Meeting Minutes
SANPETE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Thursday January 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 A.M.
USDA Service Center
LOCATION: Ephraim, Utah
NRCS Conference Room
ATTENDANCE:
SURPERVISORS: Scott Sunderland, Scott Mower, Thomas Blackham, Bruce Christenson
Excused: Michael Larson (Called in for meeting)
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF): JP Contreras (Resource Coordinator), BreeAnn Bloomfield
(Watershed Planner), Hayes Mills (Water Optimization)
Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS): Excused: Wade Ingram (District Conservationist), Christian
Lund (Planner) Stepped in to cover Wade Ingram. Joanna Justesen (NRCS Admin Assistant) new CD clerk
1. Agenda:
Welcome and Introductions: Introduced everyone around the table
a) Approve the meeting agenda for January 8, 2026. Is there anything else that needs to be added to it?
b) Approve the minutes from December 11, 2025. Scott Sunderland moved to pass the motion, and Thomas
Blackham seconded the motion.
2. Clerk Report:
Joanna discussed with them the Sera reimbursement, including the amount of each check, and informed them that
Michael Larson needs to assign check numbers for SERA, which we will then approve.
a) Currently working on FY 2026 Quarter 2 UCC SERA and Financial reports in conjunction with Utah State Auditor
reports. JP conveyed that Tracy has already submitted the FY26 form and grant. Since the report and thumb drive
were received later, several items will be addressed in the next meeting scheduled for February 19, 2026.
b) Mike requested that I email him a copy of the reimbursement forms so he can note the check numbers for
submission to Cathy Christiansen.
3. Financial Business: CD Board
a) Deposits made: None
b) The board reviewed and approved the debit card charges from Harmons Tire for the wheel replacement, as
discussed in the previous meeting. JP is authorized to use the debit card for the new replacement. The motion was
initiated by Scott and unanimously approved by all board members.
c) It was decided that SERA funds will be utilized for all upcoming conferences.
4. Board Business: Board Members
a) Upcoming Projects: Zone 4 conservation meeting scheduled for February 25th, 2026.
b) Discussion on Changing CD Meeting Schedule: The next meeting was originally set for Thursday, February 12th,
2026. Due to the Soil Health conference in St. George, it was motioned to reschedule the meeting to the third
APPROVED:
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Thursday of the month. Therefore, the next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
All members agreed on the new date and time.
c) SERA Fund Authorization and Other Matters: A motion was proposed to utilize SERA funds for any Supervisor
attending the meetings mentioned. The non-point source grant was also discussed, with suggestions to divide it
into possibly two grants by the end of March. Additionally, the Water Users meeting is scheduled for March 16th 18th, along with discussions about a Zone meeting and the Soil Health conference. Considering the possibility of
holding the CD meeting in St. George was debated; however, travel and lodging would be reimbursable. The board
concluded that the meeting should remain at the Ephraim office on February 19th, 2026, which falls on the third
Thursday of the month. Reimbursement for travel and lodging was confirmed.
i. Soil Health in the West Conference on February 10-12, 2026, in St. George, Utah: The workshop will
take place on the 10th and 11th, with the main conference on the 12th. Attendance is encouraged.
ii. 2026 Water User's Workshop on March 16-18th, 2026: Detailed information about the workshop and
the materials to be distributed were discussed. The venue is The Dixie Center, 1835 Convention Center Drive, St.
George, UT.
Further discussion was held regarding the Zone 4 conference, scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, at
10:00 AM. The board agreed to cover costs using SERA funds. Scott Sunderland motioned to proceed, Michael
Larson supported the motion, and the rest of the board approved. The motion passed.
5. UDAF Business:
a) Updates: JP distributed flyers for the Zone 4 meeting and discussed preparing PowerPoint presentations on
district activities like drilling equipment, no-till farming, and range management. He highlighted the importance of
attendance, especially by supervisors. Scott agreed, noting that supervisors typically review agendas and attend
meetings. Bruce suggested another location for better audibility, while BreeAnn proposed using accordion doors to
reduce noise. Mike mentioned evaluating UACD and supervising event participation.
