Minutes of Regular Meeting
April 4, 2000
The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session on Tuesday, April 4, 2000. Directors in attendance were Chairman Jim Schnebly, Vice Chairman Larry Bland, Ed Wakkuri and Urban Eberhart. Also in attendance were Jack Carpenter, Carol Ready, Barbara Pettit, Jim Esget, Tom Leonard, Terry Hawkins and Janeice Jump.
A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the agenda with the addition of an Executive Session. The motion passed unanimously.
Deviating from the agenda Mr. Carpenter introduced Jim Esget, Tom Leonard and Terry Hawkins, USBR Personnel. Jim Esget presented updated information on the YRBWEP Taneum Tributary Program. Mr. Esget presented information on The Mountain Star Master Plan Resort (Trendwest) explaining he received a draft proposal from Trendwest on a large water rights/use change concept which does not address any of the key issues including mitigation for storage impacts, winter water from summer water rights. Mr. Esget further explained when he gets a formal submittal he will distribute it to applicable agencies for review and discussions. Mr. Esget discussed YRBWEP water conservation explaining planning is progressing. Mr. Esget explained YRBWEP water acquisition is proceeding very rapidly. KID Pump Exchange Legislation was introduced a few weeks ago by Slade Gorton with a version introduced on the House side by Doc Hastings a week later. YRBWEP Tribal Programs are on schedule. Mr. Esget discussed the YRBWEP interim operating plan explaining it is a good group with good discussions with a funding level of $l00,000. A draft plan is scheduled for release in January, 2001. The conservation advisory group is meeting twice a year with current discussions on water brokerage.
Terry Hawkins presented updated information on environmental projects. Tom Leonard, Acting Yakima Manager, distributed USBR calendars and presented water storage information explaining it looks like an average water year with the snow pack a few percentage points above 100% of average, precipitation 98% of average and storage at 101% of average with Keechelus at an elevation of 2,480.22 ft which is about 68% of average. Mr. Leonard presented updated information on the public safety float system at Lake Easton explaining the estimated cost for installation of cable and buoys is $5,300. Discussion followed with the consensus future repairs and/or replacement of the buoys and cable will be the responsibility of the Bureau of Reclamation. Mr. Leonard explained the automation at Easton is scheduled to begin on April 10th and will take approximately two months during which time it will be necessary to switch to manual operation. Mr. Leonard apprised the Board public presentations on Keechelus Dam repair proposals are scheduled in North Bend and Ellensburg. Terry Hawkins presented updated information on the Biological Assessment for the River Operations explaining a draft has been distributed for review and comments. Mr. Hawkins explained Irrigation District and Bureau of Reclamation Fish Biologists met last week to discuss data indicating steelhead were found where they were expected. Discussion followed regarding error in measuring devices with Mr. Esget explaining various scenarios with error ranges of 1% to 9% with moss and silt being important factors.
Mr. Eberhart apprised Mr. Esget there is a perception on the three party agreement on the U.S.G.S. ground water study that there were a lot of secret deals being made with the three parties, USBR, Tribe and State, excluding others from the process. Mr. Esget addressed the perception explaining he understood the concerns and explained they were under confidentiality on the ground water settlements limiting discussions and release of information. . Jim Esget, Tom Leonard and Terry Hawkins left the meeting at this time.
Janeice Jump addressed the Board regarding an incident, she witnessed on a Saturday, where she felt the employee was not working during working hours.
Mr. Carpenter apprised Janeice Jump he agreed with the concern and would look into the incident.
Returning to the agenda the minutes of March 7, 2000 were approved as corrected with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to water update and following the updated information presented by USBR personnel a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri set the 2000 water allotment at 2 cubic feet per second per irrigable acre. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion followed regarding the water turn on date with the consensus water be turned on as soon as possible with a target date of April 14, 2000. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board there are still areas to inspect before water can be turned in and requested authorization for the overtime hours needed to accomplish water delivery by April 14th. Discussion followed with the consensus overtime is authorized to meet the April 14th turn on date. Mr. Carpenter suggested setting a tentative turn off date. Discussion followed with the recommendation October 15th be set as the tentative turn of date.
Moving to Staff Meeting Review Carol Ready presented information from the March 14th Jack Stanford presentation explaining being new she is trying to balance all the information and felt Mr. Stanford has a lot of knowledge of the Yakima River. March 15th Mr. Carpenter attended the WSWRA meeting in Yakima and presented information on the Newlands Project Litigation: Recoupment. March 25th Barbara Pettit attended the Washington State Investment Pool Washington Statewide Custody Program explaining they are making individual portfolio management available to entities. March 20th Carol Ready attended the Roza Sunnyside Board of Joint Control meeting explaining there was a presentation on water quality and enforcement criteria explaining individual water deliveries are cut back when established water quality criteria is exceeded. April 1st Mr. Carpenter presented information at the Master Watershed Leadership Tour at Easton Dam.
Moving to Ag Fish Water FOTG and Irrigation District/ESA Issues Jim Schnebly and Urban Eberhart presented information on the AFW FOTG tour explaining they felt the tour was well organized, informative and well attended. Mr. Carpenter distributed information on funding requests submitted to Tom Myrum, WSWRA. Mr. Carpenter distributed the Curt Smitch response letter to NMFS 4d rules and distributed information on juvenile fish screen criteria and proper functioning condition. Discussion followed.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board he received the protection language as requested from Level 3 Fiber Optics Cable and a letter from Kiewit Construction Co. authorizing KRD cost reimbursement for a KRD inspector on the installation of the Level 3 fiber optics cable system.
