um federal funding. Again, the 319 um grants for um uh impairments and uh MPCA in 2020, they made a shift in how
they disperse. They used to be competitive funds. I could write a grant for dealing with nitrates in the middle branch or whatever and I would get funding to do that. Those are no longer they no longer have competitive funding
anymore. What they do instead is uh you can set up a a letter of interest and if you get awarded it would be for a very small wershed. It would no longer be for something the size of the entire white
water. I think that's a like a a pup 12 watershed. Um and so they put money towards these very small focused watershed programs and so Cascade Creek is one uh east or west Indian Creek
number two I think and so west west Indian Creek. So when those very small wersheds get selected, they get 16 years of funding to help address everything in that wa small wershed. So the next
available opportunity for the small focus wershed program is 2034 or was it 35 JC? We were looking at the numbers. Anyway, it'll it'll be a while before there's a next round of funding
for that type of um program. So that's done. So two m the two top funding sources for the white water are now gone. Um and then the other one is um the Bowser
grants, the competitive funding. Um those have been decreasing each year. They're still there, but the amount of dollars in that pot goes down each year because each year there's more money available to implement for the one
wershed, one plant program. So that's just kind of, you know, the one source is going up while the other one is going down. And so that one that it's it's still there, but it's more competitive. Uh so just wanted to show you where where the funding sources were coming
from. and uh how that all plays out in each of the each year that we rehab funding for the Whitewater. And so this is the next page is the pie chart showing you um Mike, did you want
one of this? >> Oh, sure. That'd be great. >> And the pie chart showing the overall funding sources historically for the Whitewater since it started. And uh so you can see that a lot of our funding sources are um historically that we've
received have diminished and the county allocation um is this maroon color and uh 6% is the um Bowser funding right here that we've had more recently in the
past and one of them is that well sealing grant um and the 319 grants are the blue and that's 20% 31% are other funds and um federal funds are
29%. So most of the pie are funds more than half of the funds are no longer available to the whitewater. So, I just wanted to show where we've been at historically. And then, of course, I passed around the um sheet on what the
Whitewater has accomplished since it started. So, that's just kind of the overview of accomplishments and trends in funding. Um >> do you want to go to the next item? >> Well, go to county decision.
>> Yes. And I can um I've got the email from Skip uh that we had received. And before I got this email, I did have a meeting with Skip and Caitlyn and they said uh we looked saw the internal memos and Whitewater is not on the list for
2026. So that's the first that I had heard about it initially, but this was dated October 21st. And basically um it just says the Mstead County Board along with staff have been discussing
our participation in the Whitewater um and uh into the for the 2026 uh budget discussions or and funding decisions and they have decided to not fund the
whitewater for 2026 and the reason is um Minnesota's rise in clean water funding uh through the clean waterland legacy sales tax amendment and shift away from county bycount water planning toward watershed based funding like the
windland while increasing the collaborative efforts between counties SWCEs and municipalities and uh under the one wershed one plan program a collaborative joint powers white water wershed management plans and then the policy advisory committee made
up of county commissioners SWCDs and supervisors ers from southeast Minnesota cities help guide local environmental resources staff in the implementation of these wershed plans. So county they have three plans that they deal with. They
have the root, they have the wags which is the sundril and the wind rack. So they have three that they deal with. and Homemstead County has an important piece of the Mississippi Winona Lac Crescent uh the agricultural headarters where
targeted practice implementation can be critical to long-term water quality improvements. We believe that beneficial impacts to the Whitewater wershed through the one wershed one plan planning and funding has replaced the need for joint powers agreement to
continue to provide wershed protection oversight. And this oversight is built into each comprehensive watershed plan for for their 10-year plans that they have. And then at our September meeting, the
county commissioners, the decision was made to defund its support for the Whitewater joint powers board of its homestead share and which is $8,100. Uh we feel that one wershed one plan has picked up this important watershed management effort in the whitewater and
larger windlac wershed and will continue to lead this effort into the foreseeable future and uh we wanted to give Winona and Wabasha counties ample notice and opportunity to build this uh whitewater joint powers board discussion into their environment and financial planning for
26. Yeah. So that's the highlights of of uh the email received from Skip. So that's kind of Homestead County's position right now. >> That is their position. >> Yeah, they're not it's not in their
budget and uh I don't James, did you want to add more? I didn't know J David didn't uh let me know if he was coming today or not. I wasn't involved with that particular >> Yeah, I knew you weren't involved and and Skip was planning on being here, but
he's on vacation this week. Um, so I got his email and that's as far as we've got. >> Um, I've got a few questions on the bylaws. If if if now is a good time to
bring that up. Well, maybe maybe we'll get to that. Okay, >> let's let's just uh >> touch on uh if you wouldn't mind, Sheila. Um option
to continue without additional funding. Just what are the parameters there? >> Yeah. So anyway, um so that's kind of where [snorts] we're at with Homestead County uh defi deciding to defund their
portion. Um and so talked with Dave Copelan and um and his question to me was, well, how much do you have enough money in reserves to continue without funding? And well, yes, we do for a
time. Um, so that is an option. Um, but I, you know, and then I know I had when had a conversation with Skip and one of the things he brought up as well, you know, you could ask the windlac for funding to provide
to help with that administrative piece for the um for the whitewater. Um, but that doesn't make sense to ask windlac for funding to help support when they're already paying me to do
the administrative pieces for the windlac. So why it just seemed redundant to me. Um but there I I suppose that is not the bylaw say 46 of the partners to
would officially disband. Um so you could continue >> I would have a hard time supporting using WBI money. >> I agree. >> To support another entity. >> I agree. [clears throat] I agree with that. And I I you know that was me.
