General Information

Government Type

Special Service District

Entity

Sanpete Conservation District

Public Body

Board of Supervisors

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

Sanpete Conservation District Meeting Minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

April 16, 2026 10:00 AM

Event End Date & Time

March 4, 2026 01:00 PM

Event Deadline Date & Time

03/04/26 02:20 PM

Description/Agenda

Meeting Minutes SANPETE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 Time: 1:00 P.M. USDA Service Center LOCATION: Richfield, Utah NRCS Conference Room ATTENDANCE: SURPERVISORS: Michael Larson, Scott Sunderland, Thomas Blackham, Bruce Christenson Excused: Scott Mower Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF): JP Contreras (Resource Coordinator), BreeAnn Bloomfield (Watershed Planner) Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS): Wade Ingram (District Conservationist), James Longmore (UACD/NRCS) Joanna Justesen (NRCS PSS/Admin Assistant) CD clerk 1. Agenda: Welcome and Introductions: The meeting commenced at 12:30 PM, with introductions of all attendees. James Longmore, the newest team member succeeding Mike, was formally introduced. Michael Larson provided an overview of the various counties and explained the locations of our zones. He further outlined the expectations for James, including mandatory attendance at all district meetings and clarified the specific groups James will represent. a) Approve the meeting agenda for March 4th, 2026, and the meeting agenda for December 30th, 2025. Scott Sunderland motioned to approve it, Thomas Blackham seconded it. Motion carried. b) Approve the minutes from December 30th, 2025, as well as January 8th, 2026, Thomas Blackham moved to pass the motion, and Bruce Christenson seconded the motion. Motion carried. 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) A motion was initially needed to pay the remaining contract for Tracy Balch, however that has been paid already. Michael Larson Submitted an invoice with the check #235 for payment to Joanna Justesen for records; therefore, no motion needed at this time. b) Explained to the board that I am currently working on FY 2026 Q2 UCC SERA and Financial reports, and Utah State Auditor reports. Tracy updated on the Transparency report, expected in April. Wanted to give a reminder: UCC grant requires no reimbursement; only one item to be submitted in Q3. d) Brought to the board's attention the Nomination of two candidates from our district was coming up and was due by March 2026. Submit the forms to Joanna for forwarding, or directly to Cathy Christensen at UDAF conservation office by April 3rd, 2026. Discussed how the nominations would work, and if nominations would happen again. e) Informed the board that the Utah State Mileage has increased. As of January 1st, 2026. The rate is now .765 per mile, and the rate will apply for miles driven to district meetings, conferences, tours, zone meetings, district fairs, and other qualified gatherings. Michael asked if there were any NACD payments, Joanna Replied 'No' just Current clerk contract payout that is needing to be done. 3. Financial Business: CD Board a) Deposits made: None b) The Truax invoice for $630.49 was sent to Michael Larson for parts in Ephraim. JP asked if James had been consulted or rather needs to be consulted in the future maintenance. James can help with scheduling but not maintenance, as 80% of his time is NRCS, 20% is district, and only 5% is for district projects. A strategy is needed to manage equipment responsibilities effectively. c)Discussed the National association dues request, paid $775 in the past. Paid UACD dues, did $300 to the soil health sponsorship before the end of last year. Michael Larson went on to mention James was 80% NRCS, d) It was decided that SERA funds will be utilized for all upcoming conferences. e) Motion to approve payment of the invoice for Joanna Justesen's Clerk services (FY 2026, Quarter 3 Clerk Contract) in the amount of $500.00. Michael Larson proposed that the payment should also include February, in addition to December and January; accordingly, $250.00 was added to the invoice for February. Thomas Blackham moved to approve the payment, and Bruce Christenson seconded the motion. The motion was approved. f) Mike's P.O. Box reimbursement receipts were submitted; this expense had already been approved and paid, and Mike has the receipt. It was noted that checks should go directly to the Treasurer, not the PO Box. For the QuickBooks transfer concerning the new clerk's contract invoices, the amounts are $14.02, $400.79, a $1.25 refund, $3.57 payment, and a $33.50 receipt for a recording device for meeting documentation. All documents have been sent to Michael Larson. $630.49 was allocated for Truax. Scott Sunderland moved, Thomas Blackham seconded, and the motion passed. g) NACD bills due, $775 is the minimum. Mike Larson suggested staying with $775, Scott Sunderland suggested the same. JP asked if it was reimbursable. The board said the dues were reimbursable up to a certain amount. Scott Sunderland motioned, Thomas Blackham seconded. Motion Carried. h) Thomas Blackham presented the deposits from the previous quarter. Submitted to Michael Larson i) $59,000 contract for closed meeting. BreeAnn has invoices and pictures to present to the board for said contract. Motion needed to move j) BreeAnn updated the board that revenue from the range drill and tree check is expected soon. Mike Larsen inquired about mentioning the Clerk during payment discussions, but JP clarified only employees may be named, not taxpayer dollars or contracts. Wade explained that the board will move to a closed session to discuss treatment plans, keeping financial specifics confidential while ensuring members stay informed about fund allocation and project progress. 4. Board Business: Board Members a) Upcoming Projects and or Meetings: I. March 16th-18th,2026 Water users meeting at the St. George Dixie Convention Center II. April 2nd, 2026, at 6:00 PM The San Pitch Watershed Group will convene at the NRCS building. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option will also be available, allowing broader participation in the watershed meeting. III. May 14th, 2026, from 6pm-8pm at the Snow College Richfield building District Strategy meeting IV. June 2nd, 2026, UCC Tour at 9AM in Redmond, UT During the meeting, BreeAnn clarified that unwritten Nonpoint Source Grants are handled and processed through the Conservation District, as reflected in its budget and accounts to ensure proper financial management. She also stressed that members should factor in the watershed account during budgeting to avoid issues and maintain transparency. b) Checks should be directed to the treasurer rather than the PO Box. Bruce inquired about the nature of nonpoint source grants, and board members provided an explanation regarding these grants. BreeAnn was asked about Jay's future; it was clarified that he intends to retire from the watershed group. Among the sub watershed groups, only Sanpete maintains a dedicated sub watershed account. c) Discussed if there was a motion needed to use SERA funds for all future funds. It was mentioned that this was already motioned from previous meeting, so a motion was not needed for this meeting. If there is a meeting or event you would like to attend let the board know that way we can assist in hotel stays. d) Reimbursement Check for $1238.08 SERA FY 2026 Invoice to go into CD Account. 5. UDAF Business: a) Updates: JP thanked attendees of the zone meeting and shared details about upcoming meetings. The district strategy session is set for May 14th, 6pm-8pm at Snow College Richfield; supervisors must RSVP and attend. The UCC Tour starts at 9am in Redmond on June 2nd for Zone 4, split into two segments with meals provided. The May 14th meeting will clarify Conservation Districts' roles, activities, and goals; BreeAnn expects about 60 attendees. JP mentioned the Grasshopper Program for cross-training state personnel. Michael Larson asked about grants; Thomas Blackham confirmed the original $10 million funding is now depleted. The program reimburses chemical costs (50%) up to a limit based on acreage and grasshopper stage, with mandatory training. The Pollinator Program, managed by Liz Hamilton and focused on native species, is open with details on the UDAF website. Applicants can request plants, including monarch butterflies, which are one of the big priorities. The AG Soil Health Program 'Speak VIP' should launch in May; contact Quade for more information. I. Water Optimization: JP reported that the Water Optimization Program is now officially closed. The next steps involve the ranking process, which will determine the status of applicants. Results regarding which participants are ranked will be available in June. II. Tree Program: The review of Tree orders was presented to Mike Larsen, who asked whether a specific delivery or pickup date had been set. Currently, the pickup is scheduled for April; however, a definitive delivery date has not yet been established. During the discussion, Mike proposed that the group decide on a final delivery or cut-off date for orders. JP recommended that April 3rd, 2026, the first Friday. Suggestion April be set as the deadline to secure all Tree orders. To facilitate tracking, a spreadsheet has been implemented to record payments received for Tree orders. As for the latest update, BreeAnn reported that $480.00 in sales have been made, representing approximately 80 trees sold. b) ARDL: (JP Contreras): Reported that there are no new updates from a program standpoint. Applications should be coming in soon, finalizing bids and projects. c) Watershed:(BreeAnn Bloomfield): Updates, BreeAnn mentioned due to name and dollar amounts need to be in a closed session at the end of the meeting. 6. NRCS Business a) Wade will present major project plans and contracts to the board for increased transparency and engagement in project screening and ranking. The team aims to finalize plans by March 13th, ahead of the March 17th, 2026, deadline, allowing time to address outstanding issues. Wade suggested working with FFA teachers and offering extra credit to encourage student attendance at district meetings, improving awareness of conservation districts. He also emphasized the need to boost college student interest in NRCS programs by developing new engagement strategies. Regarding Local Working Group (LWG) meetings, Wade advocates more involvement from boards and producers, soliciting input on meeting logistics and promotion to broaden participation beyond a solely NRCS-driven approach. 7. CD Employee Business: a) Updates b) CD Equipment: CD equipment parts are ready for replacement and currently located in Ephraim. JP mentioned someone in Levan, UT is available to use the equipment on 20 acres. A $10,000 grant may fund a smaller no-till drill; selling the current large drill was debated but not supported due to its age and limited value. With only 1.5 years left for funding, alternative sources should be explored. Options include 8 ft. or 10 ft. drills. Next steps are to send equipment photos and research costs. 8. Other Business: a) Other: After closed meeting session- Motion to adjourn main meeting. closed session made by Scott Sunderland, Thomas Blackham seconds motion. Motion passes. Motion to pass NPS grant Thomas Blackham moves to motion Bruce seconds. Motion Passes. Michael Larson makes a motion for Reimbursement payment for project beneficiary; Check #107 in the amount of $59,000.00 Scott Sunderland motions Bruce Christenson seconds. Motion Passes. Scott Sunderland makes a motion to send a letter of support for River Project between Mount Pleasant and Moroni as read. Thomas Blackham seconds it. Motion Passes. b) Adjournment: Motion to adjourn made by Scott Sunderland for 2:20pm Thomas Blackham seconds. Motion moves to adjourn meeting.

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

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

NA

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

32 East 450 North
Ephraim, UT 84627
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Contact Name

Joanna Justesen

Contact Email

joanna.justesen@usda.gov

Contact Phone

1-385-505-7032

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

April 20, 2026 03:00 PM

Notice Last Edited On

April 20, 2026 03:00 PM

Deadline Date

March 4, 2026 02:20 PM

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