A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Whitewater Joint Powers Board’s future, as concerns about redundant funding and administrative inefficiencies were raised. The board deliberated on the necessity of maintaining two overlapping entities in the same geographic area. One commissioner pointed out the inefficiency of having both the WJPB and the Windom Lakes Area Council (WINDLAC) operating simultaneously.

The discussion included a review of the bylaws, particularly the termination clauses, which had been amended in 2019. However, the reasons for these amendments were not entirely clear. The legal review by the assistant county attorney, Steve Crayons, confirmed that the dissolution decision must be made by individual county boards, following a structured resolution process similar to that used by the Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board during its disbandment.

A draft resolution to terminate the WJPB was presented. Some members expressed concerns about making a decision without the full board present, while others emphasized the need for timely action to ensure leadership and operational continuity. The potential retirement of a key coordinator added to the urgency, as a new hire, Dicey Spring, was noted for their competence in administrative tasks.

The broader implications of disbanding the WJPB were examined, with discussions highlighting the importance of ensuring conservation efforts continue under WINDLAC. A consensus emerged that the board should make a decisive recommendation to the individual county boards to facilitate the termination discussion, acknowledging that streamlining operations would likely lead to better efficiency.

In addition to the WJPB discussion, the meeting also covered the management of existing equipment owned by the Whitewater board. Questions arose about the usability and ownership of specific devices, particularly those acquired through grant funds. The board debated options for disposal or reallocation, with a motion passing unanimously to offer the equipment equally to local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). If multiple parties expressed interest in an item, it would be sold to the highest bidder.

The Whitewater well sealing grant was another topic of interest. One well had recently been sealed for $2,915, with the county’s cost share amounting to $2,186.25. A motion to approve this cost share passed without opposition. The board discussed whether to extend this grant to 2026 or close it out by the end of the year, considering the potential audit implications of an extension.

A concern was raised about the need to avoid an audit for 2026, with a prepared grant amendment potentially extending the expiration date to December 31, 2026. The remaining amount in the original grant was approximately $20,000, with expectations to return $6,000 to $6,500 to Bowser upon closing. The board eventually authorized staff to close out the remaining well sealing grant.

The Local Advisory Team (LAT) grant, supporting local farmers, was also discussed. Wabasha and Winona SWCDs had shown interest in collaborating on this grant. A motion was made to close out the LAT grant with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) while ensuring program continuity, passing without opposition.

Towards the meeting’s conclusion, members addressed the scheduling of future meetings. While the next regular meeting was scheduled for February 24th, it was suggested that if there were no matters, the meeting could be postponed until May. The fourth Tuesday in May was tentatively proposed, contingent on audit completion.