>> Yeah. And but so I I don't agree with that like I agree with what you said and um so that is the you know we could continue we could go ahead and disband taking the queue
from Olstead County. Um, and I know and I I did, you know, inform Josh and he would have been here today, but he's stranded. Um, and you know, so I I know and I don't
know in what capacity he has discussed that this with the board at all. >> I don't think they >> they haven't had they've been alerted. >> They've been Yeah, because they know I'm retiring for one. But um anyway,
>> all righty. Well, let's get to the consider disbanding and we can incorporate Dave's question because I did look over some things where there's actually they thought that was a possibility or it's in the bylaws. So, let's cover that now.
>> So, so my first question is that the bylaws were amended in 2019. Um, but as I look through it, I have a hard time seeing what was amended. What was this? Why did they need to amend it?
Remember I thought I might see some strikeout language, but it's not in there. >> Well, I have >> I just curious. I'm trying to remember and I I think Matt Flynn he was the chair at the time and
>> it looks like it's been amended like four times over the course of the board. >> Right. So I have a copy of the n 1987 agreement between the SWCDs and that was for the pilot project and then the joint
powers board when it officially started as a board with commissioners involved was in 1989 and um and then it was updated in 1995. That would have been after they um
approved the >> watershed plan, right? And it seems as I recall >> I wonder if it was maybe because of the data practices and records retention
that might have been a new >> maybe legislation that that's >> that might be I I know Matt Flynn recommended and he was the chair at the time says we need to have this updated >> and so then I worked with um [clears throat] Karen Son
>> and Tom in and Carrie. >> Yeah. And >> so went through and redid and and I as far as I you know there wasn't anything drastically that was changed. It was
just it was time for an update. >> Yeah. >> That was just a little bit before my time. >> Yeah. It was called >> Yeah. But I actually remember >> some of those meetings, >> but I can't remember what how would I do
now that you're talking about it after I read some. >> And there was a lot of going back and forth. It took like 4 months to get it because you know one attorney would say, "Okay, this is it." And then Tom Conan did a lot of edits and then it went back
to the other two and then and I think even Tom and Karin were on the phone going talking about it. But that's that's how I recall it being updated. >> Yeah. So, when I look at the termination
language in the box, >> and that's something that the the board should look at and consider, >> whether that email you got from Skip constitutes the county terminating its membership on the joint powers,
>> right? And I >> me it doesn't, but that's a decision that you want to make. >> I I I wonder the same thing. Um I I I took it as we're not going to fund. We'll let the other two counties know. >> But that but there's they're not saying
that they're with the board. >> Right. And Right. It was their financial committee. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And so what I did is I went through the Southeast Minnesota Water Resources
Board minutes. I compared, not that I'm a lawyer, but I I looked and and it it looked like our joint powers agreement, a lot of it was cut and pasted or or very similarly worded to their joint powers agreement
and their termination language was identical. And what they did, they had a meeting of their board and they decided to disband and then they had the next meeting and
they connected with MCIT and MCIT recommended that since the boards individually formed that joint powers board, the boards individually need to vote and
decide So that's how they did it. They had a resolution to terminate or disband that went to the individual boards and I I believe all 10 of those boards
signed on and then it went back to the board and then they were able to say by this date we're terminating. So that's how they did it. I connected with MCIT. I have not received the response from them yet, but I connected with uh Steve
Crayons at uh assistant county attorney and he reviewed and he concurs that the individual boards need to sign a resolution. He said that this board that we meet today
could sign uh a recommendation to resolve that would go to the boards. So that's what I have here. and I can pass this out. Um, and if there's any
errors in it, um, I just got this downloaded from Steve this morning and it's basically worded exactly as he recommended cuz I sent him the Oh, I sent him the example of
of what the water resources board did and this is what he came uh and [clears throat] with and I had on my sample resolution resolution to disband he said use the word terminate because that's what is used in the joint powers
agreement. So [snorts] that's the terminology he used. Um, but anyway, that's kind of where we sit and it's just one page.
