Office Of Secretary
Minutes of Regular Meeting
October 7, 1997
The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session on October 7, 1997 . Directors in attendance were Vice Chairman Laurin Mellergaard, Urban Eberhart and Jim Schnebly. Also in attendance were Jack Carpenter, Barbara Pettit, Ed Sullivan, Janeice Jump,
Ben George and Legal Counsel John Gilreath.
A motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the agenda with the addition of an Executive Session. The motion passed unanimously.
The minutes of the September 2, 1997 meeting were approved by a motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Urban Eberhart. The motion passed unanimously.
Deviating to New Business Mr. Sullivan addressed the Board explaining he drove up the ditch bank road to check on Jensen Ditch and encountered dogs belonging to Mitch Williams. Two weeks later Mr. Sullivan drove up the same ditch bank road and the next morning he was contacted by a Kittitas County Sheriff Deputy explaining Mitch Williams had contacted Jack Carpenter and Mr. Carpenter called the Kittitas County Sheriff Office. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board of the history of the situation explaining Mr. Sullivan drove down the ditchbank passed the Mitch Williams home and upstream to Richards Road. Mrs. Williams called regarding Mr.
Sullivan using the ditchbank road and the dog encounter and Mr. Sullivan called Mr. Carpenter and was apprised where Jensen Ditch diversion is located and offered Mr. Sullivan the courtesy of driving to the Jensen Ditch diversion with no need or authorization to go beyond that location, which is below Mr. Williams property. Mr. Carpenter further apprised the Board Mr. Williams called the Kittitas County Sheriff and the Sheriff called Mr. Carpenter. Mr. Sullivan explained he was told by Mr. Carpenter he would check on Jensen Ditch explaining there is a blending pool for KRD and Jensen Ditch waters and Mr. Sullivan stated his concern is when all the water is in KRD with no water in Jensen Ditch. Mr. Carpenter explained the weir pool for blending of KRD and Jensen Ditch waters. Mr. Carpenter explained KRD does not operate or maintain where the water goes into Jensen Ditch for Mr. Sullivan’s property explaining the water to Mr. Sullivan’s property is turned in above KRD property. Mr. Sullivan questioned where water to Wally Enger is turned in and measured. Mr. Carpenter explained the KRD water for the Enger property is turned in and measured at the KRD weir blade. Mr. Sullivan stated Mr. Enger was to be getting no water from Jensen Ditch. Mr. Carpenter explained KRD is not responsible for creek water. Mr. Sullivan stated Mr. Carpenter asked him to furnish proof of his water rights on Jensen Ditch. Mr. Carpenter explained he did not ask for proof of water rights on Jensen Ditch; the conversation with Mr. Sullivan was regarding co-mingling of creek water and further explained to Mr. Sullivan KRD does utilize creeks for delivery of KRD waters. Mr. Sullivan further addressed the Board stating he is opposed to "selling of Jensen Creek water". Mr. Sullivan addressed the Board regarding weeds stating he received a letter from the Kittitas County Weed District stating the weeds on the County right of way were out of control and he had requested "no spray" signs. The letter further explained they would spray the area on a designated date if Mr. Sullivan failed to control the vegetation. Mr. Sullivan responded with a letter explaining he had maintained the right of way area for many years until KRD placed rocks and debris on the right of way and he later, after conversations with Mr. Carpenter, moved his fence off the right of way because he could no longer maintain it with the rock and debris. Mr. Sullivan apprised the Board the Kittitas County Weed Board sent a fax to KRD regarding the need for weed control in the area and no weed control was provided by KRD. Mr. Carpenter explained to Mr. Sullivan KRD did not spray the area as Mr. Sullivan had requested "no spray" because of the sensitivity of his grapes and bees explaining it then becomes the responsibility of the landowner to maintain the weeds and if it is not maintained by the landowner KRD has the authority to maintain the weeds at the landowners expense. Mr. Sullivan insisted that the property is owned by KRD and therefore KRD should maintain the weeds. MR. Carpenter restated if Mr. Sullivan requests no spray on the right-of-way then he becomes responsible for maintaining the weeds on the right-of-way. Mr. Sullivan stated he does not agree with the KRD policy. Mr. George requested permission to address Mr. Sullivan explaining he is with the Kittitas County Weed Board and the KRD policy as stated by Mr. Carpenter is in accordance with State Law. Mr. George’s recommendation is for these situation be referred to the Kittitas County Weed Board. Mr. Sullivan again stated he does not believe he is responsible for weeds on KRD right-of-way. Mr. Carpenter stated KRD will not spray on the right-of-way in question unless MR. Sullivan provides a letter authorizing KRD to spray and a hold harmless.
Moving to Water Update Mr. Carpenter presented a water update explaining a water turn off date needs to be established and suggested October 8, 1997 as a date to start dewatering explaining there are many maintenance projects to be completed and this would allow an early start for fall maintenance. Discussion followed with the consensus the turn off date be set beginning October 13th with Easton completely shut down by October 15th.
Moving to Meeting Review Mr. Carpenter presented information on meeting attended. September 3, 1997 Mr. Carpenter met with Tom Martin of Foster Wheeler. September 4, 1997 Mr. Carpenter met USBR, Taneum Ditch and CH2MHILL and Trendwest. September 5, 1997 Mr. Carpenter attended the River Operations Meeting in Yakima. September 9, 1997 Mr. Carpenter toured the Taneum Ditch and Upper county with Dick Haapala and Scott Barnes, CH2MHILL. September 10, 1997 Mr. Carpenter met with Trendwest, USBR and Roza Irrigation at the USBR Yakima Office. September 12, 1997 Mr. Carpenter and Pete Garvin met with contractors at the Bristol slide area. Mr. Carpenter attended the Northwest Irrigator Operators Tour in Wenatchee September 15-18, 1997. September 22, 1997 Mr. Carpenter and Mrs. Pettit attended the USBR budget meeting in Yakima. October 2, 1997 KRD hosted the landowner tour. October 3, 1997 Mr. Carpenter and Pete Garvin met with the Wallace Family in Bellevue.
