Office of Secretary
Minutes of Regular Meeting
March 3, 1998
The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session on March 3, 1998. Directors in attendance were Chairman Paul Weaver, Vice Chairman Urban Eberhart, Larry Bland, Jim Schnebly and John Scott. Also in attendance were Jack Carpenter, Barbara Pettit, Nolan Eliason, Allen Gayken, Don Schramm, Walt Fite, Rick Parker, Marty Haberman, Janeice Jump, Loretta Ogilvie, Paul Harrel and Legal Counsel John Gilreath.
Vice Chairman Urban Eberhart opened the meeting and a motion from John Scott and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Agenda with the addition of an Executive Session.
Deviating to New Business Mr. Carpenter presented a crossing permit request from Nolan Eliason located in Sec. 6 Twn. 16 Rng. 19. Allen Gayken, Irrigation Sales, further explained the installation and operation of the proposed turnout. Discussion followed with a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Jim Schnebly approving the turnout/crossing permit for Nolan Alison as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Allen Gayken left the meeting at this time.
Continuing under New Business Mr. Carpenter introduced the Board and the Bureau of Reclamation Personnel, Walt Fite, Upper Columbia Area Manager, Rick Parker, Yakima Field Office Manager and Don Schramm, Yakima Field Office Assistant Manager. Walt Fite addressed the Board explaining the Bureau of Reclamation is making a special effort for semi-annual visits with each District to update them on the various projects and operations of the Bureau of Reclamation and receive feedback from Districts. Mr. Fite continued explaining Commissioner Martinez has brought stability to the Bureau of Reclamation and returned the working relationship between the Bureau and Districts. Mr. Parker addressed the Board regarding operations of the Yakima Field Office explaining proposed automation and maintenance projects and with the addition the new computer system, MAXIMO, tracking of budgets, costs and maintenance should be more available to Districts. Mr. Schramm addressed the Board regarding water supply explaining this water year is tracking average with 95% of average precipitation and snow pack at 112% of average. Mr. Schramm continued explaining the snow surveys of last week indicate the low snow is a little below average and the high snow above average with storage at 120% of average with the probability all reservoirs will fill. Mr. Schramm addressed reservoir security explaining in addition to site security, internal controls and software limitations are in place to prevent accidental or intentional problems at the reservoirs. Vice Chairman Urban Eberhart turned the meeting over to Chairman Paul Weaver. Mr. Carpenter explained the operation of 1146 was designed to spill 100% of the canal capacity in the event of an emergency. Mr. Carpenter further explained since 1980 1146 spillway has been used to facilitate Flip-Flop with the spilling of approximately 400 feet of water September through first part of November explaining there are concerns with the continued use of 1146 regarding structural integrity and safety issues regarding river users and has requested assistance from the Bureau of Reclamation with addressing the 1146 spillway. Mr. Parker apprised the Board the Bureau reviewed the information on 1146 with the Bureau engineers working on design modifications with the work proposed for 1999. Mr. Carpenter continued explaining the Bureau has requested Kittitas Reclamation District participate financially at a to be determined level. Janeice Jump requested information from the Bureau Personnel regarding the filling in of abandoned ditches causing weeds to collect. Mr. Fite apprised Janeice Jump ownership of the ditches must first be determined. Discussion followed with Mr. Carpenter apprising Janeice Jump KRD will work with her on maintaining the weeds and agreed it is a problem area that needs addressing. Paul Weaver entered the meeting at this time. Vice Chairman Urban Eberhart turned the meeting over to Chairman Paul Weaver.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 2:05 p.m. for 30 minutes to discuss Legal Issues on the Bristol Slide with a motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by John Scott. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Paul Weaver announced a 10 minute extension at 2:35 p.m. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Jim Schnebly returned the Board to Regular Session at 2:45 p.m.. The motion passed unanimously. Walt Fite, Don Schramm and Rick Parker left the meeting at this time.
Returning to Old Business a motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the minutes of the February 3, 1998 and February 12. 1998 meetings were approved as corrected. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to Water Update Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board all data indicates a 100% water year with 95% or average precipitation, 112 % of average snow pack and 120% of average in storage.
Deviating to Taneum Contract Update Paul Harrel apprised the Board Taneum Board that delegates met with KRD Board Delegates as scheduled and reviewed the contract with another meeting needed to review proposed changes.
Moving to Meeting Review Mr. Carpenter reported he attended a Joint Meeting with Cascade Irrigation District and Ellensburg Water Company. February 24th-27th Mr. Carpenter attended the Northwest Operator Irrigators Meeting in Boise, Idaho explaining there were excellent speakers and topics.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the plaque for Laurin Mellergaard is complete and suggested scheduling a dinner for the presentation. Chairman Paul Weaver said he would find out when Laurin Mellergaard will be returning and talk with Marg Mellergaard about a date for a dinner.