Well, two pages. My last question or comment on the joint powers agreement and I don't I don't remember the discussion when when the board decided to go quarterly meetings rather than by monthly
>> and that doesn't agree with the >> it doesn't agree with so just a point of reference if you decide to stay on you probably should consider amending your powers agreement
>> or going back to San meetings. >> Yeah, [snorts] that's I I did notice that when I thought, oh yeah, that's kind of a disadvantage of having >> something like that in your >> on the scale of importance of things if not that important, but >> this Yeah. >> Yeah. Thanks for bringing that up
though. I Yeah, I did notice that as well. So >> plenty of ways to make mistakes or >> I know >> suppose mistakes but >> so because
one entity decided to stop fighting now we're all supposedly joining together and made a decision without anyone really saying is that what I'm Yeah.
>> And I suppose it it you know the decision doesn't have to happen today with this board, but the final decision rests with all the individual boards by resolution. And so this would be a a resolution
and a recommendation to um it's down now or be resolved. The Whitewater board recommends, this is the part that Steve Cran said to insert, recommends that each county in SWCD, who is a party to the joint powers agreement, vote to
terminate the Whitewater joint powers board and terminate the joint powers board agreement upon the following terms. And the terms are effective upon the date that at least twothirds of the counties and SWCEs who are parties to the agreement execute their signature
below. And that's the Whitewater joint powers is hereby terminated, the Whitewater board is joint powers agreement is terminated. And notwithstanding the above terminations, the p the parties each agree that they shall cooperate in good faith to wind
down the activities of the joint powers board in accordance with all applicable excuse me federal, state, and local laws. And so, >> uh, I think it makes good sense not to waste taxpayer dollars on an extra board
that's not needed. But I in the back of my head think about how soon would it have been till I known and I had thought of that on our own or whatever >> that we were didn't want to fund
anymore. So that's the question. I don't know. It's just a question. >> It's probably not my place to say this, but you look at the way number four is written on the resolution and the SWCD is an equal party on the
board. It's to the county. So to me it almost says that we're going to um uh disperse the funds to six entities based on their u ratio consistent with
contributions and I what are what does contributions mean that comes from the counties. >> Yeah but >> I don't know I'll be quiet. It's really makes it complicated though if you think about maybe some labor or help in
projects or whatever. I mean it's too much to probably even backtrack. I mean it would be worth our time but >> right >> honestly it's it's probably a discussion that would be best served when there are six members of the power board at the four.
>> Would you agree Bob? >> Yep. >> I mean there's two county commissioners missing today. Yep. >> Yes. >> You know, it's kind of like estate planning, >> right? >> You got more than one fair homestead.
>> Just those three counties. >> Yeah. So, we have the county commissioner is not here. Josh is not here. So, as far as if we did your whole uh would that be the end of the world till
we actually had maybe a full compliment to make the decision just so everyone has a >> right >> voice. So if um my opinion if this is a powerful graph the the funding
>> is depleted and I mean this is kind of the writing's on the wall that the that's a bad trend line. So if we delay then we no longer have a coordinator. So then what does that look like? Does the Vona County have to coordinate or does
some someone need to appoint a new coordinator to go ahead? >> Yes. So, Dicey Spring here, um, she's a new hireer at Winona County and she's been doing an excellent job and she's been doing a lot of recording for me.
Um, and so she could fill in, you know, after I retire. And that was a discussion that we had is, you know, when you're talking, you know, after I retire, you know, then there's dispersing of funds. Um, if there's any
checks that need to be signed, it would be good to have Ross Gunsmore as that second signature if we need somebody in between meetings. Um, we have potentially checks to go to Bowser, uh,
Wabasha County. Whenever we do the audits, they always send a a bill for $30, um, to gather the information that's requested for the audit. um but the other two counties don't, you know, but each county is different and uh you
know, so there's there's things like that. Um you know, so to make the transition easier, it would be nice to have Ross designated to help assist with that. Dicey could help with um
the QuickBooks. She's already been doing QuickBooks. She's very good at it. She learned a lot faster than I did. >> Well, I'll just echo off what Ross says is, you know, the funding, we're at the end of the fun, >> right?
>> Um whether you're retiring or staying is really >> that's yeah >> irrelevant, >> right? uh if we you know would would uh approve today to to pursue disbanding and termination
you know it's it's not going to happen before the end of the year. No. >> So, >> yeah. Water resources board took at least four months. >> And I guess I'm kind of, you know, that's the path we're going to
go down, which seems pretty imminent. Um, let's do it and get it done. Get moving forward. And I guess I'm going to agree with that. And based upon this was discussed with our county commissioner Elsing in
the room and he was privy to it and discussed it and it seemed like the the message I received a a consensus position by their board is that this this is inevitable. >> The disbanding of Whitewater Joint Powers Board is inevitable.
>> So Josh maybe wasn't in favor of disbanding but he was okay with it or or how would you >> No, I wouldn't say that it was discussed. He's aware of it. Uh he's I am Am I speaking out of line? And by the way, Ross, next to me, another Ross.
