Office of Secretary
Minutes of Regular Meeting
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

 

 

 

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