General Information

Government Type

Special Service District

Entity

Sanpete Conservation District

Public Body

Board of Supervisors

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

March 2026 Meeting Minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting, Bond

Event Start Date & Time

March 4, 2026 01:00 PM

Event End Date & Time

March 4, 2026 02:20 PM

Event Deadline Date & Time

03/04/26 01:00 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, Scott Mower, 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): Excused: 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 # 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, totaling $630.49, was submitted to Michael Larson for replacement parts currently located in Ephraim. JP inquired whether this matter had been referred to James. While he is not responsible for other equipment, James is available to assist but cannot dedicate his full attention solely to Sanpete's needs. He can handle scheduling but does not perform maintenance tasks. James's time allocation is 80% NRCS and 20% district, with only 5% specifically dedicated to district projects. There is a need to determine an effective approach for covering equipment responsibilities. 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, c) It was decided that SERA funds will be utilized for all upcoming conferences. d) 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. e) Reimbursement receipts for Mike's P.O. Box were presented; this expense had previously been approved and paid at an earlier meeting, and Mike already possessed a copy of the receipt. It was also mentioned in meeting that Checks need to go to the Treasurer directly and not to the PO Box. The information was brought forward for the QuickBooks transfer regarding the new clerk's contract invoices: amounts included $14.02, $400.79, a refund of $1.25, and another payment of $3.57, as well as a receipt for a recording device required for meeting documentation at $33.50. All documents have been submitted to Michael Larson. Additionally, a total of $630.49 was allocated for Truax. A motion was required Scott Sunderland moved, Thomas Blackham seconded, and the motion was carried. f) 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. g) Thomas Blackham presented the deposits from the previous quarter. Submitted to Michael Larson h) $59,000 contract for closed meeting. BreeAnn has invoices and pictures to present to the board for said contract. Motion needed to move i) The range drill and tree check were presented to Mike Larsen by BreeAnn, who updated board members that revenue is expected soon. Mike asked if the Clerk was present and whether her name could be mentioned during payment discussions. JP clarified that taxpayer dollars and contracts should not be referenced, though employees may be named. Wade noted there would be a transition from open to closed session, during which plans and treatment details would be shared, but financial specifics would remain confidential. This approach will help ensure board members remain informed about fund allocations and project activities. 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 provided important clarification regarding Nonpoint Source Grants. She explained that grants which have not been formally written are contracted through the Conservation District rather than the Watershed Group. Since these grants are reflected in the Conservation District's budget, any checks associated with them must be processed through the Conservation District accounts. This approach is necessary to ensure proper financial management, as the group has encountered related issues during their own financial procedures. BreeAnn further emphasized the importance of considering the watershed account during budget planning. She advised that when future budgeting discussions arise, members should ensure the watershed account is properly accounted for to avoid complications and maintain transparency in financial operations. 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 plans; 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 $1238.08 SERA FY 2026 Invoice to go into CD Account. 5. UDAF Business: a) Updates: JP expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the zone meeting. JP went into further details about upcoming meetings. District strategy discussions are scheduled with Jace and Jim on May 14th from 6pm-8pm at the Snow College Richfield building; please RSVP and ensure all supervisors participate. The UCC Tour will take place at 9am in Redmond on June 2nd, with Zone 4 divided into two segments, lunch and dinner will be provided during this event. The May 14th meeting will focus on clarifying the roles, planned activities, and future objectives of the Conservation Districts. BreeAnn noted an expected attendance of approximately 60 people. JP also highlighted the Grasshopper Program, which offers cross-training opportunities for state personnel. Michael inquired about grant funding, to which Thomas responded that the original grant was $10 million but has since been depleted as it does not renew. The program covers chemical costs at the racks, reimbursing 50% up to a certain acreage, and chemical application will depend on the grasshopper's stage. Training is required for extension purposes. The Pollinator Program, managed by Liz Hamilton and focused on native species and flowers, is now open; details and applications are available on the UDAF website. This program allows applicants to request specific plants and flowers, including monarch butterflies, which are being prioritized to prevent their endangered status. The AG Soil Health Program, 'Speak VIP,' is anticipated to open in May. Please consult with Quade for further 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 stated that plans for large projects and contracts will be presented to the board before proceeding. This approach aims to ensure that board members are more informed about activities occurring within their respective areas. Wade emphasized the importance of transparency and keeping the board engaged in the decision-making process related to screening and ranking of projects. The team is working toward a preliminary deadline of March 13th to finalize plans and address any outstanding issues prior to the official deadline of March 17th, 2026. This schedule allows time to resolve any loose ends and ensure all requirements are met ahead of the final submission date. Wade addressed concerns regarding the lack of awareness about conservation districts. To improve outreach, he suggested contacting FFA (Future Farmers of America) teachers and encouraging student participation by offering extra credit to those who attend district meetings. This initiative is intended to help students learn about the conservation district board members and the roles they play. Wade noted a decline in interest among college students regarding NRCS activities and programs. He highlighted the need to develop strategies to increase student engagement and awareness of the opportunities and work being done within the organization. The future direction of the Local Working Group (LWG) meetings was discussed, with the intention that these meetings should not be solely NRCS-driven. Wade expressed a desire for greater involvement from boards and producers, including gathering their opinions on meeting logistics, such as hosting responsibilities and methods for promoting the meetings to ensure broader participation. 7. CD Employee Business: a) Updates b) CD Equipment: The necessary parts for the CD equipment are prepared and ready to be replaced. Currently, these replacement parts are in Ephraim. JP reported that an individual in Levan, UT is prepared to utilize the equipment for work on 20 acres. There is a $10,000 grant available for acquiring a smaller no-till drill. The group discussed the possibility of selling the larger drill to purchase a smaller one; however, there was disagreement with this idea. Concerns were raised that, due to the drill's age, selling it may not yield substantial funds. It was noted that alternative funding sources should be explored, as there is only one and a half years remaining to use the existing funds for purchasing a smaller drill. Options to be considered include 10 ft. or 8 ft. drills. To proceed, photos of the equipment need to be sent, and further research is required to determine the exact costs involved. 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

340 North 600 East
Richfield , UT 84701
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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

August 11, 2026 02:30 PM

Notice Last Edited On

August 11, 2026 02:30 PM

Deadline Date

March 4, 2026 01:00 PM

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