[laughter] >> Not a lot of us up there. >> Not a lot of us until the the sitcom friends helped us out. [laughter] >> But anyway, so yeah, I guess that would would Commissioner Eling be shocked to hear that we started made a recommendation? No, we would not. No,
this is this is the discussion >> I had been having with him after and then when he [clears throat] received the email from Skip um he he wanted to make sure that the case was made that
if this board goes away that that doesn't mean that there won't be things happening in the Whitewater for conservation that you know the windlac will be picking that up and it and it will be and it has Um but he just wanted to make sure that
that is something the constituents he thought would like that would make sense. You know that we have two entities that are dealing with this same geographic area. Why are we having two entities? And I know that has been brought up from time to time with this
board. Um and when anytime it was talked about it was well we still don't have the windlac up and running and fully implemented right now. And uh >> so point of information would be uh so
your retirement will happen here shortly. So will Dicey take take uh take over the position the relationship with the position with the windlac? So will she fill your shoes with the windlap? >> That is that is yet to be determined. >> But that part is
>> representations I've made to county administration would be that we will absorb the duties internally until final decisions are made. >> So who's who makes the final decision? The county board. Okay. Gotcha. >> Ultimately because uh Sheila's position
is a combination position between many different grant funding and then there is a county supplement to that. Um, we would either have to go forward with part-time position
or the county would have to support funding the supplement to to fund a full-time position. We do have grant funds available for the next 18 months where we would be able to support it full-time, but at the end of that, if we brought
somebody on that, we would have to end up laying them off. desire to do that. >> And when Ross became the department head, he still is doing his previous job, too. So there's there's pieces of
his well, you're still doing it, but you know, so there's pieces of what his former position held, and then there's my pieces. And I I guess I kind of envision they all get set on the table and all the puzzle pieces and they get
put together in a different way perhaps or whatever. >> Yeah. So that's >> trying to determine organize. >> Uh but at this point we need to hear from the board. >> Yeah. >> What is your recommendation um in in evaluating everything? And then
in turn each county board will also need to weigh in on it. Um, in the meantime, we will keep things going to the best of our ability. >> Well, it appears that no one's being blindsided
and we're have sort of a cohesive agreement. I think now we got pretty good representation here 2/3 of the members of this board. So, I I don't have any
thing against if someone wants to recommend going forward with some sort of a transition plan or whatever. >> So looking under number four, I believe we've hit the review of the joint powers agreement.
We've seen the resolutions. We haven't really addressed B, but uh the transition plan, >> right? So that's later in your >> Oh, is it in our package? >> Yeah. Page 38 and 39.
>> Okay. Question. >> Sure. >> Um, do is there a date set for your next >> February 20th >> 24th?
Well, I'm just thinking would it make sense in this resolution to have a a date because I think you know each member is going to go back to their individual
boards with this and it makes sense that there be a February 28th, 2026 date for the last day. So then
you have hours we're meeting before that class. >> Um the audit >> okay >> we have to finish the audit. >> So it doesn't make sense to have that date >> right and so that would depend on the
auditor when I get in touch with her and say how soon can you get this done? um you know, she can't start it until after the first of the year. >> Maybe the resolution is open-ended on when it ends that you're just moving
towards termination. >> That would depend on when the audit is done because that would be the last financial payment that we need to do to pay the auditor
and to be able to close things out. Also, we have to go and tell her we got everything completed that needs to be >> right. That's why I'm proposing having everything getting a list from her. What does she need? Does this need to be her resume?
>> So, just a devil's advocate question. So, if if we're going to conduct if the board that remains conducts business in 2026, won't it need it won't it require an audit in 2027 for 2026 business? No. >> Yes.
That was one thing that I well that if we finish our grants in 2025 and those are all taken care of, there's nothing to report in 2026, nothing to receive in 2026. So then you don't have
any transactions to audit. So that would be later in the agenda how we >> if we can do it that way. >> Must be some way to word that, >> huh? There must be some
>> some way to word that so it all comes out smooth at the end. But I don't know if I can think of it right now. Well, all moni all financial transactions need to be complete except for dispersing to the entities
that has to be done before business. >> Yeah. To and accounted for in an audit. >> Yeah. >> That makes sense. >> Makes sense. >> Okay. >> You don't know how much it is going to
be. It'll be between 3,35 and 3500. So depending on how many hours it takes for her to do that and so a lot of the the audit is as of December 31st. So when we get the bank statements in January
there will be what is in the money market what is so that is all based on what's in the accounts on that date and so that's how you know so it looks from January 1
through December 31st that window so that audit can't be started till January at the very earliest when I get the statements or I can I can check online too and get get that information.