Moving to City Update Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the Kittitas Reclamation District is one of the final six selection sites and the City Relocation Committee will be visiting each site with Kittitas Reclamation District scheduled for visit on Wednesday, March 4, 1998. Discussion followed with Mr. Carpenter explaining information on the potential relocation will be addressed in the newsletter. It was further discussed and decided information on the potential relocation should be distributed immediately through the Daily Record.
Moving to Water Quality Issues Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board he felt the meeting with Ellensburg Water Company and Cascade Irrigation District was very positive and productive.
Further meetings will be scheduled to review and discuss language in the proposed water quality policy and goals statement. Mr. Carpenter further apprised the Board funding was not awarded through Bonneville Power Administration. Lengthy discussion followed.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Cascade View Plat Phase I Sec. 26 Twn. 18 Rng. 17 for approval and signatures. A motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by John Scott approved the Cascade View Plat Phase I with the addition of correct wording. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter distributed copies of the 1994, 1995 and 1996 Audit Report explaining no recommendations or findings were reported.
Moving to New Business Mr. Carpenter presented information on the WSWRA Media Training/Crisis Management Workshop being presented by WSWRA on March 13, 1998. Discussion followed with the recommendation Mr. Carpenter attend the workshop.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on DOE Partnerships in Preventing Polluted Runoff workshop scheduled for March 31 - April 1, 1998. Discussion followed with the recommendation Mr. Carpenter attend the workshop.
Marty Haberman presented proposals for the purchase of a tractor, mowing machine and 3/4 ton pickup. Lengthy review and discussion followed with a motion from John Scott and seconded by Larry Bland authorizing the purchase of the 4W Drive John Deere tractor from Huppert Farm & Lawn Center per specifications in the sum of $47,630.00 and the Tiger Mower from Western Power and Equipment in the sum of $8,326.00. The motion passed unanimously. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by John Scott authorized purchase of a 1998 3/4 ton pickup from the State Bid in the sum of $19,466.00. The motion passed unanimously. Marty Haberman left the meeting at this time.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on video inspection equipment explaining the various uses for the video equipment. Lengthy discussion followed with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Jim Schnebly authorizing the purchase of video inspection equipment in the sum of $5,795.00. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to Crossing permits Mr. Carpenter presented a crossing permit from Ian Elliott Sec. 2 Twn. 14 Rng. 17 Discussion followed with a motion from John Scott and seconded by Larry Bland approved the crossing permit with the stipulation the final plans be reviewed with Larry Bland before final approval and a fencing stipulation be added. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented a crossing permit from Rick Johnson Sec. 2 Twn. 17 Rng. 17 explaining the crossing is at landowner expense. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Jim Schnebly approved the crossing permit. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented a crossing permit from Bill Hall Sec. 35 Twn. 20 Rng. 14 explaining crossing permit request is different from others in that Mr. Hall is requesting piping a portion of an existing KRD lateral for up to 200 feet to address his drain field and would be at landowner expense. Mr. Carpenter prepared a draft water quality stipulation for Legal Counsel review. Discussion followed with the consensus the Bill Hall crossing permit be tabled pending further information.
Mr. Carpenter presented a crossing permit from Larry Hillis Sec. 35 Twn. 18 Rng. 17. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the crossing permit subject to plan review by Larry Bland and Jack Carpenter. The motion passed unanimously.
Upcoming Meetings:
March 4, 1998 Ellensburg City Hall Committee Ellensburg
March 4, 1998 DOE Water Quality Workshop Hal Holmes
March 6, 1998 Joint Board Yakima
March 12, 1998 River Ops. - Manager’s Meeting Yakima
March 13, 1998 WSWRA Media Training Tri-Cities
March 31-April 1, 1998 DOE Workshop Wenatchee
Moving to Other Business Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Don Schramm will be leaving the Bureau of Reclamation to accept the Assistant Manager Position with SVID. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Sedgewick submitted an insurance proposal for consideration explaining further review and comparison with the current policy is needed.
Summary Vouchers for the month of January, 1998 expenses Vouchers # 13199 & 14001 & 14198-14200 & 14429-14483 & 14420-14427 & 14485-14501 in the sum of $ 367,738.80 were presented for approval and signatures. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by John Scott approved the Summary Vouchers as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Directors monthly Payroll Vouchers were presented for signatures and checks distributed accordingly.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 3:50 p.m. for 30 minutes to discuss Legal Matters with a motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Paul Weaver announced a 30 minute extension. The Board returned to Regular Session at 4:50 p.m. with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by John Scott. The motion passed unanimously.
All business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.
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Jack W. Carpenter - Secretary-Manager
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Paul Weaver - Chairman