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BWSR Meeting Minutes January 23, 2002 Page Five Cost-Share/Soil Conservation Committee -Dwain Otte reported that BWSR sent out a memo this week to clientele, (SWCD's, WMO's/WD's, etc.) regarding the agency budget reductions. We should know more about funding allocations for roll-over and special projects in February. State budget reductions may effect local governmental units. Education and Public Relations -Paul Krabbenhoft reported that the Education Committee is undertaking a project that will take considerable thought and effort. They were asked by the U of M Extension Service for assistance through BWSR in identifying potential environmental educational programs as they look at with their cuts and reorganization ideas trying to identify main priorities. The Senior Management Team met on January 15, and identified ways to work though this. The Education Committee met this morning. and set a timeline to start gathering information and pulling together a survey. This survey will work among different organizations and groups throughout the state. Administrative Advisory Committee -Lee Coe reported that the Administrative Advisory Committee met via conference call on January 15, 2002. The primary focus of discussion was the budget reduction. Agency Reports Chair Coe took a moment to welcome our new Board member, Lisa Thorvig representing the Pollution Control Agency. Sharon Clark, Department of Agriculture (MDA), reported that MDA is also going through budget reductions and have completed the initial hearings before the House and Senate. MDA had no layoffs; vacancy positions will continue to be vacant, eliminating nine FTE's. Sharon announced that Minnesota will co-sponsor a Watershed Conference, at Gustavas Adolphis starting June -19, 2002. The first steering committee meeting for the conference will be held next week. Dan Wilson, Department of Health (MDH), reported that MDH is producing a new Well Program brochure. The Well Program has a 96 percent compliance rate for all new well construction and has sealed more than 150,000 abandoned wells; however, they are still not reaching everyone. The missing piece from our perspective as it pertains to private wells, is getting information from people who own older wells. We need to raise the profile for the 25 percent of Minnesotans who are drinking private well water. Anew brochure, "Safe Drinking Water for Your Baby." There are 65,000 infants born in Minnesota every year and we will print 60,000 brochures and circulate along with immunization packet information through the HMO's. Dan stated that there is nothing new since last month regarding reductions in the water program.