Carol Ready presented a KCWP update explaining she felt Dick Bain’s presentation was very informative and helpful. Carol further explained the first water sampling went well and is working on drafting by-laws. Carol explained she is scheduling a meeting with King County personnel to discuss water quality issues. Discussion followed with Mr. Carpenter explaining his support for each entity to do a risk assessment. Discussion followed.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board he submitted a letter requesting the Water Conservation Plan Grant be amended to include the CH2Mhill costs of $12,009.00 in excess of the original grant amount. Mr. Carpenter further explained a detailed billing from CH2Mhill has been requested before the final approval will be signed.
Mr. Carpenter presented a Tri-County Water Update explaining an article relating to Tri County appears in todays Yakima Herald Republic.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the 30-day CD will mature on April 17th. Discussion followed with the recommendation it be reinvested for 30 days at the best rate available.
Moving to Boss Construction Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the liner project is complete and he will send a letter of acceptance. Mr. Carpenter stated his recommendation is to plan for another liner project in 2001. Discussion followed with the consensus Dick Haapala, CH2Mhill review the Boss liner contract and project in preparation for future projects. Mr. Carpenter also requested approval for Dick Haapala to prepare an estimate on the straight wall.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Rob and Molly Deter Crossing Agreement Amendment Sec. Twn. Rng. explaining the permit is being amended to Curt Nesmith who is an adjoining landowner. Mr. Carpenter further explained the Nesmith property adjoins the Owens/Deter property and would allow for the culvert installation to access the property. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved the crossing agreement as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Kittitas County PUD/USBR Crossing Agreement with Voicestream Power Service explaining it is the same as presented last months with exclusion of PUD.
Moving to New Business Mr. Carpenter presented the Alfred and Ruby Lewis III Crossing Permit Sec. 6 Twn. 19 Rng.15. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Larry Bland approved the crossing permit as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on the proposed City of Ellensburg Water Street improvements explaining costs from Manitoba to Fifth Street will be paid by Fred Meyer. Mr. Carpenter further explained the impact to KRD is not known and additional information will be presented at a later date.
Mr. Carpenter distributed the KRD Newsletter for review and comments.
The C. William Ross turn out request Sec. Twn. Rng. was presented for approval. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Larry Bland approved the C. William Ross turn out request as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on a confined space entry seminar to be held on May 16th and requested approval to send 2 employees. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved sending 2 employees to the confined space entry seminar. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter distributed a letter from Sunlight Waters County Club requesting the bridge crossing the KRD canal be rated and barriers installed. Discussion followed with the consensus Mr. Carpenter get a costs estimate for rating of the bridge and Sunlight Waters Country Club be authorized to install barriers as long as it does not interfere with KRD operations.
The Roger Braa Short Plat Sec. 5 Twn. 16 Rng. 20 was presented for approval. Mr. Carpenter explained the fees have been paid. Discussion followed with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Ed Wakkuri the Roger Braa Plat be approved with the stipulation the existing KRD water delivery easement to the Ruiz property be included on the final Plat. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Plats exempt from approval by Kittitas County are not being sent to KRD for approval causing impact to adjoining landowners.. Mr. Carpenter further explained in the past there was a KRD signature block on plats and subdivisions and suggested the signature block be returned to the plats and subdivisions.
The Daren and Julie Case Crossing Permit Sec. 24 Twn. 18 Rng. 19 was presented for approval. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved the crossing permit as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Alloway Short Plat Sec. 31 Twn. 20 Rng.16 was presented for approval. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the Plat as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Seaton Turnout Permit Sec. 34 Twn. 18 Rng. 19 was presented for approval. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the turnout permit as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Muriel Paul Short Plat Sec. 27 Twn. 18 Rng. 19 was presented for approval. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the Plat with the stipulation the easement from the end of the lateral to the Plat be included on the final Plat. The motion passed unanimously.
The Ernie Patty Turnout Permit Sec. 2 Twn. 17 Rng. 17 was presented for approval. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the permit as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Joe Laub Crossing Permit Sec. 5 Twn. 17 Rng. 20 was presented for approval. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the crossing permit as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented update information on a request from Nolan Eliason to remove trees from the lateral interfering with his fence. Discussion followed with the consensus Mr. Eliason be authorized to limb and prune trees interfering with his fence.
Upcoming Meetings:
April 6th AFW ID "101" Ellensburg
April 13th Water Day Yakima
April 14th Manager Mtg. Yakima
River Ops. Yakima
April 19th WSWRA Sunnyside
April 27th KCWP Ellensburg
April 28th Joint Board Yakima
Moving to Other Business Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the WSWRA 1999 Irrigation Handbook will be purchased for the office at a cost of $45.00 each.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on the Craig Geroge/Ed Pearson property explaining an error in acreage was made in KRD records and an adjustment has been made with an increase in acreage to Craig George and a refund to Ed Pearson.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 4:08 p.m. for 15 minutes to discuss legal matters with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously. The Board returned to Regular Session at 4:23 p.m. with a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously.
The Summary Vouchers for February, 2000 expenses, Vouchers #17489-17555 & 17578 & 17580-17621 n the sum of $153,674.72 were presented for approval. A motion from Larry Bland 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.
Jack W. Carpenter- Secretary-Manager
Jim Schnebly - Chairman