Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes
AISWCD Quarterly Board
June 11, 2007

Members Present:                                                                            Advisors Present:
John Beckhart                                                                                   Steve Mozley
Terry Bogner                                                                                      Rich Nichols
Aaron Ferguson                                                                                Sue Davis
Ken Kesler
Jake Klein
Larry Sterett
Steve Stierwalt
Jim Todd
John Maudlin
Jim Bell
Terry Davis

Chairman Jim Todd Called the meeting to order after adding Resolution 2007-5 to the agenda.  A motion was made by Aaron Ferguson and seconded by Terry Bogner to approve the March minutes as presented, motion carried.
Reviewed Resolutions:

• 2007-2 – Water Resource & Use Resolution –It was explained that this is written for the concern of depleting aquifers.  Don Loyd, Chairman of Lake County SWCD came to the meeting and explained the resolution.  The main goal would be to get Districts involved in water issues & how they affect the local area, this would be a starting point.  A motion was made by Steve Stierwalt and seconded by John Becker to approve, motion carried.
• 2007-3 –Farmland & Open Space Protection –Seems to fit with the goals of the AISWCD. A motion was made by John Becker and seconded by Terry Bogner to approve, motion carried.
• 2007-4-Proposed Resolution to Direct NPDES Permit Fees to the IEPA-A motion was made by John Becker and seconded by Jake Klein to approve, motion carried.
• 2007-5- Retention of an attorney by the AISWCD-There was much discussion on how this would be implemented, lawyers usually only specialize so it would be difficult to find one that would cover all issues listed in resolution, also a question about travel expenses to serve the whole state.  It was suggested that the AISWCD could put together a list of lawyers & what they specialize in.  A motion was made by Aaron Ferguson and seconded by Jim Bell not to approve this resolution, motion carried.

NRCS Report-Steve Mozley reported on EQIP and how they are targeting livestock confinement operations to fund development of a comprehensive nutrient management plan.  NRCS needs to reduce costs, cannot fill DC positions and vehicles have been sold.  He reported that computers cost $5,100 annually for every one on the network, this could become an issue.  Contribution Agreements were offered again this year.  Rich Nichols gave a Legislative update, the state budget is not finalized yet.

NEW BUSINESS

Legislator of the Year Award and Friend of Conservation Award-These were not chosen because they will be given out at Legislative Day instead of Summer Conference.

Legislative Day 2008-It was suggested to continue the breakfast but do not do baskets again.  Mike Hoffmann will pick the date.  A motion was made by Jake Klein and seconded by Aaron Ferguson to do Legislative Day 2008, motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Final Expenses for Legislative Day-The final total was $5,838.56 with $6,500 being in the 2008 budget.  Survey results were handed out.

A motion was made by Larry Sterett and seconded by Terry Bogner to adjourn, motion carried.

Submitted by:  Sue M. Davis