And then so then there would be a document that the chair would sign and I would sign saying this is this is our account balance as of December 31st. And so then that initiates the audit
process. That's the best I can do right now. >> Well, that's the goal, >> right? >> All right. So, when when you say I, you're talking
dicey. >> I I Yeah, I say Dicey. Right. >> All right. Dicey will have uh in fact that'll be one of the things I'll probably do with her in December is go to the bank with her and uh make sure that she signs
documents that she needs to sign. One thing I will have to bring is minutes from this meeting that says her name that she is going to be acting as the coordinator for the Whitewater to be able to do those
pieces. So, and it doesn't have to be a signed like a draft minutes will work. That's how I've done it before with the signatures for our um both of you can sign but and James can sign Ross
and Josh. All right. I've been so involved in thinking about everything. >> I know you are. >> I can't [laughter] remember where we are. Did we even make a motion to start things in motion? So that's what we should do. Um just just
one question something for a little clarification on this uh MCIT EDP inventory. >> Mhm. >> You know there's $3,700 camera some similar stuff.
>> Yep. So, is that uh solely owned by the Whitewater or is that shared? No, >> that's owned by the Whitewater. Uh most of that is monitoring equipment that we
purchased from grant funds to be able to do the the swag grant, the the water quality grant that we did in 2020 and 2021. So, that's what most of that equipment is. I Ross reviewed the list.
Um it appears that it might be a racket with with the um >> well I because this equipment uh according to Ross I I'll check with the MPCA but this equipment is no using this equipment to do water quality
monitoring. It can no longer be accepted. You have to buy new equipment. >> Okay. >> Um >> it's marked as up. So basically they turn them over so rapidly it's hard to get sometimes it's hard to get the materials. I mean where I'm going with this cash is pretty easy to disperse
>> right >> you your portion your portion your portion >> equipment is something that >> you know does that hot machine still work >> it should I >> it might be a new membrane >> has it run samples for a while
>> it was last used in 2021 >> when we did the monitoring >> because I mean, this is >> there's still a lot of hack machines in use running. >> I know >> well water samples. So, if it's still a usable machine,
>> if it just needs you may be able to easily find them, right? >> Yeah. And the other thing I, you know, the roller crimper, the mirror calibration spreaders, uh maybe the video we I'm pulling that
off of the uh >> Oh, okay. The roller crimper. It was purchased with grant funds, but Wabasha >> in charge of it. >> They Yeah. Yeah. So, that was >> on the S SWCD side already. Okay. >> Yep.
>> Uh video equipment for farmer interview. that those all went to the SWCEs. So that we we got um that was a 319 grant that was not used by somebody else in the state and they needed to spend money fast and so it was kind of like a a
Christmas and July um event for the SWCDs. Is there any equipment that you need for doing things? So each of the S SWCDs purchased um videography equipment and
then we purchased the roller crimper. We did do we did pay out on a cost share project. Um so that was all through the MPCA and so those are not owned by the whitewater but by the species.
>> Okay. So I guess you know with the clarification on equipment and then and uh different things um I would make the motion to move toward um disbanding the
wet water powers board. You're making a motion to sign the letter of recommendation that we dispand. Is that >> Yes. >> Okay. Yes. >> I will second the motion.
>> Okay. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Okay. And then so what I will do is using the version of the resolution for
the partners um get that sent out to each of the individual boards that they can make that same motion based on the recommendation. >> Okay. Um so white water well ceiling grant updated. Well, we got to talk
about the page 38, the transition plan. I'm sorry, I'm out of order. >> Well, >> I knew I things out of order on the >> the chair eyes welcomes information to make me
>> not get too far off track. So on page 38 and 39 are I I just kind of put together a draft transition plan transitioning from board to uh termination.
Um so at the top we have the audit is scheduled with Katie Jacobson and so the state requires that we have that finished by June 30th. I will see if she can move us up. Um and then
um and then the other thing I will do I will confirm that from the state auditor if one is required for 2026. I doubt that there will be but I will confirm that and uh and then we'll do the resolutions to the partner boards.
Existing grants we have the whitewater well sealing grant and we have the local adi advisory team grant. Um the well sealing grant right now it ends at the end of this year. Um at our last meeting the board wanted to see that brought to
this board meeting to extend. So I have the amendment to extend it a year. Do we want to end it or extend it? That's the discussion. And then the local advisory team uh grant for the DWIMAS that goes until June of 2027. So
there's a that's the other existing grant. Um we have existing funds. We have two accounts, the checking and the money market that are both held at uh Lewon at Midwest West. And um so we have debts to pay. um and then disperse among
the three counties as detailed within the joint powers agreement based on percentage of county in the Whitewater and then closing existing accounts and um cancellation of websites. Um the Whitewater has two websites. We have the
Whitewater website and then we have a windlac website or not a windlac Mississippi winona website. So, we pay the hosting and the um domain renewal for both of those. Um we're all paid up
except the one the Whitewater um hosting is expiring December 23rd. Um so there's a decision to be made about that. Excuse me. So right now I'm there's there's some
educational pieces that are on those websites that can be pulled. Dicey has a lot of expertise with websites, a lot more than I do. So I'm hoping that we can salvage things off of there that could be used by other entities as well.
