1998-07-23_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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BWSR Meeting Minutes March 25,1998 Page Three Committee Reports Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) -Marv Tripp reported that there are no appeals pending. Education and Public Relations Committee -Barb Uppgaard reported that the Education Committee will meet today after the BWSR meeting. Cost-Share/Soil Conservation Committee -Barb Cobb reported on behalf of Dwain Otte, that the Cost-Share/Soil Conservation Committee met on February 25, to discuss service grants to SWCDs; revision of allocation formula; the consensus of parameters would not be changed unless there is an increase in the legislative appropriation. Ron presented the "Draft Board Member Handbook." Board members will receive their copy at the April meeting. Agency Reports Jim Anderson, Minnesota Extension Service (MES), reported that MESBWSR is in the process of hiring the environmental education position to be located in New Ulm. The position has been offered; hopeful for a positive response so eve can move forward. Jim stated that a draft position description has been written for the metro joint MESBWSR environmental education position. Ron suggested that the committee have discussions relating to what the other agencies are doing and try to coordinate where Sharon Clark, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), reported that the Minnesota Food Code came into effect this week; which MDA and MDH adopted; the Minnesota Food Code is notiv on the website. Sharon stated that several farmers in the northtivest are dealing with very difficult financial problems. MDA Commissioner Gene Hugoson will go before the Ways and Means Committee to discuss this and seek assistance for farmers. Sharon reported that wheat scab continues to hit the wheat growers. A hybrid seed that is scab resistant is needed to alleviate the scab problem. Sharon suggested that Ron Harnack call Wally Sparby, Farm Services Agency, to address this issue and how the RIM program maybe of assistance to this problem. Sharon reported that an open house will be held on April 13 in Farmington to dedicate the consolidation of Dakota County SWCD, MES, FSA, and MRCS; now known as a Conservation Center. Kelli Johnson, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), reported that MDH omnibus bill began deliberations two days ago. Kelli reported that MDH is involved with the interagency group regarding the feedlot legislative issues. Ke11i stated that a legislative change has been made so that MDH will receive EPA funds for safe drinking water. Rod ivlassey, Pollution Control Agency (PCA), reported that PCA is continuing with the reorganization structure, which should be done in July. PCA has been involved with legislative