Opening

David Taylor opened the regular board meeting at 8:30 am, with Zach Dimmich, Roger Sparenberg, Aaron Senesac, Julie Clark with SWCD, Diane Scheurich with FSA, Amy Stewart with NRCS, and John Comer from Warren County Commissioners present.

Partner Updates

NRCS- Amy distributed an update for all to have for their records. She discussed the update to make sure all had an overview of what she has been doing. Amy also stated NRCS does not have rules for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) as yet. Amy also talked about the MOU agreement has been placed on hold from signing, due to a section needing to be added on Grants and agreements.

FSA- Diane also handed out the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rules and procedures pamphlet for all as well as explained the differences of maintenance and management and stated it is not a paying option at this time. She also stated that CRP rates are based on soil types of the area requested to be in CRP.

ISDA- Julie shared Nathan’s update with the board and encouraged the board and staff to participate in the Board Leadership Program.

New Business

Monthly documents- After review February minutes, APV and funds ledger, bank recon, bank statement, and Trust Indiana statement Roger made a motion to accept as posted with a second from Zach, motion carries.

Annual Policies- David purposed to readopt the annual policies of as written with no changes recommended. Zach made a motion to readopt the annual policies as follows: Internal Controls, Capital Asset Policy, Materiality Policy, Disaster Contingency Plan, Credit/Debit Policy, Personal Cell Phone Policy for the ensuing year, Roger seconded the motion, motion carries.

Designation of Depository- After discussion, Roger made a motion to remain at Farmers & Merchants Bank and readopt the designation of depository for Farmers & Merchants Bank. As well as to add Aaron Senesac to the bank account. Zach seconded the motion, motion carries.

Election of officers- After some discussion on current officers for board positions with listing David Taylor as Chairman, Vice Chairmen position is vacant, Roger Sparenberg as Financial Officer, and Julie Clark as Secretary/Treasurer and SBOA Financial Officer. Roger made a motion to nominate Zach Dimmich as Vice Chairmen and retain the remainder of the officers in place for another year. Aaron seconded the motion, motion carries.

Rental agreements for equipment- After review of the current equipment liability forms, Zach made a motion to keep the same rates and forms, Roger seconded, motion carries.

Monitor for conference room- The board discussed the possibility of purchasing a monitor for the conference room. Julie explained if the board did purchase a monitor, we would have to record our meetings to make them accessible for the public. However, it would allow us to have better trainings and be able to participate in the ISDA Board Leadership Program more often. David recommended to table the potential purchase until prices can be obtained as well as specifications, and what will be required of the board if one is purchased according to Indiana Code. Recommendation accepted.

Gateway and GMS Reporting- Julie reported the proper reports have been submitted to Gateway and the GMS Reporting to ISDA. We have also received the legislative funds from the State of Indiana Auditor for the yearly funds for office operations of $20,000.

IASWCD Dues- The board discussed the membership dues and to contribute 10% above the dues to obtain a gold membership with the IASWCD. Julie distributed the Annual Report to all the supervisors sent to the office from IASWCD. Zach made motion to pay the dues for membership of $3295.10 with a no for the gold membership option. Roger seconded the motion, motion carries.

IDEA Membership- The board discussed membership dues to the Indiana District Employee Association (IDEA) of $50 for the year. Roger made a motion to approve payment and membership to the IDEA, Zach seconded the motion, motion carries.

Reimbursement for RMK Creative Solutions- The board discussed reimbursement of $104 to Robin for payment to Braille Works for ADA Compliance for the district website. Julie informed the board robin is not expecting reimbursement, but it was a request by Julie. The board denied the request for reimbursement due to the fact it is considered to be part of the fees already paid to RMK Creative Solutions.

Old Business

New printer- Julie updated the board of the cost and the print capacity for a new printer with comparison of 4 different printers through HP.com. Zach made a motion to approve the purchase of printer costing $2619 plus a shelf stand to hold the new printer. Roger seconded the motion, all approved.

Appointed Supervisor Position- Aaron Senesac was approved by the State Soil Conservation Board in February to be appointed for the vacant position after Marilyn’s resignation. John Comer swore Aaron in as the appointed position for the term of 2026 to 2029.

Career Day at Seeger update- Julie informed the board there was approximately 127 students came by the booth to discuss conservation with Grace and Julie on March 6 th , 2026. Grace Adams from RITA brought her water test kits to explain to the students. Julie brought the different animal hides and information on wildlife conservation, as well as the poster contest rules, and other literature.

Kick Off Meeting for Big Shawnee Watershed Project- Lori Jordan reported to Julie via email that 32 people attended the Stakeholders meeting for the Big Shawnee Watershed Project. Sara Peel, Watershed Coordinator explained the project to all in attendance very precisely and clearly. Julie also informed the board, there was one person in attendance, that questioned if this project was a “land grab” or if it was going to be required the landowners in the watershed would be required to follow policy or conservation practices. He was informed this project is completely voluntary and it is not a “land grab”. Julie informed the individual the Warren County commissioners are in support of this by way of a Letter of support, which will be emailed to the attendee along with Indiana Code explaining the SWCD, cannot “land grab” or enforce eminent domain of any land or property.

Dates- Julie explained the following dates are subject to change as things come up for the year. The following are potential items with all partners involved with the Warren County SWCD.

• March 4- Kick Off Meeting for Big Shawnee Watershed Project

• March 5- Career Day at Seeger

• March 11- Next SWCD Board Meeting

• March 12- Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop at Purdue

• March 18- Tillage Transect

• March 23- Steering Committee Meeting for Big Shawnee Watershed (BSW) Project

• March 24- Water Sampling for Big Shawnee Watershed

• April 1- Spring Fish Sale Starts

• April 8- Hoosier River Watch Lesson @ Big Pine Creek Camp

• April 8- SWCD Board meeting

• April 11- Grace’s Weed Wrangle at Big Pine Creek Park

• April 14- Big Pine Creek Watershed Meeting

• April 16- Water Meeting at Beck’s 1-4 pm

• April 21- Water Sampling BSW

• April 24- Arbor Day-Trees handed out/Warren Co. 4-H Youth Livestock for 3 rd Graders at Fair Grounds

• April 30- Potential Creek Survey for Big Pine Creek

• May 1- Fish Orders are due

• May 7- Fish delivery

• May 13- Warren Co. SWCD Board Meeting

Signed pdf agenda