The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session April 8, 2014. Directors in attendance were Chairman Larry Bland, Vice Chairman Ed Wakkuri, Paul Weaver, Urban Eberhart and Fred Schnebly. Also in attendance were Kevin Eslinger, Barbara Pettit, Ken Hasbrouck, Keli Bender, Roger Satnik, Janeice Jump, Mike Lowe, Mike Graham and legal Counsel Jeff Slothower.

The Agenda was approved as presented with the addition of Executive Session with a motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Fred Schnebly. The motion passed unanimously.

The minutes of the March 11, 2014 meeting were approved with a motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Paul Weaver. The motion passed unanimously.

Moving to water update Ken Hasbrouck distributed a system status report explaining the KRD is projected to receive 100% of the 2014 allotment. Ken Hasbrouck continued explaining his operational plans for starting water. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Ed Wakkuri set the 2014 allotment at 2.25 cubic feet per second per irrigable acre. The motion passed unanimously. A motion from Paul Weaver and seconded by Fred Schnebly set the water turn on date for April 20, 2014. The motion passed unanimously.

Kevin Eslinger presented a maintenance update explaining the 13.8 project and 13.6 pipeline are on schedule. Kevin Eslinger apprised the Board areas in Upper County required plowing and tree removal of fallen trees before the spring inspection could be completed. Kevin Eslinger continued explaining the backhoes and excavator are busy cleaning laterals and ditches and inspections are complete on Rattlesnake and Newman siphons.

Moving to KCWP Roger Satnik apprised the Board water quality sampling started last week. The Inter Local Agreements from Packwood Canal was presented for signature.

Barbara Pettit presented a credit/debit card update explaining the process is working very well and funds are deposited into the KRD bank account by the next day.

Urban Eberhart presented updated information on the Integrated Plan.

Moving to New Business Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower apprised the Board a letter was submitted to the Board of Kittitas County Commissioners regarding the delivery of KRD water to property growing marijuana. Legal Counsel continued explaining the USBR is preparing a policy regarding delivery of federal water to property growing marijuana and KRD has a contract with the USBR and will be required to comply with USBR policy. Mike Graham addressed the Board regarding the production of marijuana on KRD irrigated acres. Lengthy discussion followed.

Ken Hasbrouck presented a letter from KCCD regarding maintenance on a portion of the new Manastash Water Ditch Association Pipeline. Lengthy discussion followed with the consensus KRD will consider the request when reviewing the operating agreement.

Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower presented updated information on delinquent accounts and the foreclosure process explaining there are changes to RCW 87.03 foreclosure procedures for Irrigation Districts.

Mike Lowe addressed the Board regarding use of ditch banks and installation of KRD gates. Lengthy discussion followed.

With a motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Fred Schnebly the Board moved to Executive Session at 1:45 p.m. for 20 minutes to discuss pending litigation and water rights. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Larry Bland announced a 5 minute extension at 2:05 p.m. The Board returned to Regular Session at 2:10 p.m. with a motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Paul Weaver. The motion passed unanimously.


Upcoming Meetings: April 7th River Ops. Yakima
April 25th Joint Board

The Summary Vouchers for February, 2014 expenses vouchers #37961-38045 & 9900421-9900431 the sum of $291,534.02 were approved with a motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Fred Schnebly. 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.

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