JP asked about scheduling the local work group meeting and if Wade had discussed it. Christian Lund, temporarily
replacing Wade, said discussions would occur next month (February) about applications, NRCS funding, and future
projects. JP stressed the importance of District board members attending to understand funding distribution. He
noted state employees Jim and Jace would review the tracking sheet and assess progress. A motion to use SERA
funds for the local work group was proposed, seconded, and passed by Scott Sunderland.
i. Water Optimization, (Hayes Mills):
The discussion covered water applications, with documents provided on this year's ranking criteria
available on the company website. Detailed ranking and criteria sheets for water and irrigation projects
were shared. The 50/50 cost share remains unchanged, and water meters are required for all projects.
Adjustments to irrigation project rankings have been made for fairness. Applications are due by February
28th, 2026, with announcements in late June.
Scott suggested presenting this info to the irrigation board for wider dissemination. Thomas explained the
county-based point system, and Hayes mentioned efforts to minimize location impact. Having an installed
water measuring system can improve scores. It's crucial to document water usage on all laterals, and
installing measurement meters on each lateral line is highly recommended.
Scott Mower discussed measuring laterals in areas like Gunnison and metered houses on risers in
Fairview. He asked about the role of flow control nozzles in the grant, and Hayes noted they are not
significant.
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ii. Tree Program: We discussed sending the tree order list and the method of receiving payments for
trees, which will be processed through a Venmo account. The price per tree is set at $6, with a payment
term allowing 30 days after delivery to pay the invoice. Additionally, we reviewed how to access the
available tree order list by scanning a QR code. The rationale for choosing Venmo over Square for
payments was also covered, noting that the fee is lower through Venmo. Furthermore, additional flyers
were distributed for participants to take to their local stores.
b) ARDL: JP Contreras reported that there are no new updates from a program standpoint. He discussed the
amendment to the existing ARDL in the county, which needs to be presented to the board and addressed during a
closed meeting immediately following the current meeting. The timeline for this is late May or, at the latest, the
first week of June.
c) Watershed:(BreeAnn Bloomfield): A nonpoint source grant is being pursued, with two phases for
applications: initially for engineering costs and subsequently for projects. Collaboration with Mike Slater is
underway to explore potential assistance with engineering. Three property owners have expressed interest so far,
and further logistical considerations are being addressed. It was also discussed to send the attendance list to
Joanna and to consider using SERA funds for this meeting. Sanpitch Watershed Group Meeting February 5th, 2026,
at 6:00 PM Location: NRCS Office
6. NRCS Business
Christian Lund stepped in for Wade Ingram to cover new and upcoming events for NRCS. The local work group
meeting is approaching, and I need to confirm the time and date to schedule the office for Richfield. Applications
are due at the end of February, with awards funded in June.
Updates:
- CSP payments have been submitted for 2025; application deadline for FY 2026 is January 15th.
- UFO meeting next week will discuss further funding for acting state cons.
- The Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), like CSP, was introduced.
- Letters were sent to applicants stating the deadline to contact us for this year's funding; no response
means cancellation.
- Over 300 EQIP applications received by NRCS.
- Discussion on introducing the program to clients.
7. CD Employee Business:
a) Updates: JP asked about the TA grants deadline, and Mike confirmed it is today by 10:00 PM. They discussed
hiring a new CD planner and signing the new CD Clerk Contract for Services. Mike proposed starting the contract at
$250, which Thomas approved and Bruce seconded. The motion passed, with JP mentioning potential pay
increases for satisfactory performance. Kristy Davis has provided all necessary documentation. Interviews are
scheduled for January. They also discussed the need for new truck transmission and listing requirements due to
Sanpete's involvement.
b) CD Equipment: The truck needs a new transmission, and the trailer requires a new wheel. It was suggested to
consider a used transmission and get a quote from 'Brothers' Shop'. Scott approved the motion, and Thomas
seconded it.
8. Other Business:
a) Adjournment: During the adjournment for the closed meeting, Scott reminded everyone that the next meeting
was originally scheduled for Thursday, February 12th, 2026. However, due to conferences a motion was made to
reschedule the next meeting to Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 10:00 AM. .(UPDATE: meeting moved to
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February 26th, 2026 due to Scheduling conflict with NACD meeting also being on the 19th) Sent out a
group message to where everybody seems to be on board with the new meeting time.
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Michael Larson, Chair