Nancy North um did both of those websites. And if you remember Nancy, she's she really has a gift for making things concise and easy to understand for the general public and putting it into a website and and anything that
she's done has been wellreceived. Um, so anyway, I'd like to salvage as much as we can from those and then I think there would need to be um a definite action to close and Dicey, you were telling me how
that can be done online. >> Um, well, I mean, as far as like the hosting, >> right, >> I'm going to be talking to Stephen County website to see what options he might have. >> Okay. and as far as like selling some of
the content otherwise I mean if you stop paying the host name like domain fees will go away right so anyway there so there's some it things that need to happen >> question on content on there cuz you
mentioned Nancy >> North plot that plot work that was done ago >> what work >> the plot work where she did the She talked about all the different plots around and had a story for each farmer.
What was that called? >> Oh, the >> That's not on Is that >> That's not on there. >> That's not on there. >> That's a different That's the um Together website. >> That's a different website. And Windlac actually pays for that one.
>> Okay. >> So that's >> okay. >> That's that's indifferent. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. That she did really well on that website as well. Yeah. >> Working together or growing >> but I can't think of
>> Yeah, it's no this isn't >> this is not with the white water. >> Okay. >> And um so anyway those there's some coordination that needs to happen with those websites and then uh ensuring proper storage of records. Um
we have minutes, we have financial records, we have grant records. Some of the grants uh I think all of the grants that we have typically as the last day of the grant seven years beyond that is what you can keep it for and then you
know then you don't have to keep it. So the where the records are kept and it makes sense that right now they're at Winona County because that's where my office is. Um so that's a discussion a decision and dispersement of properties
uh physical properties uh the whitewater we have two file cabinets one is a big lateral cabinet that locks um and that's where I keep the checkbooks and stuff like that and um and then we have a a
shorter standard size file cabinet uh web general office supplies and then we have this EP inven inventory which primarily includes the monitoring equipment that was purchased and our camera. Uh we when we
got rid of the office in Lewon then I we we sold that computer so we don't have any of those types of things. Um but we do have the camera. Um,
so that's nothing needs to be decided now, but something to think about for the next meeting. Thoughts on how >> well some some of these things maybe
we just can't arbitrarily decide because maybe someone will have use or there'll be options for something. >> They're owned by the board. So those are great. But I, you know, there again, if some of the equipment is deemed obsolete and somebody can use it, you know, put
it to use where he can. >> Does a hack machine have a case with it? >> I mean, take pictures of it and send it to you. >> Would you want to offer it to the SWC for sure? Well, I mean, if they can if they can
use it, I mean, offer it to them first. >> There would be an option here, right, to sell this equipment, right? And then you just have funds and all you have to do is just push. >> That would be an option, too. Whatever the board decides. >> Whatever the board decides. Board has options here. It's just >> Yeah. Don't get too hung about. No, I
mean if you can get something for fine and if it's a donation to an organization or if it can be used, >> you know, disperse of it is my opinion. >> I would ask the SBC as well. >> Okay.
>> But to the point of u the public comment would be just make sure all Winona and Wash County equally have a >> awareness that it's a bill. Yeah. >> So they each have a chance to say and then if they if they are going to fight
over it well then we'll the board will sell it to the highest bidder then right >> y okay >> okay that was the hardest Did you want to do a motion on that?
>> Do we want a motion on that or SWCDs to have first dibs on the >> So, I'll make a motion to as far as the EDP inventory. Regarding the EDP inventory, [clears throat] I make a motion to
offer the entire inventory equally to all three counties. SWCD sir, >> thank you to the the Winona County SWCD, Washington County SWCD, Homestead County
S SWCD equally. And if there's multiple interest in a single item, then we sell to the highest bidder. >> I'll second that. >> Motion on a second. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> Any oppose? Motion passes. >> Okay. So, what about the white water well ceiling grant? >> Yep. Okay. So,
we have the white water well sealing grant. Um, and county had one uh recently sealed well that they approved at their uh meeting last week that we need to pay uh since we have the
funds to do that. And that is for Ron Mahulland. Um and and I didn't have the at the time I didn't have the voucher but I have since
received it and it's with the check which is right in front of um but they paid um the cost of sealing the well uh was uh 2,915 and contract amount was 28875
And payment owed um for the cash share portion is at 75% 2,18625. And so that is completed. And also unrelated to this, he had a um he had a new well
drilled um along with so drilled a new well and then sealed the old one. So that needs to be approved today and I've got the check in the
in front of >> I'll move to approve the cost share and the ceiling decommissioning second. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?
Motion passes. And then back to the whitewater well sealing grant. So that closes that you know if assuming we end this grant that will be the last
thing I and I could do the final report and close on it or we could continue that into 2026. It's up to this board. But if you continue it then then there's the risk of having to pay an audit fee because we have a grant continuing.
