by Mari Radtke
Director Mark Wilson gave the board an overview of the financial status of O’Brien County Conservation (OCCB). The available funds based on approved budget are within expectations for this time of year.
Osceola Rural Water requested from O’Brien County Conservation Board an easement on land nearby planned wells to comply with Department of Natural Resources regulations. Easement approval was pending waiting for comments about the lease from the County Attorney, Katie Morgan. On Wednesday March 14, Director Mark Wilson reported to the board this project is not in a time sensitive state and a work in process. Wilson explained, “I guess they’re not in a huge hurry to drill those wells regarding those easements we talked about last time. So it’s still a work in progress. We have made significant progress in forming those agreements. Remember it’s two separate agreements. One for an easment from us to them allowing them to drill wells near “Burned Bridge” access. Actual impact on county land is going to be minimal if any. And then the companion piece for compensation working for public access for some of the land that they own – there’s 18 acres of that within NCRP that we manage and post for public access. So, we’ve kinda been going back and forth a little bit on that. The guy at Rural Water was actually away on vacation for a couple weeks this last month too, so it’s been hard to pin down, but they’re not a huge hurry. I set a self imposed deadline of like middle fiscal year to have some agreements in place. So as we come closer to that I’ll keep you guys in the loop.”
Tom Konz asked about gatting access to “the rest of the ground.” Wilson replied, “Not within this agreement we’re not.” He explained that a buffer strip is all that would be needed along the river. He added its been part of the conversation and that there was a general agreement to look at [public access for all the land] in the future. Konz took the position that he was unwilling to sign any agreement until all of the relevent land was discussed. Greg Burmakow stated, “Now is the time to do it.”
There was discussion that all parties are using the land for conservation. Further discussion centered on how the land is being used currently. Konz said, “I hate to tie this little 17 acre piece up with an easement. I’d much rather go over the whole ground that they have.” Strengthening the relationship between Rural Water and County Conservation became the main goal for the topic of Rural Water easements.
The Rotunda remodeling, the project goal from the Gregg Struve Memorial Fund was discussed. A site visit was made by the fabricator and produced an estimate for the work of the designs made so far. The estimates came with “sticker shock.” Dan Verrips said, “My thing is we can do just about all of this in-house. The prices are outragous. I mean, I’ve dealt with this for 40 years.” Verrips specified a replica tree being $15-16,000 complete. Wilson, speaking from his day with the designer indicated the realism of what is bid verses others on the market would be greater. The tree currently in the Prairie Heritage Center basement was used as an example. Several companies are available to create museum quality taxidermy trophy room.
Getting at leaset 2 more bids was discussed. Verrips believes the same scenery for $30-40,000 instead of $120,000 (plus labor). The board decided to reconvene the design committee and work through Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association and Siouxland Foundation to use the money.
The law enforcement policy for Conservation was discussed and eventually approved. Discussion clarified what this board expects from its staff as far as law enforcement duties are concerned.
The checking account at Savings Bank of Primghar is used for reservations from “MyCountyParks.com” and to pay excise tax and to the County Treasurer. It was decided to bring the balance annually to $750.00.
Mark Wilson presented to the board forming a strategic plan for Conservation. He explained how developing one would make it easier to keep past and current projects separate, for the staff and board and board of supervisors to have stronger understanding of funding requests and improve accountability for projects. The creation of a strategic plan was supported fully by the board. Developing a long-term plan to begin with Fiscal Year 2026 was agreed to and the process would include a couple special meetings, public meetings and supervisors to include all stakeholders.
The security system at PHC was considered. The system was installed during a transitionary time and PHC experienced a couple of break-ins or attempted break-ins. The board members were unaware that sound for the system was part of it. Closed sessions would be impossible with the sound recording. Verrips stated that he doesn’t like sound recording in the building at all. The purpose of the camera system was to cover the doors from the inside. The board approved turning off the audio and leave the cameras to video record all doors from the inside.
Renovations for the three ramps at PHC were approved. The decking and joists will be replaced. Railings will be added to meet compliance. Staff will provide the labor. The materials should cost about $5,000.
An audio recording of this meeting can be heard at belltimescourier.com.