WALCE ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2002
WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN – CHULA VISTA RESORT

(Unapproved - awaiting April 18, 2002 meeting)

Board Members Present:  Troy Kuphal, Dale Olson, Marcia Hartwig, Shawn Stocks, Greg Baneck, Gaylord Olson, Pat Sutter, Dale Konkol, Paul Tollard, Dan O’Connell, Mark Jenks, Bob Kaner.

Advisors Present:  Rebecca Bauman, Pat Murphy, Andy Yencha.

Minutes: Motion was made by Kurt Diehl from Dane County to approve the January 17, 2002 minutes.  Dale Konkol seconded.  Motion carried on voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report: Marcia Hartwig reviewed the Register Report, Cash Flow Reports, Raffle/Scholarship Report, and CD Balance Report (attached).  Motion made by Dan O’Connell to accept the Treasurer’s Report.  Paul Tollard seconded.  Motion carried by voice vote.

Consideration of 2002 Budget: Marcia reviewed the proposed budget line by line. Kurt Diehl questioned why Legal Consultant Fees were reduced from last year.  Marcia explained that that with looming budget shortfalls, the Board estimated fewer revenues and thus had to make cuts in discretionary areas. Legal Consultant Fees along with other WLWCA expense line items were a few of the limited discretionary areas that could be cut.  See Attached 2002 Budget.  Doug Cieslak from Buffalo County made a motion to approve the 2002 Budget.  Paul Sebo from Washington County seconded.  Motion carried by voice vote.

President’s Report: See attached.

WLWCA Executive Director’s Report: Rebecca Baumann reported that WLWCA Board is committed to strengthening ties with WALCE. The biggest issues over the past year have been related to the nonpoint rules. There are various political angles playing out on both sets of rules. WLWCA will be putting out information which counties can use  when talking to county and state elected officials.  All Counties need to talk to officials about their concerns to get changes made, particularly in ATCP 50. Rebecca also spoke about Cowles Bill which would increase the portion of fuel tax that goes into environmental programs; Farm Bill which has provisions that would allow LCD to be reimbursed for Technical Assistance for USDA Programs; and about working with agencies to resolve issues related to CREP.

Committee Reports:  (contact Secretary Shawn Stocks for attachments)

• Legislative: Tom Sweeney – See Attached
• SITCOM:  Dale Konkol – See Attached – Meeting 1^st part of March 2002.
• WALCE Scholarship: See Attached

Advisor Reports:

• DATCP: NA

• DNR:  Gordon Stevenson spoke about the Nonpoint Rules.  Biggest concern is exclusion of buffer standards.  Explained that a 10’ wide strip of grass could not technically be called a buffer. Coupled with expense, it would not have been a cost effective standard. DNR still supports a buffer standard but looks to CREP and other voluntary approaches to install buffers around the state until a better standard can be developed. Stevenson also spoke about budget deficit and its impact on the DNR; Urban NR 216 Stormwater rules; Runoff  Management Grant Workshops; the success and excellent work of SOC; and replacement of USLE with RULSE 2. 

• NRCS:  Pat Murphy explained that Congress will try to finish up the 2002 Farm Bill before spring planting.  NACD provides information about the two current versions on their web site. Murphy detailed some of the major components of the Bill. He also talked about Conservation Planning Certification program which he is initiating as a requirement of the last Farm Bill.  A question was asked as to whether or not to Certification is required for county employees.  Murphy stated no but the plans for USDA programs would at least have to be approved by someone who is. Murphy also gave an update on revisions to the 590 standard – there are some particular concerns with provisions for winter spreading that need to be worked out.

• UWEX:  Andy Yencha explained the status of Basin Educators.  He also spoke about the Conservation Planner Certification program being proposed by Robin Shepard; Grazing and Nutrient Management grant programs and the Discovery Farms Program.

Other Member Issues/Concerns:  None

Adjourn:  Doug Cieslak from Buffalo County made a motion to adjourn.  Matt Zoschke from Washington County seconded.  Motion carried on voice vote.

Respectively Submitted

Shawn Stocks
WALCE Secretary