>> Can I order uh extension of that grant also request at the same time and go to was it the windlac? >> Um well the windlac we do have we do
have some funds that's all spoken for for the well ceiling. Um, I did go to a meeting of the SWCE district managers and the idea was brought forth to have a regional
uh grant for the 80ount area that that matches the EPA petition and Riley Duly uh from Fillmore SWC wanted to do that. So, he's going to do a grant application. So there will be
likely uh and I know that in this particular funding round higher priority is going to southeast because of that or can I >> Yeah, it's not guaranteed. >> Okay. Not guaranteed. >> Well, I guess where I'm going, you know, I would like to avoid an audit for 2026,
but I would like to keep the grant fund somewhat local if we can. I believe you told me in the past, Dave, the we can extend it. And then also it could be handed over for administration by >> Yeah. You I have a grant amendment
prepared. Um and it's part of your packet. >> Yep. [clears throat] >> So if we execute that grant amendment um the new expiration date would be December 31st, 2026.
And then subsequent to that um the grant itself could be transferred to a new fiscal agent. Um you know most likely you know one of the counties or one of
the SWCDs in here but the the geography of the projects would need to stay within the white water. So you couldn't start >> taking care of well ceilings in the in the zone. >> Sure. >> Yeah.
>> Um but from what I understand too, there's not a shortage of well sealing money right now. >> Well, I mean each [clears throat] watershed partnership has the ability to do well seings within their watershed
based implementation funding grant. So that in and of itself tells it that that there are funds to seal wells. It just depends on whether that whether each partnership wants to do that. [clears throat] It it really is a
decision of the board and whoever might be working on this in January whether you wanted to extend that grant a year or whether you wanted to ask Sheila to wrap
it up in December. >> Are we done with it? >> The money goes somewhere. >> The money would go back to the state. Uh there are clean water funds. So it would be cycled back through and it would be
probably part of I think it has a gets a new 5year shelf life then. So it would be put in with the other clean water funds that are distributed. >> So how much of that $30,000 grant is remaining?
>> About 20. But we've only received half of it right now. >> Right. >> And so with this cost cost share that we approve plus some administrative time. I think it'll be about if I close out the
grant um before the end of the year, Bowser would get a check for about 6,000 to 6,500 depending how I how that last report goes. here. And u
>> I mean I agree with Dave and and what you're saying that there's there's funds for wealth ceiling within the one watershed bond plans >> that are probably adequate and so I didn't know if it'd be worth trying to hang on to it. Yeah, I thought of that
too. But and then but then the other part of me is that if we we finalize it then makes it less complicated for >> it is an issue of cash on hand, >> right? which could turn into
>> Is that the the thing listed on this page n? >> Yep. Yep. >> So the 15,000 is just half of the 30,000. >> That's how we receive. >> And Yep. >> It's that 15's been received. There's another 15.
>> Yep. >> For next year. And there's like the 80 almost 9,000 left, >> right? in the initial 15,000. >> So if you look at the um at any of the monthly reviews at the
beginning of the packet and it says Whitewater well sealing grant 15,000 was received. That's unearned revenue. They give it to us up front but we haven't spent it yet. And then below is what has
been spent. um you know so we've got expenses cash share balance so the 8,957 for the September one but now we have to subtract cost share for this well yeah
>> plus some additional time >> question will will this next payment for the homestead well will that put you over the 50% >> no >> oh so you still what you'd be returning is part of that first Yeah. Right. Yep.
And so in order to do if I do that and you said they need a check, right? >> So then I will need a check before the end of the year and get signatures, you know, and I can track down where else if Ross
would be able to do be the second signature, I can get Josh and somebody. But so it's closed out and done. >> Yep. I could go either way, but I sorry to say I have to have a 4m minute recess.
>> Okay. >> I think probably just closing them out would be the best path forward. >> Yeah, there there is money. done everything. It does, doesn't it? Everything. Oh, hey.
>> I know. I learned so much by going through like, oh, hey, those some I found some pictures that I have to disperse. started when I was a young man. >> 1989
>> 89 when I was living in Iowa. 2007 to 2014. Thank you. [snorts] >> No, that would have been any idea where that was. >> I have no idea. >> Thinking about some different
coordinators. How do we have >> I'll move to um after this well shield ceiling that was just approved to have um grant staff to close out the
uh remaining uh well ceiling grant from those second. Okay, I have a motion on the second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed?