Mr. Carpenter distributed pictures of the vertical unit built by Spider. The vertical unit was modified as requested but upon receiving the unit it is damaged. The damage appears to be superficial with the aluminum wheels damaged. Mr. Carpenter contacted Spider expressing his concern and Spider has taken the unit back for repairs with the unit scheduled for testing October 22, 1997. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board no cost estimates or engineering designs have been received from Spider on the incline unit. The incline unit for the incline completely failed during initial testing and discussions continue with Spider regarding this unit. Mr. Carpenter explained Mr. Parker of the Yakima USBR office is exploring the possibilities of borrowing a unit from another district for inspection.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board as requested at the last meeting he contacted WSWRA for further information on the NWRA Irrigation & Conservation Caucus request for money and based on information he received he recommends no money be sent to the NWRA Irrigation & Conservation Caucus. Discussion followed with the consensus no money be paid.
Moving to Union Proposal Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the Union Steward was available for questions and suggested the Union Negotiating Committee of Laurin Mellergaard and Paul Weaver present their proposal to the Board. Laurin Mellergaard explained in reviewing the proposal their recommendation is for no changes in the Compensatory Time and the wording on Workman’s Compensation be referred to Legal Counsel for review. Discussion followed with Legal Counsel, John Gilreath, explaining the wording change appears to be correcting a misprint.
Mr. Mellergaard continued explaining the committee recommends a 3% cost of living increase to all classification in 1998 and a 3% cost of living increase to all classifications in 1999 with wages only open for negotiation in 2000. Discussion followed with the recommendation the above counter proposal be prepared, and presented to the committee for review, before being sent to the Union.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Taneum Hydro Project has taken an interesting turn with Pacific Power Corporation in Canada now expressing a different level of interest. Mr. Carpenter explained he withdrew the request for an extension of license. Mr. Carpenter presented a letter from Pacific Power Corporation explaining they are requesting further information and requested KRD apply for an extension of license. Discussion followed with the consensus KRD apply for the extension of license and continue discussions with Pacific Power Corporation of Canada.
Moving to New Business Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Director Terms for Laurin Mellergaard and Paul Weaver will expire in January, 1998. Mr. Carpenter further explained petition of nomination with the appropriate signatures must be filed with the Secretary by 5:00 p.m. November 3, 1997.
Mr. Carpenter presented the John Schutz Short Plat explaining the Plat has met all the guidelines. Discussion followed with the recommendation the John Schutz Short Plat be approved as presented with the addition of a water master. A motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the John Schutz Short Plat as presented with the addition of a water master. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Ted Sonstegaard Short Plat on the corner of Cove and Manastash Road explaining a new turnout for the Short Plat will be installed in conjunction with the existing weir. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the Plat has met all the guidelines. Mr. Sullivan questioned if his water would come through the Short Plat. Mr. Carpenter apprised Mr. Sullivan the Short Plat will have a separate turnout. Discussion followed with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Jim Schnebly. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Pete Garvin will be joining the CH2MHILL Engineering Firm in Portland, Oregon making it is necessary for KRD to hire another contract engineer. Discussion followed with Mr. Carpenter explaining Dick Haapala has recommended the engineering firm of
Columbia Northwest Engineering located in Moses Lake. Mr. Carpenter distributed a rate structure and information from Columbia Northwest Engineering. Discussion followed with the consensus a meeting be scheduled with Columbia Northwest Engineering.
A 1998 budget rough draft was distributed for review with the suggestion a special meeting be schedule for a budget study session. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board he will be at the Northwest Irrigator Operators Tour the October 15-18, 1997. Discussion followed with the consensus a Special meeting be set for October 22, 1997 at 1:00 p.m.
Moving to November meeting date Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board he will be at the NWRA Conference November 3-7, 1997 and suggested the Regular meeting for November be moved to after November 10, 1997. Discussion followed with the consensus the Regular meeting for November, 1997 be scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 1997 at 1:00 p.m..
Upcoming Meetings:
October 8 Morris Uebelacker. KRD
October 9 Clark Underground Survey KRD
USBR Tour Vance Properties
October 23 Joint Board Fall Tour
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the WSWRA Conference is scheduled for November 20-21, 1997 in Leavenworth, Wash. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Jim Schnebly authorized Mr. Carpenter attend the WSWRA Conference in Leavenworth November 20-21, 1997. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session for 15 minutes at 2:45 p.m. to discuss legal items with a motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Urban Eberhart. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board returned to Regular Session at 3:00 p.m. with a motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Urban Eberhart. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Jim Schnebly authorized the Bureau of Reclamation RRA penalty in the sum of $2,941.56 be paid and Mr. Carpenter and Legal Counsel, John Gilreath, take all steps necessary for collection from landowners. The motion passed unanimously.
Summary Vouchers for the month of August, 1997 Vouchers # 13705 & 13739-13803 & 13616 & 13805-13856 in the sum of $ 123,394.02 were presented for approval. A motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the Summary Vouchers. The motion passed unanimously.
The Directors monthly payroll Vouchers were presented for signatures and checks distributed accordingly.
All Business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.
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Jack W. Carpenter - Secretary-Manager
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John Scott - Chairman