Office of Secretary
Minutes of Regular Meeting
April 10, 2001
The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session on April 10, 2001. Directors in attendance were Chairman Larry Bland, Vice Chairman Ed Wakkuri, Urban Eberhart, Jim Schnebly and Brad Haberman. Also in attendance were Janeice Jump, Ben George, Harvey Dodge, Tom Bull, Richard Busch, Henry Peruchini, Vincent Tomaso, Mark Moore, Fritz Glover, Pauline Diefenbach, Well Bartsma, Carol Ready, Ken Hasbrouck, Jack Carpenter, Barbara Pettit and Legal Counsel John Gilreath.
The Agenda was approved as presented with the addition of Executive Session.
The minutes of the March 6, 2001 meeting were approved as presented with a motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Brad Haberman. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to water update, Mr. Carpenter presented the Bureau of Reclamation, Yakima Project April 9th status report showing storage reservoirs at 38% with inflows at 1255 cfs and outflows of 623 cfs. and the Yakima River at Parker is at 297 cfs. Mr. Carpenter further explained irrigation districts that are using water are on the natural runoff proportion (NRP) and have agreed to decrease their orders to delay activating storage control. Mr. Carpenter further explained he would like to be able to prime the KRD system with the NRP, as this would conserve KRD's future prorated "bucket". Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board that April 9th the precipitation is tracking at 10% for the month and the total water supply available (TWSA) projection is 28% and is based on 100% projected subsequent precipitation. Ken Hasbrouck explained the proposed operations of the system at 650 cfs. Mr. Carpenter requested authorization for water transfers from Main Canal to the North and South Branch and transfers between South Branch and North Branch and allow landowners to include transferred acres for water ordering purposes. Mr. Carpenter presented a request from a Cascade Irrigation Landowner owning assessed lands in both districts to transfer Cascade Irrigation District water to KRD by pumping from CID to KRD assessed lands. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the request from a CID Landowner transfer with the stipulation it is approved by Yakima County Superior Court. The motion passed unanimously. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Brad Haberman set the 2001 water allotment at .50 cfs per irrigable acre based on the 28% projection, with the operational pattern similar to 1994 and allow transfers throughout the district with stacking where appropriate due to the drought situation, locking of gates where necessary and authorizing ditch riders to work on Saturdays and Sundays as needed. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to KRD O & M Update Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board a thorough inspection
has been completed of all the facilities following the February earthquake with nothing of
concern reported explaining we will prime our system slowly to allow for further potential
quake damage inspection. Mr. Carpenter continued explaining there is increased separation
between the concrete tile and old grout dropping out on the Newman Siphon caused by the
vibration following installation and use of the truck climbing line. Mr. Carpenter
explained Department of Transportation engineers were called to inspect the siphon and
photographs were taken explaining regrouting has been completed and there is no major
problem with running water and monitoring will continue.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the Water Street contractors found an underground tank
and following applicable testing the tank was removed and backfilled. Mr. Carpenter
presented updated information on the Main Canal just downstream from the Lund property in
the Big Creek area explaining there was a sluffing area noticed last fall on the off side
of the O&M road. Mr. Lund cleaned the distribution ditch where his Big Creek water is
transported at the toe of the Main Canal bank, which may have relieved pressure from the
Main Canal. The area was inspected by Dick Haapala, CH2MHill, with a recommendation for
repairs with drain tile, sand filtration package, backfilling, cutting the canal bank down
and a bentonite seal. Mr. Carpenter explained the repairs will be completed by April 23rd.
Mr. Carpenter further explained the estimated $39,000.00 repair costs were not included in
the budget. Mr. Carpenter presented information on replacement of the old crane hoist at
the Wippel Pumping Plant explaining Columbia Northwest Engineering is looking at framework
for a frame hoist. Mr. Carpenter explained a used hoist has been located for $20,000.00
compared to a new one quoted at $30,000.00. Additional information will be presented when
available. Discussion followed with the consensus the hoist cost is not in the 2001 budget
and monies would have to be identified within the existing budget. Vincent Tomaso
requested a ditch leading to his property on Cove Road needs cleaning. Mr. Carpenter
apprised Mr. Tomaso the ditch is a private use ditch with landowners responsible for
maintenance.
