Office of Secretary
November 3, 2015
The Board of Directors of the
Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session November 3, 2015.
Directors in attendance were Vice Chairman Fred Schnebly, Larry Bland,
Mark Hansen and Paul Weaver. Also in
attendance were Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower, Urban Eberhart, Barbara Pettit,
Keli Bender, Roger Satnik, Mark Charlton, Gary Wivag, Rick Spence, Jesse Major,
Ken Hasbrouck, Janeice Jump and Charles Weidenbach.
The Agenda was presented for
approval. The agenda was approved with the addition of Executive Session to
discuss ongoing litigation and the Taylor Bridge Fire with a motion made by
Larry Bland and a second by Paul Weaver. The
motion passed unanimously.
The minutes of the October 6,
2015, October 9, 2015 and October 12, 2015 meetings were approved as corrected
with a motion made by Paul Weaver and a second by Mark Hansen. The motion passed
unanimously
Urban Eberhart presented
information on the USBR system status report and weather forecast for the Easton
area explaining a tremendous amount of precipitation has been reported in the
Yakima River Basin Watershed recently allowing the tributary supplementation
program to be successfully completed for this year.
Bob Main explained over 5 inches of
precipitation was received increasing the total storage level by 7%.
Moving to Public Comments Rick
Spence addressed the Board regarding his concerns of not being notified of the
water delivery in October. Urban
Eberhart addressed the concerns explaining the operation of the Yakima River
Basin system and that KRD is a pro-ratable district.
Urban Eberhart continued explaining KRD used its’ total water allocation
and in late August precipitation caused increases in the reservoir and therefore
KRD was allocated a portion of water for October.
Urban Eberhart continued explaining information is distributed to the
news media and posted on the KRD website as soon as possible.
Janeice Jump and Charles Weidenbach also stated they would appreciate
more notification on changes in water status.
Lengthy discussion followed.
Kevin Eslinger presented a
maintenance update explaining rebuilt head gates and weir blades have been
installed. Draining and
inspection of siphons and removal of safety ropes continues.
Kevin apprised the Board the Easton Dam Corrosion Project will begin as
soon as possible. Ecology blocks,
flow meters and valves used for the Tributary Supplementation Project will be
removed for winter storage.
Moving to KCWP update Roger
Satnik presented a letter supporting the Kittitas County Conservation District
grant application using the KCWP water monitoring program as match.
A motion made by Mark Hansen and a second by Larry Bland authorized Urban
Eberhart sign the letter of support.
The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to delinquent accounts
Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower discussed the options on the three remaining
accounts meeting the foreclosure criteria.
Discussion followed. A motion made by Paul Weaver and a second by Larry
Bland authorized Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower to proceed with foreclosure.
The motion passed unanimously.
Urban Eberhart presented
updated information on the Integrated Plan explaining progress continues on the
proposed legislation.
Urban Eberhart presented
updated information on the Tributary Drought Supplementation explaining
Amendment #1 Ecology Interagency Contract C1500133 has been amended and
increased to $76,016.52 to cover costs incurred and winterization of the
tributary supplementation locations and install permanent facilities at
identified locations.
Urban Eberhart presented
information on the Manastash Creek Turnout Upgrades Project explaining funding
has been approved for $240,242.00 for completion of the SB 13.6 and SB 13.8.
Urban Eberhart apprised the Board the agreement will be presented for
signature when received.
Urban Eberhart presented an
invoice from Roza Irrigation District in the sum of $95,325.89 which is the KRD
45% participation share of engineering costs on the Kachess Emergency Floating
Pumping Plant. Urban Eberhart
continued explaining KRD is continuing to participate in a politically
supportive roll and discussed entering into a late comer’s agreement with Roza
Irrigation District to allow for KRD to participate at a later date.
Discussion followed with a motion made by Larry Bland and a second by
Mark Hansen authorizing KRD entering into a late comer’s agreement to
participate in the Kachess Emergency Floating Pumping Plant with Roza Irrigation
District at a later date. The motion
passed unanimously.
Moving to New Business Taylor
Bridge Fire discussion was moved to Executive Session.
Urban Eberhart apprised the
Board petitions of nomination with required signatures were received from Paul
Weaver and Larry Bland and Mark Hansen by 5:00 p.m. Monday November 2, 2015.
Moving to the 2016-2018 Union
Proposal Urban Eberhart apprised the Board KRD’s response was submitted to the
Union with no response of this date.
The 2015-2016 Liability
Insurance renewal with Mitchell, Reed & Schmitten Insurance Inc. in the sum of
$79,910.00 was presented. Discussion
followed. A motion made by Paul
Weaver and a second by Mark Hansen approved the insurance renewal as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
A motion made by Larry Bland
and second by Paul Weaver set 1:00 p.m. December 1, 2015 as the date of the
Board of Equalization. The motion
passed unanimously. Barbara Pettit apprised the Board notification will be
published as required.
The Board adjourned to
Executive Session at 1:50 p.m. for 20 minutes pursuant to RCW 47.30.110.i to
discuss pending litigation with a motion made by Mark Hansen and a second by
Paul Weaver. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Ed Wakkuri announced a 15
minute extension at 2:10 p.m.
The Board returned to Regular Session at 2:25 p.m. with a motion made by Paul
Weaver and a second by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.
Proposed projects, funding,
system management changes and saved water were presented for discussion. Lengthy
discussion followed.
The Summary Vouchers for
September, 2015 expenses vouchers #39599-39680 & 9900768-9900782 in the sum of
$248,313.09 were approved with a motion made by Fred Schnebly and a second Paul
Weaver. 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.
Ed Wakkuri – Chairman
Urban B. Eberhart – Secretary
Manager