Motion passes. All right. [cough and clears throat] What's the LAT grant? I can't remember. >> Local advisory team. I'm sorry. I should have spelled that out. I knew better. Anyway, this is the DWISMA grant that we do for
um support for Don and Mike and uh for what they're doing with working with the farmers that are in the Dismas because they have um we're in level two. So, this will be UI Tura and Elgen and um
anything. Um, I just, well, first of all, I'm gonna miss Sheila's no shaking and getting the meeting together and sending out all this stuff because now Mike and I have to do that. Um the
uh when we go when if you guys go through this and you finish out Sheila turns in the you know last invoice before the end of 2025 the same thing kind of like the Bowser grant that one
would get closed out that money would go back into the clean water funds. Um, but Sheila did reach out to Wabasha and Winona SWCDs about their interest in helping with that and it
sounds like we have some interest. >> Yes. Uh, Terry Peters uh, she says, "Well, I already have an MDA grant." She says it wouldn't be that much extra, so either, you know, jointly or but definitely Terry is interested in in administering um, that grant. And I know
one of the discussions Terry or Terry mentioned is well since they already have an MDA grant, can that just be folded into it? And I I didn't know the answer at the time because I wasn't sure because of this grant is tied to regulatory
pieces. I wasn't sure how that >> I did have a short conversation with my supervisor. We do have to ask a few more questions to like upper administration, the people who do our contracting, but it sounds promising
because we are we do have a grant with them and that is for uh Deanna >> Deanna Deanna and Amanda and Hona are working on nutrient management
management plan outreach education providing that planning, doing minur calibrations, stuff of that nature. Um, education, outreach on BMPPS, it which all relates directly back to kind of the same
discussions we have in the LAT. So, it it really fits well within that. So, we're going to discuss that option more, but it' be the same process, I believe, as what the well sealing grant, >> right? So, and Indiana and Amanda are
already working with the same land owners. So, and it it ties really well. And and I think hindsight being 2020, that would have been initially when this grant started. That would have been nice to
have that set up with, but it what that happened after this started. So, I I think it does lend itself that it fits really well. So nothing will get lost there. >> So the question that I would have and
this is partially internal for MDA is do we need to have that is what I'm coming back to here is making sure you guys don't have to do an audit of 26. Do we as MDA need to have a either termination or an amendment to that
current agreement before the end of December? So then none of those funds potentially we don't have any overlap there. So then you don't have any issues with the audit of 26. I did print out the page from the the agreement itself
and there is a sentence on termination that either party can terminate this grant agree this agreement without cause or with or without cause for with a 30-day notice. So >> so it needs to happen soon.
>> So if this board decides that I can >> we can do that and say as of end of December and it's done. >> Yeah. But that would need to be decided now. >> Yeah. >> So that that would either be the NBA deciding that or this board decides. >> Either way it works. I just want to make
sure we don't mess with your guys 26. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> I think it would be best like if the board decided that that 30-day notice was provided to MDA and Mike and I can take it from there. >> Okay. Yep. My guess is an email with surviv
or something. >> Yep, we can do that. >> So, do we want to act on that then? >> Probably shouldn't. Yeah, >> I would move to have Sheila and staff
work to close out the Lat grant with MDA and try and have MDA keep that program. >> Yeah. But but the agreement with us with Whitewater ended. Yes.
>> By 12:30. Yeah. >> Okay. Second. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Anyone else have something that needs to be said? Just check. >> All right. Well, I don't know about the next meeting thing now. When we're going to meet then anyway.
>> Well, regularly scheduled meeting would be at February 24th. >> Okay. So, we're going to get our business taken care of though. So, we don't have anything dragging >> right >> from what I understand. So then that'll just be the final close out
>> hopefully. But that audit still >> see how that goes if you can exped. We can be flexible probably if we have to >> to finish things up. So, >> all right.
Would it work better to not have a February meeting and just delay it until >> August >> May or? >> We could maybe make that decision later. >> Not on the board. >> Although, you have to have quarterly
meetings. place. >> Your bylaw said >> I don't know. >> I'm I'm flexible. If someone said there wasn't any business, >> well, if if there's no business, it
would need to be noticed that there is no meeting. And then the next scheduled meeting would be May >> [clears throat] >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> So, whatever works best. I mean, I'm open to >> But it would be would need to be noticed that there is a meeting. >> Yeah. >> And and then having one made and then I would hope that the audit stuff would be
done by them. But in the meantime, I can have the resolutions be going out to the partner boards to resolve terminate. >> Yeah, >> I think James makes a good a great
point. You know, save everybody time and money and >> miles and just delay it and then just have that final one and then that's it. >> Okay, >> that's I think that's what we should try to do. >> Okay, that makes sense. So whatever that
fourth Tuesday in May is the 19th [clears throat] 19th fourth Tuesday >> 26 26th of May. >> So that's the day after Memorial Day. >> I didn't plan it out, but that's okay.
works for me. >> May February, but I guess >> it is what it is. >> Unless you want to decide to move it up a week for what >> let's just have it could move. If the audit is not down, we can push it back,
>> right? >> February, >> right? I suppose you could say tenatively May 26 and then depending on how the audit comes and it'll be communication among the board members the best. Okay.
>> Most efficient. >> Okay. Sounds good. All right. So, May 26th, we don't need to have a vote or anything on that rather. We just decided that's next month. >> Yeah.
>> But we will need to post for the February schedule. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, I guess that's it. Does someone has any other business? Probably not. Okay. So it's like meeting a journ
then at whatever time I got. >> Okay. F11.