Carol Ready presented a Kittitas County Water Purveyors update explaining she and Roger are participating with Department of Ecology on a Total Maximum Daily Load work group to define what the TMDL will look like explaining there are two issues they are working with them on; what pollutant sources DOE is looking at and what DOE will be calling background. Carol continued explaining she is working on the BPA Grant Application, Phase III Tributary Screening, with a due date of April 27, 200l and proposed funding in 2002. Carol explained she attended a meeting with Thorp Mill Ditch water users on screening all diversions and potential setback requirements.
Urban Eberhart presented a Tri County Resources Association update explaining work is continuing on the Habitat Committee with a meeting scheduled for tonight.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on the Washington Environmental Council explaining Manastash Creek landowners and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife are continuing to meet regarding Manastash Creek.
Mr. Carpenter presented updated information on Tucker Creek explaining Tucker Creek has been identified as a tributary having steelhead habitat upstream of the Tucker Creek Siphon. Yakima Indian Nation has received monies for fish passage with Tucker Creek Siphon identified for passage and applicable permits and proposals are being processed through the Bureau of Reclamation.
Mr. Carpenter presented a Puget Sound Energy Crossing Permit Modification for Bart Bradshaw Sec.11 Twn. 17 Rng. 17 A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Brad Haberman approved the Crossing Permit Modification. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to New Business a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the Howard Clerf Segregation Sec. 7 Twn. 17 Rng. 20; MJB Short Plat Sec. 32 Twn.18 Rng.20; Pierce (Windhaven) Segregation Sec. 7 Twn. 17 Rng. 18; with the stipulation KRD Guidelines be satisfied prior to final approval. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Carpenter suggested and it was the consensus of the Board to allow water deliveries to segregations prior to their completion of guidelines due to office staff working full time on drought issues.
Moving to KRD Newsletter review it was recommended sample letters regarding Keechelus Dam repairs and the proposed draw down of Rimrock be included with the newsletter.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on the Universal Communications Networks-Fiber Optics Project explaining they will be crossing KRD and Taneum right-of-ways. A motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the Universal Communications Networks-Fiber Optics USBR Master Crossing Agreement. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on aquatic weed control products explaining Washington State Water Resources Association personnel are meeting with DOE and EPA to allow for the use of aquatic herbicides by irrigation districts and private water companies.
Mr. Carpenter presented a crossing request renewal from Al Rooks for Morrison Canyon Access. Mr. Carpenter explained the original access was approved in 1994 for one year. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Brad Haberman authorized a one year access permit with no extension. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented a request from the Washington State Parks for the John Wayne Trail Ride request with the applicable insurance. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the Washington State Parks request for the John Wayne Trail Ride. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Well Bartsma, 640-foot north leg of .02, lateral piping proposal Sec. 32 Twn. 17 Rng. 20 with a capacity of 12 cfs and would facilitate water conservation, eliminate O & M weed control and facilitate the existing irrigation system. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Jim Schnebly authorized the Well Bartsma lateral piping proposal with Well Bartsma purchasing the pipe and KRD providing installation. The motion passed unanimously.
Upcoming Meetings:
April 12 Mediation KRD
Ellensburg
Water
Day
Yakima
April 13 District Tour
Ellensburg
Pat
Monk ESA
Ellensburg
April 14 District Tour
Ellensburg
April 16 Drought Team
Yakima
April 17 AFW Committee
Ellensburg
April 18 WSWRA
Sunnyside
April 19 Animal Ramps Tour
KRD
April 20 Water Transfers
Yakima
Leadership
Ellensburg Easton
April 23 Drought Team
Yakima
April 27 Water Transfers
Yakima
April 30 Drought Team
Yakima
May 1 KRD Board
KRD
May 2 Boss Construction
KRD
Moving to Other Business Mrs. Pettit apprised the Board the 2000 Annual Report will be
filed by May 29th and the 1999 and 2000 financial audit is scheduled by the Washington
State Examiners for this year.
Mr. Carpenter distributed a letter from to Mike Marvich from the Bureau of Reclamation.
Mr. Marvich requested KRD write a similar letter to him.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on the Army bid packet explaining they are accepting
bids to lease the water allotment on their assessed acres for this year.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 2:30 p.m. for 20 minutes to discuss legal and personal matters with a motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Brad Haberman. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Larry Bland announced a 10-minute extension at 2:50 p.m. The Board returned to Regular Session at 3:00 p.m. with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously.
The Summary Vouchers for February, 2001 expenses Vouchers #19038-
19094 & 19096-19163 in the sum of $138,9393.81 were presented for approval. A motion
from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the Summary Vouchers as presented.
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.
Larry Bland - Chairman
Jack W. Carpenter-Secretary-Manager